What does a wide QRS complex generally indicate?

A wide QRS complex generally indicates a delay in ventricular contraction. This widening of the QRS interval often suggests that the electrical impulse is taking longer to travel through the ventricles, which can result from various underlying conditions, such as a bundle branch block or ventricular hypertrophy.

In normal circumstances, the QRS complex represents the depolarization of the ventricles, and a narrow QRS typically reflects normal conduction through the ventricular pathways. When the QRS is wide, it signifies that there is some form of disruption in this conduction process, leading to a slower than normal contraction of the ventricles. Therefore, recognizing a wide QRS complex is crucial as it may indicate the need for further evaluation of the patient's cardiac function and the presence of any pathology affecting ventricular conduction.