Compensatory pause
Also calledpostextrasystolic pause
Definition
The pause that follows a premature beat before the next sinus beat, making the R-R interval after the premature beat longer than a normal sinus R-R interval. It is FULLY compensatory when the R-R intervals just before and just after the premature beat add up to twice the sinus cycle length, because the premature impulse (classically a premature ventricular complex) did not reset the sinus node, so the next sinus beat arrives on schedule. It is noncompensatory (incomplete) when that sum is less than twice the sinus cycle length, typically because a premature atrial complex reached and reset the sinus node.
Clinical noteThe full-versus-incomplete distinction is a useful clue to origin (PVC versus PAC), not an absolute rule.
Sources
- Viljoen C, Smith R, Chin A. Reviewing the causes of electrocardiographic pauses. Cardiovasc J Afr. 2017;28(4):257-260. doi.org/10.5830/CVJA-2017-041
- Yu R, Qi J, Wang X. Pediatric premature atrial contractions: clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management: a literature review. Am Heart J Plus. 2026;68:100811. doi.org/10.1016/j.ahjo.2026.100811
- Samesima N, God EG, Kruse JCL, et al. Brazilian Society of Cardiology guidelines on the analysis and issuance of electrocardiographic reports - 2022. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2022;119(4):638-680. doi.org/10.36660/abc.20220623
Last reviewed 2 October 2026. Every definition in the EKG Dictionary cites the guideline, consensus statement or original paper it comes from.