Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm vs Ventricular Tachycardia on Your Watch ECG

‍Got other questions on AIVR or Vtach? See the Qaly guides on AIVR and Vtach:

• What AIVR Looks Like on Your ECG
• What Vtach Looks Like on Your ECG
• ‍How to Read an ECG: Stanford Cardiologist Explains
• ‍The Ultimate Cardiologist's Guide to the Smartwatch ECG

‍

Introduction

With ECG functionality on smartwatches, heart rhythm monitoring has become more accessible than ever before. In this guide, we'll shed light on two rhythms: accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) and ventricular tachycardia (VT or V-tach). Let’s dive in.

‍

What’s Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm (AIVR)?

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) is a type of heart rhythm where the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) beat faster than usual, between 50 and 100 beats per minute. This rhythm often occurs when an extra, abnormal electrical source in the ventricles starts firing rapidly.

‍

‍

On an ECG, AIVR is recognized by wide and bizarre QRS complexes, which show that the electrical signals are coming from the ventricles instead of the usual location. There are no associated P waves, or the P waves may not align with the QRS complexes, indicating that the rhythm is independent of normal atrial activity. Here’s more on what AIVR looks like on your watch ECG.

‍

‍

What’s Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)?

VT, on the other hand, is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. It often results in a heart rate of 100 to 250 beats per minute, which can be life-threatening. On an ECG, V-tach shows a rapid, regular rhythm with wide and bizarre QRS complexes, often overshadowing the P waves. “Non-sustained” V-tach lasts less than 30 seconds, whereas “sustained” V-tach lasts longer. 

Here’s more on what V-tach looks like on your watch ECG.

‍

‍

‍

‍

What’s the Difference Between Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm and Ventricular Tachycardia?

When it comes to comparing AIVR vs VT, the key differences primarily involve the heart rate and the clinical implications of each rhythm. While both rhythms originate in the ventricles, AIVR features a heart rate between 50 and 100 bpm, whereas VT exceeds 100 bpm.

On an ECG, both rhythms demonstrate wide and bizarre QRS complexes, but AIVR typically has a slower rate than VT and does not usually progress to more dangerous rhythms, whereas VT can be life-threatening.

From a health perspective, AIVR is often a benign rhythm seen in individuals with heart disease but can also occur in healthy hearts. VT, on the other hand, is a more serious condition that can lead to insufficient blood flow due to inefficient ventricular pumping, potentially resulting in fainting, cardiac arrest, or sudden death.

In summary, understanding the distinction between AIVR vs VT ECG findings can be of considerable help in assessing your heart's health through your ECG-enabled watch. However, remember that your watch can never replace professional medical advice, and if you notice any consistent abnormalities, you should immediately consult a healthcare professional. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

‍

Still Not Sure if It’s AIVR or VT on Your ECG?

Differentiating between AIVR vs V-tach 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!