Paced Rhythm Vs. Sinus Rhythm on Your Watch ECG

‍Got other questions on Paced Rhythm or Sinus Rhythm? See the Qaly guides on Paced Rhythm and Sinus Rhythm:

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

‍

Introduction

In the era of health-conscious living, wearable technology such as smartwatches equipped with ECG features is making a significant difference. They provide an opportunity to track heart rhythms like sinus rhythm and paced rhythm in real-time, enabling early detection and intervention. This article explores paced rhythm vs sinus rhythm, offering a comprehensive understanding of these two rhythms. Let’s dive in!

‍

What’s Paced Rhythm?

A paced rhythm is a type of heart rhythm maintained by an artificial pacemaker, a small device implanted in the chest or abdomen to control abnormal heart rhythms. Pacemakers send electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate and rhythm.

‍

‍

On your watch ECG, paced rhythms can appear as sharp spikes followed by a P wave and QRS complex. These spikes represent the pacemaker's electrical discharge. Due to the artificial nature of the rhythm, it may look different from a natural heart rhythm. Here’s more on what paced rhythm looks like on your watch ECG.

‍

‍

What’s Sinus Rhythm?

Sinus rhythm, or normal sinus rhythm, is considered the standard rhythm of a healthy heart. In this pattern, electrical signals originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the right atrium, initiating each heartbeat and ensuring they occur at a steady, regular rate.

‍

‍

On an ECG, sinus rhythm is characterized by a distinct P wave (indicating atrial contraction) followed by the QRS complex (signifying ventricular contraction), then the T wave (representing ventricular relaxation). This cycle repeats at a rate of 60-100 times per minute in adults at rest. Here’s more on what sinus rhythm looks like on your watch ECG.

‍

‍

What’s the Difference Between Paced Rhythm and Sinus Rhythm?

When we compare paced rhythm vs sinus rhythm, the primary difference lies in their origin. Sinus rhythm originates from the body's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node, while paced rhythm is initiated by an artificial pacemaker device.

ECG representations for both rhythms are distinct. Sinus rhythm has an orderly and regular pattern, while paced rhythm typically shows a spike indicating the electrical discharge from the pacemaker.

While sinus rhythm is the normal rhythm of the heart, the need for a paced rhythm arises when the heart's natural rhythm-keeping mechanism fails. Conditions such as bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, heart block, and others may necessitate the use of a pacemaker.

Both rhythms, when normal, maintain the heart's function of efficiently pumping blood throughout the body. However, disturbances in either rhythm can lead to a variety of symptoms and could signify an underlying heart condition.

Your ECG watch is an excellent tool for rhythm detection, but it should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Understanding the nuances of paced rhythm vs sinus rhythm allows you to be more informed about your heart health, helping you make the best decisions for your well-being. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

‍

Still Not Sure if It’s Paced Rhythm or Sinus Rhythm on Your ECG?

Differentiating between paced rhythm vs sinus rhythm 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!