ECG

[markgolfa]

May 15 by markgolfa Hi everybody :) It is my first time to post a question, but I read many conversations here and found them super helpful!

So, my question is: what is the difference between WAP and PAC? From what I understand, both are ectopic and produce el. signal earlier than SA would, therefore both produce disrythmia, in both P waves varies. Although, I am not sure about PR intervals, I think they both are unequal. So, are WAP and PAC two names of the same condition? I am getting ready for ECG test and need help with understanding it.

Thank you!

[13thSpade]

wap (wandering atrial pacemaker) is when the cardiac pacemaker alternates between the sa node and the av node, resulting in p wave changes. the normal sinus beats will have typical p waves, while the atrial beats will have flattened or inverted p waves.

a pac (premature atrial contraction) is a an ectopic beat originating somewhere in the atria before the sa node fires.

they are similar concepts, but wap is considered an arrhythmia (non-normal heart rhythm). think of it as a sinus rhythm with changing p wave configurations (caused by changing pacer origins) , whereas a pac is a single, premature ectopic beat.

​does that help any?

[markgolfa]

Thank you! Your reply confirmed my understanding of it. I appreciate it :)

[CherylRNBSN]

I thank you as well for that succinct description! I am a CCU nurse with 6 yrs. of experience who hasn't worked in several years, so I have been studying A LOT, but haven't come across this arrhythmia yet...So thanks! Good job!

[CherylRNBSN]

I thank you as well for that succinct description! I am a CCU nurse with 6 yrs. of experience who hasn't worked in several years, so I have been studying A LOT, but haven't come across this arrhythmia yet...So thanks! Good job!