P Wave Quick Card
Definition: The P wave is the first wave in the ECG complex. It represents the electrical activity in the atrium.
Normal P wave: The normal P wave is less than 0.10 seconds in width and less than 0.10 s in height.
P wave in pathologic states
Right atrium enlargement - P wave is more than 0.10 seconds in height.
Left atrium enlargement - P wave is more than 0.10 seconds in width.
Atrial fibrillation - The P wave is not seen. Electrical activity is disorganized and irregular.
Atrial flutter - P wave has the morphology similar to a saw tooth. Rate of the P wave is higher than ventricular rate. P wave and QRS have a relationship such as 3:1, 4:1 etc.
PAC - Premature Atrial Complex - The P wave will be earlier than in the regular rhythm. If the premature atrial complex originates from a different area than the SA node the P wave will have a different morphology compared to the P wave on the regular or baseline rhythm.
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