What is an indicator of a wide QRS complex on an EKG?

What is an indicator of a wide QRS complex on an EKG?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Normal sinus rhythm

Answer: (A)

A wide QRS complex on an EKG indicates a delay in the ventricular depolarization, which can occur for various reasons. Hyperkalemia, defined as an elevated level of potassium in the blood, is one of the common causes of a wide QRS complex. Elevated potassium levels can affect the electrical conduction in the heart, leading to alterations in the normal depolarization process. Specifically, hyperkalemia can slow the conduction velocity through the ventricles, resulting in a wider QRS duration.

In contrast, hypercalcemia generally does not have a significant impact on the width of the QRS complex; it typically affects the ST segment and can lead to other changes like a shortened QT interval. Bradycardia, which is a slower than normal heart rate, might be associated with a normal or wide QRS but is not an indicator of it by itself. Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by a normal heart rate and rhythm, with narrow QRS complexes, thereby not being a factor in identifying wide QRS complexes. Thus, the presence of hyperkalemia is a clear indicator of the potential for a wide QRS complex on an EKG.