Sinus Rhythm Vs. Sinus Tachycardia on Your Watch ECG

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

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

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Introduction

Electrocardiograms (ECGs), have revolutionized heart health monitoring, bringing it right to our wrists with modern wearable technology. This article focuses on comparing two distinct heart rhythms – sinus rhythm and sinus tachycardia, providing valuable insights into sinus tachycardia vs normal sinus rhythm. Let’s dive in.

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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.

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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.

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What’s Sinus Tachycardia?

Sinus tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal, at more than 100 beats per minute in adults. It’s often a normal response to stress, fever, dehydration, or strenuous physical activity.

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On an ECG, sinus tachycardia is marked by a regular rhythm with a rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, where every QRS complex is preceded by a normal P wave. Here’s more on what sinus tachycardia looks like on your watch ECG.

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

When comparing sinus tachycardia vs sinus rhythm, the most notable difference lies in the heart rate. While the rhythm sequence in both cases is the same, the heartbeat is significantly faster in sinus tachycardia (>100 bpm), leading to the ECG showing more wave sequences in a given period.

In terms of health impact, a normal sinus rhythm is indicative of a healthy heart. Sinus tachycardia, while usually a physiological response to stimuli like stress, exercise, or fever, can be concerning if it persists without a clear cause. It may indicate underlying health conditions like heart disease, anemia, or hyperthyroidism.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between sinus rhythm and sinus tachycardia, particularly with the use of a watch ECG, can be a useful tool in managing your heart health. However, it's crucial to remember that these devices should complement, not replace, professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider if your watch ECG picks up any irregularities. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

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

Differentiating between sinus rhythm vs sinus tachycardia 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!