If the AV node is pacing the heart, what is the typical heart rate range?

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Multiple Choice

If the AV node is pacing the heart, what is the typical heart rate range?

When the AV node takes over as the pacing source, the junctional pacemaker fires more slowly than the SA node. The intrinsic rate of the AV nodal tissue is about 40–60 beats per minute, producing a junctional rhythm. This is slower than normal sinus rhythm (60–100 bpm) and faster than a ventricular escape rhythm (roughly 20–40 bpm). A rate over 100 bpm would indicate tachycardia, not AV nodal pacing. Therefore, the typical heart rate when the AV node paces the heart is 40–60 bpm.

When the AV node takes over as the pacing source, the junctional pacemaker fires more slowly than the SA node. The intrinsic rate of the AV nodal tissue is about 40–60 beats per minute, producing a junctional rhythm. This is slower than normal sinus rhythm (60–100 bpm) and faster than a ventricular escape rhythm (roughly 20–40 bpm). A rate over 100 bpm would indicate tachycardia, not AV nodal pacing. Therefore, the typical heart rate when the AV node paces the heart is 40–60 bpm.

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