PR interval significance

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PR Interval - The Basics

  • Represents the time from the start of atrial depolarization to the start of ventricular depolarization.
  • Components: P wave + PR segment.
  • Normal duration: $0.12 - 0.20$ seconds (3-5 small squares on ECG paper).
  • Clinically, it reflects the conduction time through the AV node.

ECG Waveform with PR Interval and Segment Highlighted

⭐ A consistently short PR interval (<0.12s) may suggest a pre-excitation syndrome, like Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW), due to an accessory pathway bypassing the AV node.

Short PR Interval - Speedy Conduction

A PR interval < 0.12s indicates accelerated atrioventricular conduction, often by bypassing the AV node's physiological delay. This suggests ventricular pre-excitation.

  • Key Causes:
    • Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome: An accessory pathway (Bundle of Kent) directly connects the atria to the ventricles. Look for the classic triad: short PR, a wide QRS, and a slurred upstroke on the QRS complex (Delta Wave).
    • Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) Syndrome: An accessory pathway (James fibers) bypasses the AV node and connects to the His bundle. Results in a short PR but a normal QRS complex.
    • Junctional Rhythm: The electrical impulse originates from the AV junction, leading to a shorter conduction time to the ventricles.

📌 Mnemonic: Wolves Pounce Low (WPW, P-Junctional, LGL).

ECG: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Exam Favorite: In a patient with WPW who develops atrial fibrillation, AV nodal blocking agents (adenosine, β-blockers, CCBs) are contraindicated. They can accelerate conduction through the accessory pathway, potentially precipitating ventricular fibrillation.

Long PR Interval - Conduction Delays

A PR interval exceeding 0.20 seconds (one large box on ECG) signifies a delay in the electrical impulse traveling from the atria to the ventricles. This is the defining feature of atrioventricular (AV) blocks.

ECG showing prolonged PR interval (First-Degree AV Block)

  • First-Degree AV Block:

    • Characterized by a constant, prolonged PR interval > 0.20s.
    • A 1:1 relationship between P waves and QRS complexes is maintained.
    • Usually benign.
  • Second-Degree AV Block: Involves intermittently dropped QRS complexes.

    • Mobitz I (Wenckebach): Progressive PR interval lengthening across several beats, culminating in a non-conducted P wave (a "dropped" beat).
      • 📌 Mnemonic: "Longer, longer, longer, DROP! Now you have a Wenckebach."
    • Mobitz II: The PR interval remains constant for all conducted beats, but some P waves are unexpectedly not followed by a QRS.

⭐ Mobitz II is considered more clinically significant than Mobitz I because it carries a higher risk of progressing to a complete heart block. It often points to structural damage below the AV node.

  • The PR interval reflects AV conduction time; normal duration is 0.12-0.20 seconds.
  • A short PR interval (<0.12s) suggests pre-excitation (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome).
  • A prolonged PR interval (>0.20s) indicates an AV conduction block.
  • First-degree AV block: Consistently prolonged PR interval without dropped beats.
  • Second-degree AV block: Intermittent non-conduction of P waves (dropped QRS complexes).
  • Third-degree AV block: Complete AV dissociation; P waves and QRS complexes are independent.

Practice Questions: PR interval significance

Test your understanding with these related questions

A 21-year-old woman presents with palpitations and anxiety. She had a recent outpatient ECG that was suggestive of supraventricular tachycardia, but her previous physician failed to find any underlying disease. No other significant past medical history. Her vital signs include blood pressure 102/65 mm Hg, pulse 120/min, respiratory rate 17/min, and temperature 36.5℃ (97.7℉). Electrophysiological studies reveal an atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. The patient refuses an ablation procedure so it is decided to perform synchronized cardioversion with consequent ongoing management with verapamil. Which of the following ECG features should be monitored in this patient during treatment?

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Flashcards: PR interval significance

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The _____ on ECG is the junction between the end of QRS complex and start of ST segment

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

The _____ on ECG is the junction between the end of QRS complex and start of ST segment

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PR interval significance | ECG interpretation - OnCourse NEET-PG