Question

How is junctional rhythm characterised?

Answer 1

Hint: When the electrical stimulation of the heart occurs close or within the atrioventricular node rather than the sinoatrial node, it is called a junctional rhythm. The QRS complex is usually narrow because the normal ventricular conduction pathway is employed.
A junctional rhythm is typically sluggish, with a beat rate of fewer than 60 per minute. It's called an accelerated junctional rhythm when it's faster.

Complete answer:
It is distinguished by QRS complexes that have the same shape as the sinus rhythm but do not precede the P waves. This rhythm is slower than the sinus rate expected. The retrograde P waves and atrioventricular dissociation can be noticed when this rhythm entirely overtakes the pacemaker's activity on the heart. Junctional beats are frequently the result of dissection or manipulation around the right atrium during heart surgery. As a result of the loss of AV synchronisation, the central venous pressure contour usually shows obvious v waves (right atrial pressure wave near the end of systole). A decrease in systemic arterial blood pressure can be caused by a lack of atrial contribution to ventricular filling.
A junctional rhythm may be seen in the strip below, with retrograde P waves appearing right before the QRS complex. Just after the QRS complex, the second rhythm strip reveals retrograde P waves.

Note:
Junctional Escape Rhythm ECG Features:
A junctional rhythm with a tempo of \[40 - 60\] beats per minute (bpm).
QRS complexes are usually short (less than \[120\] milliseconds).
There is no link between the QRS complexes and previous atrial activity (e.g. P-waves, flutter waves, fibrillatory waves).