As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an explanation of what a narrow QRS complex means.
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narrow QRS complex typically refers to the time duration between the start of the QRS complex and the end of the S wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The QRS complex represents the electrical activity of the ventricles as they depolarize during a heartbeat. A narrow QRS is generally considered to be a QRS duration of less than 120 milliseconds (ms) in adults.
The QRS complex is a crucial part of the ECG as it reflects the heart's electrical conduction system. A narrow QRS can be a normal finding, indicating that the electrical impulses are traveling through the ventricles in a coordinated fashion. However, it can also be associated with certain conditions, such as:
1. Bundle branch block: This is a condition where one of the bundle branches that carry electrical impulses to the ventricles is blocked or delayed. Depending on which branch is affected, the QRS complex may be narrow or wide.
2. Hyperkalemia: High levels of potassium in the blood can affect the electrical activity of the heart and can cause a narrow QRS complex.
3. Certain medications: Some medications can affect the electrical conduction in the heart and result in a narrow QRS.
It's important to note that the interpretation of an ECG requires a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, taking into account the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic information.
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