Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam

The ECG rhythm described as regular with a P-P march is indicative of complete heart block. In this scenario, the P waves and the QRS complexes are not related, meaning the atria and ventricles are beating independently. The regular P-P interval suggests that the atria are depolarizing consistently, creating a regular rhythm, but there is no corresponding ventricular response. This is a hallmark characteristic of complete heart block, where the electrical signals from the atria do not reach the ventricles.

In this case, the presence of an independent and regular P-P interval signifies that the atrial activity is intact, but the ventricular activity is completely blocked from receiving impulses, which is why the P waves march out in a regular pattern without any associated QRS complexes. Understanding the distinct features of different heart blocks, like the lack of consistent conduction to the ventricles in complete heart block, helps differentiate it from other types like first degree heart block, where there may still be a regular relationship between atrial and ventricular rhythms, and various second-degree AV blocks.