Try out this expert-level EKG Puzzler! Email us and let us know what you think the answer is!

1 MIN READ

Q1. What are the problems with this 12-Lead?

Q2. What are possible non valvular causes of said problems?

Here’s the answer from the last issue’s EKG Puzzler.

Q: When a patient has slow, wide QRS complex 3rd degree Heartblock, Atropine may be administered to try and increase the ventricular rate, but may not be effective. Why? What other drugs/interventions could be considered? A: Atropine is an anticholinergic drug which blocks parasympathetic nervous system activity. A wide QRS Complex 3rd degree heart block indicates that the block is anatomically low (possibly in the ventricles) and the parasympathetic nervous system does not innervate the ventricles. Consider Epinephrine, Dopamine, or possible transcutaneous pacing depending on patient condition.

Email your answer to this issue’s puzzler to CNREPHelp@houstonmethodist.org and check the next issue to see if you got the answer right!

Good luck! We look forward to hearing your answers!