Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Junctional Rhythm?TypesSymptomsCausesDiagnostic TestsTreatmentWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Junctional Rhythm?
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnostic Tests
Treatment
When to Seek Medical Care
A junctional rhythm is a type of abnormal heartbeat, orarrhythmia. It is usually not serious, although it can be associated with heart inflammation or recent heart surgery. It happens when theatrioventricular(AV) node or “His bundle,” both of which are electrical signals that help control your heartbeat, isn’t working properly.
This article discusses a junctional rhythm and its symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Once the atria contract, the signal continues through the AV node to the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles) and causes them to contract.
The SA and AV nodes work with the His bundle, located near the middle of your heart. The fibers within the His bundle conduct electricity in the heart.
A junctional rhythm happens when an abnormal heart rhythm comes from the AV node or His bundle.Although the heart has other areas that can serve as its natural pacemaker when a junctional rhythm occurs, these other areas may cause your heartbeat to become faster or slower.
The Heart’s Electrical System: Anatomy and Function
What Are the Four Types of Junctional Rhythm?
A junctional rhythm does not always have symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are often associated with a rhythm’s underlying cause.
Some of the more general symptoms include:
What Causes Junctional Rhythm?
A junctional rhythm can have many potential causes, including causes that relate to other health issues and the use of certain medications. Causes of a junctional rhythm include:
Tests to Diagnose a Junctional Rhythm
To help diagnose a junctional rhythm, healthcare providers will conduct a physical exam and ask health-related questions, such as what medications or supplements you use. They also may ask if you consume caffeine or alcohol or if you smoke.
Tests that healthcare providers may use to diagnose a junctional rhythm include:
A junctional rhythm does not always require treatment. If no other heart problems are found, your healthcare provider may monitor your heart health over time.
If the cause of your junctional rhythm is a specific type of medication, your healthcare provider may change your dosage or find an alternate medicine. Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping or changing your medications.
Other treatments for a junctional rhythm include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If you’re diagnosed with a junctional rhythm, you should see your healthcare provider again beyond regular checkups if you:
Summary
If you or your healthcare provider suspects a junctional rhythm, they will likely order several tests to help make a diagnosis. Treatment includes medication, a pacemaker, and general heart monitoring.
A Word From Verywell
You can live a healthy, active life with a junctional rhythm. Maintain appointments with the healthcare provider who monitors your junctional rhythm. Take any medications that you are prescribed. Plan to eat a heart-healthy diet and get regular physical activity.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Government of Alberta.SA node and AV node.Hafeez Y, Grossman SA.Junctional rhythm. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Heart block.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Government of Alberta.SA node and AV node.Hafeez Y, Grossman SA.Junctional rhythm. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Heart block.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Government of Alberta.SA node and AV node.Hafeez Y, Grossman SA.Junctional rhythm. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Heart block.
Government of Alberta.SA node and AV node.
Hafeez Y, Grossman SA.Junctional rhythm. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Heart block.
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