Escape beats may arise from the AV junction or ventricles when there is sinus bradycardia or sinus arrest. In contrast to ectopic beats, the coupling interval of escape beats is greater than the cycle length of the main rhythm. The configuration of junctional escape beats is the same as that of normally conducted beats, whereas ventricular escape beats are of similar appearance to ventricular ectopic complexes. Escape beats themselves require no treatment. If treatment is necessary, it is to accelerate the basic rhythm.
Timing
When there is sinus bradycardia or the sinus node fails to discharge, escape beats may arise from secondary sites in the specialised conducting system. In contrast to ectopic beats, escape beats are always late, i.e. the coupling interval is greater than the cycle length of the dominant rhythm (Figure 3.1
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
