What is the heart rate range for junctional escape rhythm?

The heart rate range for junctional escape rhythm typically falls between 40 to 60 beats per minute (bpm). This rhythm occurs when the primary pacemaker of the heart, the sinoatrial (SA) node, fails to initiate impulses, leading to the arrival of impulses from the atrioventricular (AV) junction. Since the AV junction is not as fast as the SA node, the natural pacing from this region results in a heart rate that is slower, specifically in the range of 40 to 60 bpm.

Understanding junctional escape rhythm is key in clinical practice because it indicates a protective mechanism of the heart, where the lower pacemaker takes over when necessary, ensuring that there is still some degree of cardiac output. This rhythm serves as a compensatory response to prevent extreme bradycardia or asystole, maintaining some minimal level of heart activity.

The other heart rate ranges presented do not accurately reflect the nature of junctional escape rhythms. They would correspond more to normal sinus rhythm or other forms of atrial pacing, which is why they do not apply in this specific case.