Sinus Rhythm Vs. Premature Ventricular Contraction (Single) on Your Watch ECG

Got other questions on Sinus Rhythm or PVC? See the Qaly guides on Sinus Rhythm and PVC:

• What Sinus Rhythm Looks Like on Your ECG
• What PVC Looks Like on Your ECG
• What Heart Palpitations and Irregular Heartbeats Look Like on Your ECG
• ‍How to Read an ECG: Stanford Cardiologist Explains
• ‍The Ultimate Cardiologist's Guide to the Smartwatch ECG

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Introduction

The world of heart health is a fascinating and complex one, but it becomes a little more accessible when we look at heart rhythms through the lens of an electrocardiogram (ECG). As technology advances, ECGs have become readily available even on devices like your smartwatch or KardiaMobile. In this article, we will discuss two specific rhythms, sinus rhythm and premature ventricular contraction (PVC), exploring how they present themselves on your watch ECG and analyzing premature ventricular contraction vs sinus rhythm. Let’s dive in.

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What’s Sinus Rhythm?

Sinus rhythm, or normal sinus rhythm, is considered the standard rhythm of a healthy heart. In this pattern, electrical signals originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the right atrium, initiating each heartbeat and ensuring they occur at a steady, regular rate.

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On an ECG, sinus rhythm is characterized by a distinct P wave (indicating atrial contraction) followed by the QRS complex (signifying ventricular contraction), then the T wave (representing ventricular relaxation). This cycle repeats at a rate of 60-100 times per minute in adults at rest. Here’s more on what sinus rhythm looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s a Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)?

Premature ventricular contractions occur when the ventricles — the lower chambers of the heart — beat prematurely. In an ECG, this looks like an early, wide, and bizarre-looking QRS complex that is not preceded by a P wave, and often followed by a compensatory pause. Here’s more on what a PVC looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s the Difference Between Sinus Rhythm and Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)?

When comparing sinus rhythm vs PVC, some key differences emerge. Sinus rhythm is a regular rhythm, with a heart rate typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A PVC, however, interrupts this regular rhythm with an early and often bizarrely shaped QRS complex.

On an ECG, sinus rhythm shows regular and distinct P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves. In contrast, a premature ventricular contraction vs sinus rhythm will depict an early, wide QRS complex without a preceding P wave.

From a health perspective, a normal sinus rhythm indicates a healthy, well-functioning heart. Conversely, occasional PVCs are usually harmless, but frequent PVCs or those associated with other heart conditions might need medical attention.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between sinus rhythm vs a single PVC can be a powerful health-monitoring tool, particularly with the availability of watch ECGs. However, these devices should not substitute professional medical advice. If your watch ECG detects irregularities, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis.

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Still Not Sure if It’s Sinus Rhythm or Premature Ventricular Contraction (Single) on Your ECG?

Differentiating between sinus rhythm vs PVC or sinus rhythm with PAC vs PVC on your ECG can be tricky. If you’re still looking for help interpreting your ECG further, check out the Qaly app on App Store or Play Store. On Qaly, human experts will interpret your ECGs within minutes, day or night. Try out the Qaly app today!