Wenckebach Vs. Sinus Pause >3 Seconds on Your Watch ECG

Introduction

The world of wearable technology is in a constant state of evolution, offering us invaluable health data right on our wrists. Your watch ECG can reveal fascinating details about your heart's rhythm, such as Wenckebach and a sinus pause of more than three seconds. These two conditions, often discussed in terms of "Wenckebach vs Sinus Pause," look different on an ECG and can have different implications for heart health. Let’s dive in.

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What’s Wenckebach?

Wenckebach, or Mobitz Type I, is a type of Second-Degree Heart Block. It's characterized by progressive prolongation of the PR interval until a beat is dropped (a P wave is not followed by a QRS complex). On an ECG, you will observe a repetitive pattern: each PR interval is longer than the one before until a QRS complex is missed, at which point the cycle starts anew. Here’s more on what Wenckebach looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s Sinus Pause >3 Seconds?

In contrast, a sinus pause greater than three seconds represents a break in sinus node activity, which leads to a pause in the heart's electrical activity. On an ECG, this appears as an absence of P waves and QRS complexes for a duration exceeding three seconds. Here’s more on what sinus pause >3 seconds looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s the Difference Between Wenckebach and Sinus Pause >3 Seconds?

When comparing Wenckebach and a sinus pause of more than three seconds, we find key differences and similarities. While Wenckebach involves a pattern of gradually lengthening PR intervals followed by a missed beat, a sinus pause simply presents as a silent period in heart activity lasting more than three seconds.

Both conditions may lead to symptoms such as dizziness or syncope due to reduced cardiac output, but many people may experience no symptoms at all. The potential impact on health largely depends on the frequency and duration of these occurrences, as well as the individual's overall heart health.

While your watch ECG can be helpful in tracking your heart's rhythms, it's essential to understand that it does not replace a complete medical evaluation. If your watch ECG picks up an abnormal rhythm such as Wenckebach or a sinus pause lasting more than three seconds, ensure you consult a healthcare professional. Regular monitoring of heart rhythms, alongside timely medical check-ups, can go a long way in ensuring heart health. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

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Still Not Sure if It’s Wenckebach or Sinus Pause >3 Seconds on Your ECG?

Differentiating between Wenckebach vs sinus pause >3 seconds 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 for free today!