Video - Cardiac conduction velocity

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Video Summary

The cardiac conduction velocity is the speed at which the electrical signal travels through the heart muscle. This electrical signal is generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is located in the right atrium. After getting propagated through booth atria, the signal travels down the atrioventricular (AV) node in the Bundle of His and the Purkinje fibers, and later to all of the parts of the heart ventricles. Cardiac conduction velocity is measured in meters per second (m/s).

The cardiac conduction velocity can be affected by several factors, including age, medications, electrolyte levels, and disease states. Older individuals generally have a slower cardiac conduction velocity, as do those taking certain medications (such as beta blockers). Electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium levels) can also decrease cardiac conduction velocity. Finally, heart diseases (such as cardiomyopathies) can also result in a slower cardiac conduction velocity.

There are several ways to measure cardiac conduction velocity. The most common method is an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to determine the cardiac conduction velocity.