Short PR Syndrome, Symptoms, and Treatment
Question
Doctor, I would like to ask about short PR syndrome, its symptoms, and how to treat it. Thank you!
Customer's anonymous question
Answer
Hello. You want to learn about short PR syndrome, its symptoms, and how to treat it. I will provide some basic concepts to explain it clearly as follows: The PR interval is the time from the beginning of the P wave (atrial depolarization) to the beginning of the QRS wave (ventricular depolarization). This time reflects the conduction time through the atrioventricular (AV) node. The PR interval is measured on the surface electrocardiogram (12-lead ECG), and more accurately, it can be measured during an electrophysiological study in the heart chambers.
The PR interval includes:
- Normal PR interval: 120 – 200 ms (3 to 5 small squares)
- A short PR interval is when the PR interval is < 120ms.
A short PR interval suggests that there is some factor causing the conduction process to become faster. In practice, two cases are commonly seen:
- There is an accessory pathway from the atria to the ventricles (this pathway is called an accessory pathway).
- The rhythm originates from the AV junction.
Symptoms of a short PR interval include tachycardia (rapid heart rate), which may be accompanied by symptoms such as low blood pressure or dizziness. Tachycardia episodes can resolve quickly or last for hours, causing the patient to feel fatigued or short of breath.
The treatment for a short PR interval depends on the underlying condition causing it.
However, methods such as radiofrequency ablation of the accessory pathway are highly effective and very safe for the patient. Currently, Vinmec Hospital performs radiofrequency catheter ablation techniques to treat arrhythmia patients. If you're interested, we would be happy to provide more specific advice, so you can visit any Vinmec Health System hospital nationwide for further consultation.
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Best regards!
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Answered by Dr. Lê Đức Hiệp - Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Intervention Specialist - Cardiology Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
