The Basic Guide to ACLS ECG Interpretation

SVT is also a very fast ACLS heart rhythm originating in the SA node. It’s usually exercise-induced and looks very similar to ventricular tachycardia but has an even faster heartbeat.

You can learn how to read ACLS rhythm strips and identify all the normal waves, but they are happening so fast that the waves seem to be compacted into each other.

The rate is usually around 100-300 BPM and can be reversed by performing vagal maneuvers (bearing down or ice packs, blowing through straw, etc). This can help trigger the SA node to kick back into normal ACLS heart rhythm. If not, you will have to move on to various medical therapies.

Here’s what a Supra Ventricle Tachycardia ECG rhythm may look like while you’re interpreting an ACLS ECG rhythm:

Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib)

V-Fib, just like A-Fib, refers to a quiver or inadequate contraction. However, this time, the quivering occurs in the ventricles.

This is a very serious arrhythmia and can be deadly (It's also a shockable rhythm). If the ventricles are quivering, then the blood isn't fully emptying. As a result, blood is not adequately sent to the rest of the body as it should.

This decreased blood perfusion in ACLS heart rhythms could suffocate the body with a lack of oxygen delivery.

Since the ventricles are contracting so quickly with no regard to the atrium, you will see quivering of the QRS complex. Since the QRS is such a prominent wave, it's going to create an erratic ECG wave that can look something like this:

Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)

V-Tach is an abnormally fast rate within the ventricles. The ventricles are contracting too quickly with no regard to the atria.

In this ACLS ECG rhythm interpretation, you will see a wide QRS complex and very fast ACLS heart rhythms. The Q-Waves have defined high peaks. It's not as erratic as Ventricular Fibrillation, but if not treated soon, it can lead to V-Fib.

Here's an animation illustrating V-Tach in the heart:

Here's what a V-Tach ECG may look like:

Conclusion

There are many more types of arrhythmias and ACLS heart rhythms to study.

However, this guide should lay the framework for ECG analysis, teaching you how to read ACLS rhythm strips and allowing you to have a solid understanding before taking your online ACLS course or getting your PALS recertification.

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