Junctional Rhythm - Junctional Rhythm Information
Junctional Rhythm facts and information
An accelerated junctional rhythm generally is a relatively slow narrow complex rhythm that supersedes a clinically bradycardic sinus node rate and it may be an escape mechanism during periods of significant bradycardia and high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block. A junctional rhythm may indicate underlying heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, acute myocardial infarction (especially in the inferior wall), or degenerative changes in the conduction system. It also may signal excess vagal activity, hypoxia, or an adverse response to a drug, such as digoxin, quinidine, a calcium channel blocker, or a beta-blocker.
Junctional Rhythm Causes
Here are the list of Junctional Rhythm Causes:
- Sick sinus syndrome (including drug-induced)
- Digoxin toxicity
- acute inferior infarction
- Acutely after cardiac surgery
- Acute inflammatory processes
- acute rheumatic fever
Junctional Rhythm Treatment
Specific suppressive treatment is rarely needed. In patients with complete or high-grade AV block or sick sinus syndrome (ie, sinus node dysfunction), determine and treat the underlying cause. In this regard, a permanent pacemaker may be needed. The junctional rhythm serves as a protective mechanism to maintain the heart rate during periods of bradycardia or asystole and should not be suppressed. The serum potassium level should be checked, and if low, potassium should be given to raise the serum potassium to the normal range. If the patient is severely compromised, antibodies to digitalis may be used.