QRS duration predicts death, hospitalization among patients with AF irrespective of heart failure: evidence from the AFF

[netpi]

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/243...

[Icenae]

What is Qrs.  

[netpi in reply to Icenae]

The QRS complex is a name for the combination of three of the graphical deflections seen on a typical electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). It is usually the central and most visually obvious part of the tracing. It corresponds to the depolarization of the right and left ventricles of the human heart. In adults, it normally lasts 0.06–0.10 s; in children and during physical activity, it may be shorter. The Q, R, and S waves occur in rapid succession, do not all appear in all leads, and reflect a single event, and thus are usually considered together. A Q wave is any downward deflection after the P wave. An R wave follows as an upward deflection, and the S wave is any downward deflection after the R wave. The T wave follows the S wave, and in some cases an additional U wave follows the T wave.

Clinical significance

Any abnormality of conduction takes longer and causes "widened" QRS complexes. In bundle branch block, there can be an abnormal second upward deflection within the QRS complex, in this case such a second upward deflection is referred to as R' (pronounced "R prime"). This would be described as an RSR' pattern.

Ventricles contain more muscle mass than the atria, therefore the QRS complex is considerably larger than the P wave. The QRS complex is often used to determine the axis of the electrocardiogram, although it is also possible to determine a separate P wave axis.

The duration, amplitude, and morphology of the QRS complex are useful in diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, electrolyte derangements, and other disease states.

[ILowe in reply to netpi]

Wow. Interesting explanation by netpi. Thanks.

Interesting article. Of course, my question is, what can be done about it if the QRS is large. At least, it is an easy marker, seen on any ECG, and a signal to investigate,

[netpi in reply to ILowe]

This short video explains in laymen terms the QRS complex 

youtube.com/watch?v=VuWKWfW...(Not working as expected?)

[Kbuck1234]

My qrs is around 110ms and always told within normal limits 

[Teresa40744]

I was told wednesday that mine was 533. They think the tambocor is causing it. Doctor halved my dose. Was admitted to hospital today with afib.