page forward page back  Table of Contents Index
A Four-Beat Run of VT



This strip begins in sinus rhythm, then a brief run of ventricular tachycardia occurs.  Notice that the rate changes from about 63 to a rate that varies, but is much faster.   The QRS complex widens, changing from 0.06 to 0.15, and the change in shape is obvious.  The QRS axis changes markedly in some leads.   These beats are indeed ventricular.   The run is self-limiting, there is a pause, and a ventricular escape beat occurs.  Sinus rhythm resumes.  Notice that there are abnormalities in the sinus beats.  There is a pronounced Q-wave and an ST segment elevation in lead III, an ST segment depression in lead I, and the T-waves are inverted in leads II and III.  All these abnormalities point to an evolving inferior MI.