In a Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC), how is the QRS complex characterized?

In the case of a Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC), the QRS complex is characterized as wide and bizarre. This occurs because PVCs originate from an ectopic focus in the ventricles, which results in a disturbance in the normal conduction pathway. Since the impulse is initiated in the ventricle rather than traveling through the usual conduction system, the electrical activity spreads through the ventricular muscle in an abnormal manner.

This leads to a QRS complex that is broader than the typical duration seen in a normal heartbeat. Furthermore, the morphology appears unusual or bizarre because the ventricular depolarization does not occur in the typical coordinated fashion. This distinction in the QRS complex helps healthcare providers identify PVCs on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

The other characteristics of the QRS complex, such as being narrow, normal, regular, or absent, do not apply to PVCs, as these traits reflect normal ventricular conduction or other types of dysrhythmias.