What does a wide QRS complex on an ECG indicate?

A wide QRS complex on an ECG indicates that there is a delay in the ventricular conduction system, which can often point to a ventricular arrhythmia. The QRS complex represents the electrical activity as it spreads through the ventricles and, when it is wider than normal (typically greater than 0.12 seconds), it suggests that the ventricles are depolarizing in a slower manner than usual.

This phenomenon can be seen in various conditions, such as bundle branch block, ventricular ectopic beats, or in the presence of a ventricular tachycardia. Identifying a wide QRS complex is crucial, as it can significantly affect the management of a patient's arrhythmia and overall cardiac status. Understanding this characteristic helps healthcare professionals make appropriate clinical decisions regarding further evaluations and interventions.