What does a cardiac strip showing sinus rhythm with PAC indicate?

A cardiac strip displaying sinus rhythm with premature atrial contractions (PACs) indicates that the heart is primarily functioning in a regular pattern (sinus rhythm) but experiences occasional early beats originating from the atria. Sinus rhythm signifies that the electrical impulses are generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart and reflects normal heart function under typical conditions.

The presence of PACs means that there are additional, early atrial beats interrupting this normal rhythm. PACs can occur due to various factors such as stress, caffeine consumption, or underlying heart conditions but are often considered benign in healthy individuals. The identification of PACs is crucial since it may lead to further evaluation for potential underlying issues or guide treatment strategies if the PACs are symptomatic or frequent.

Understanding this distinction is essential as it underscores that while the heart is primarily functioning normally, the occurrence of PACs indicates additional activity that may need monitoring. This highlights the importance of careful analysis of cardiac rhythms in telemetry.