What is the typical heart rate in junctional rhythm?

In junctional rhythm, the typical heart rate ranges from 40 to 60 beats per minute. This occurs because junctional rhythms originate from the AV junction, rather than the atria or ventricles. When the atrial pacemaker fails or there is a blockage in the conduction system, the AV junction takes over as the primary pacemaker. Since the AV junction has an inherent firing rate of 40 to 60 beats per minute, this is reflected in the heart rate observed during junctional rhythms. Understanding this mechanism is essential in recognizing the characteristics of junctional rhythms on an electrocardiogram, where you may see a regular rhythm but with a more prolonged rate compared to that of normal sinus rhythms.