ECG RHYTHM LAB

Torsades de Pointes · Teaching Pattern

A simplified twisting polymorphic VT run. Torsades requires a prolonged QT in the preceding rhythm; that preceding QT is not shown here. This pattern alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Generated six-second Lead II example · 220 bpm target rate · not a patient recording.

Typical rate

Often 200–250 bpm

Regularity

Rapid, varying complexes

P waves

No consistent P waves during the run

PR interval

Not measurable during the run

QRS

Wide; changing polarity and amplitude

What to look for

Look for wide complexes that wax, wane and change polarity. Distinguish the pattern from confirmation of torsades, which requires the preceding QT context.

Show this rhythm

This torsades-like teaching pattern lacks preceding QT context and is excluded from identification grading.

Sources and limitations