How is aberrant ventricular conduction best described?

How is aberrant ventricular conduction best described?

• A. A delayed response of the AV node
• B. When a PAB depolarizes one bundle branch and one ventricle, while the other remains unaffected
• C. The presence of multiple P waves
• D. Normal conduction through both bundle branches

Answer: (B)

Aberrant ventricular conduction refers to a situation where there is an alteration in the normal electrical conduction pathway in the ventricles, primarily due to a block or delay in one of the bundle branches. This phenomenon can occur when an impulse depolarizes one bundle branch while leaving the other unaffected, which often results in a wide QRS complex on the ECG.

The key characteristic of aberrant conduction is that it typically occurs in the presence of a pre-existing condition, such as premature atrial or ventricular contractions. The impulse travels down the affected bundle branch at a slower rate, leading to a delayed and altered contraction pattern in one ventricle while the other contracts normally. This mechanism is crucial for differentiating aberrant conduction from other arrhythmias which may have different origins or implications.

This understanding is essential in EKG interpretation, as recognizing aberrant conduction can help distinguish it from conditions that may cause similar wide QRS complexes, such as ventricular tachycardia.