During which rhythm might you find a rate of 20-40 bpm?

An idioventricular rhythm is characterized by a ventricular rate typically ranging from 20 to 40 beats per minute. This rhythm occurs when the normal pacemaker of the heart (the sinoatrial node) fails to generate impulses, leading to the ventricles taking over as the primary pacemakers. The intrinsic rate of the ventricles is slower than that of the atria, which is why the heart rate is within this lower range.

In this situation, the ventricles initiate contractions independently, often in response to a failure of higher pacemaker activity. It is a protective mechanism that can maintain some level of cardiac output during periods of significant cardiac distress or failure of the electrical conduction system.

Understanding idioventricular rhythm is essential for recognizing the underlying cardiac pathophysiology and determining the appropriate treatment or intervention needed in critical care settings.