Escape Rhythms

• These rhythms occur in an effort to maintain heart function when the SA or AV nodes are not functioning properly. Escape rhythms occur in pacemaker tissue found in the atria, around the AV node, or in the ventricles. These ectopic rhythms occur at a regular, but slower depolarization rate compared to the dominant SA and AV nodal pacemakers.

ECG Appearance: Depending on where the escape rhythms originate, they can appear either as ectopic beats with a normal or totally abnormal shape.

Treatment

Do not use antiarrhythmic drugs in the presence of escape rhythms or else you risk death.