1.
For complete RBBB the duration of the QRS complex is >0.10 seconds.With
incomplete RBBB an rSR' pattern will be seen in lead V1 but the QRS duration will
be within the limits of normal.
2.
An rSR' or rR' pattern, with the initial r wave less than the R' or r', in leads V1
through V3 may be present. In leads I and V6 the S wave is wide.
3. The QRS axis may be normal or there may be right or left axis deviation.
4. The T wave is almost always inverted in lead V1 and may be inverted in V2. In the
other precordial leads, and in the limb leads, the T wave is directed opposite to
the terminal portion of the QRS complex.
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization via the AV
node, the bundle of His and the bundle branches
The normal QRS complex should last at least 0.08 seconds (2 small
boxes wide) but no more than 0.1 seconds (2 1/2 small boxes wide).
If it is shorter than 0.08 seconds then ventricular systole is occurring too rapidly.
If it is longer than 0.12 seconds (3 small boxes) this may indicate a b
undle branch block. The R-wave may be "squared off" at the apex or may have
two peaks (R and R') closely attached indicating a slower transmission of impulses
through one of the bundle branches. In reality there are two QRS complexes, a
right and left side, slightly out of phase but which appear as one.
In the case of premature ventricular contractions (PVC's) resulting from ectopic
ventricular foci, the R-waves may appear like the R-R' of a bundle branch block
often resulting in a series of very wide QRS complexes, sometimes with square-
topped R-waves. If these occur rapidly (i.e. over 100 beats per minute) it is referred
to as ventricular tachycardia. Should a PVC fall on a T-wave, serious
dysrhythmias can occur, since the T-wave represents repolarization of the ventricle.
If a PVC should occur when the ventricle is only partially repolarized, a new systolic
contraction can be activated. This or several similar types of episodes can result in
ventricular tachycardia which can then progress to ventricular fibrillation which is
fatal if left untreated.
Heart Rhythm Detection
Tool
Four cases of an R wave taller than an S wave in V1 (normally R wave always <
S wave in V1.
Right bundle branch block.
Right ventricular hypertrophy.
Posterior wall myocardial infarction.
Wolff-Parkinson-White.
fascicular blocks are blocks of part of the left bundle, either the posterior or
anterior division:
Figure 41: Right bundle branch block and left anterior fascicular