What does ventricular bigeminy look like on EKG?

What does ventricular bigeminy look like on EKG?

• A. A PVC following every normal cycle
• B. Consecutive PVCs without any normal cycles
• C. PVCs interspersed with normal cycles
• D. A single normal beat followed by two PVCs

Answer: (A)

Ventricular bigeminy is characterized by a specific pattern on the electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) where a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) follows each normal heartbeat. This creates an alternating rhythm between a normal sinus beat and a PVC, making it easy to identify. The regularity of this pattern is what distinguishes it; each normal beat is directly succeeded by a PVC, resulting in the sequence of normal-PVC-normal-PVC, and so on.

When examining the other patterns mentioned, they do not accurately depict ventricular bigeminy. For instance, consecutive PVCs without any normal cycles would indicate a different arrhythmia, generally known as ventricular tachycardia, rather than the alternating nature of bigeminy. PVCs interspersed with normal cycles could suggest a variety of other rhythms or arrhythmias, as it does not maintain the strict alternating pattern required for bigeminy. Lastly, a single normal beat followed by two PVCs does not match the definition of bigeminy either, as it deviates from the one-normal-one-PVC sequence that characterizes this arrhythmia.

This understanding is crucial for accurate EKG interpretation and ensuring effective patient management in clinical settings.