Sinus Rhythm Vs. Sinus Bradycardia on Your Watch ECG

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

• What Sinus Rhythm Looks Like on Your ECG
• What Sinus Bradycardia Looks 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

In today's digital age, it's easier than ever to keep an eye on your heart health thanks to ECG watches. They provide key insights into your heart rhythms, such as sinus rhythm and sinus bradycardia. This article will illuminate the differences between sinus bradycardia 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 Sinus Bradycardia?

Sinus bradycardia, on the other hand, is a slower-than-normal heart rhythm, with the heart rate typically falling below 60 beats per minute in adults. Like sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia also originates from the SA node, but at a reduced pace.

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On an ECG, sinus bradycardia presents the same P, QRS, T pattern as a normal sinus rhythm, but with a longer interval between each beat, reflecting the reduced heart rate. Here’s more on what sinus bradycardia looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s the Difference Between Sinus Rhythm and Sinus Bradycardia?

When comparing sinus bradycardia vs normal sinus rhythm, the primary difference lies in the rate of the heartbeat. Both rhythms originate from the SA node and show a regular rhythm on an ECG, but sinus bradycardia is distinguished by a slower rate, typically less than 60 beats per minute.

It's crucial to note that sinus bradycardia isn't inherently harmful and can be a sign of excellent physical fitness or a response to conditions such as sleep or relaxation. However, if accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or shortness of breath, it could be indicative of a heart problem requiring medical attention.

To sum up, understanding the difference between a normal sinus rhythm and sinus bradycardia is crucial to interpreting your watch ECG accurately. Remember, while ECG watches are a useful tool for tracking heart health, they're not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for any health concerns. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

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Still Not Sure if It’s Sinus Rhythm or Sinus Bradycardia on Your ECG?

Differentiating between sinus rhythm vs sinus bradycardia 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!