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CHAPTER 10

Sinus Tachycardia

Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:

1. Define sinus tachycardia, and discuss the differences between sinus tachycardia and normal sinus rhythm. (pp 146–147)
2. Discuss the “tug-of-war” occurring over the heart rate by the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. (p 147)
3. Discuss the origins and clinical significance of electrical alternans. (pp 147–148)
4. Define the Tp wave and discuss the morphologic differences it can cause on the appearance of a complex on a rhythm strip or ECG. (p 148)
5. Discuss the physiologic and morphologic changes that occur in the complexes between a normal sinus rhythm and sinus tachycardia. (p 149)
6. Recite the equation used to calculate the maximum heart rate. (p 150)
7. List some clinical conditions or circumstances that are associated with the formation of a sinus tachycardia. (pp 150–151)
8. Accurately identify sinus tachycardia on a rhythm strip or ECG. (pp 151–155)