PVC Bigeminy: A Common ECG Pattern

PVC bigeminy is a common electrocardiogram (ECG) finding that indicates a specific pattern of heartbeats. The defining feature of PVC bigeminy is the occurrence of one normal sinus beat followed by one premature ventricular contraction (PVC).

To understand this pattern, it is important to have a basic understanding of how an ECG works. The QRS complex on an ECG represents the depolarization of the ventricles, which leads to their contraction. In PVC bigeminy, each normal sinus beat is immediately followed by a PVC, creating a distinctive pattern on the ECG tracing.

Any deviation from this regular pattern, such as multiple PVCs in a row or the absence of normal sinus beats, may indicate an underlying cardiac abnormality or arrhythmia. Therefore, recognizing and interpreting PVC bigeminy is crucial in diagnosing and managing heart rhythm disorders.