CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What does a prolonged QRS complex typically represent?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Ventricular hypertrophy or bundle branch block

3. Atrial fibrillation

4. Repolarization abnormalities

The correct answer is: Ventricular hypertrophy or bundle branch block

A prolonged QRS complex is typically indicative of issues related to the ventricles of the heart, such as ventricular hypertrophy or a bundle branch block. This elongation indicates that the electrical impulse is taking longer than normal to spread through the ventricles. Ventricular hypertrophy occurs when the walls of the ventricles thicken, which can be a response to conditions such as hypertension or valvular heart disease. The increased muscle mass can affect conductivity, leading to a delay that is observed as a prolonged QRS complex. Bundle branch blocks, on the other hand, occur when there is a blockage in the electrical pathways that lead to the left or right bundle branches that deliver impulses to the ventricles. This can also cause the ventricle to depolarize more slowly, hence resulting in a prolonged QRS duration. This finding suggests that there may be an underlying condition affecting the heart's ability to conduct impulses efficiently, and it is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize this in order to evaluate the patient's cardiac health accurately.