In the context of PVC, what does the term 'bigeminy' indicate?

The term 'bigeminy' specifically refers to a pattern of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) where every other heartbeat is a PVC. This means that a normal ventricular contraction is followed by a PVC, leading to an alternating pattern of normal beats and PVCs.

This rhythm can be indicative of underlying cardiac issues or irritability of the ventricles. The presence of bigeminy suggests that the PVCs are occurring regularly, specifically in a 1:1 pattern with normal beats, which is clinically significant. It may be monitored for potential progression to more serious arrhythmias, and understanding this pattern is crucial for both diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions.

The other options address concepts related to PVCs but do not accurately describe the term 'bigeminy', which specifically focuses on the regular alternation of normal and abnormal beats. Recognizing these definitions is key for interpreting EKGs and managing arrhythmias effectively.