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Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...

Human Genetics

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...

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Isolation and Kv Channel Recordings in Murine Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Isolation and Kv Channel Recordings in Murine Atrial and Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Published on: March 12, 2013

Genetics and arrhythmias.

Robert Roberts¹, Ramon Brugada

¹Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77027, USA. rroberts@bcm.tmc.edu

Annual Review of Medicine

|January 15, 2003

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Advances in genetic research and technology have identified ion channel genes (channelopathies) linked to sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias. Understanding these genetic defects enables targeted treatments for conditions like long QT syndrome.

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Cardiology
Molecular Biology

Background:

High-throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies have advanced the identification of genes responsible for genetic diseases.
Ion channel genes, termed channelopathies, are implicated in cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.
Congenital long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome are examples of channelopathies caused by mutations in sodium or potassium channels.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the advances in identifying genetic causes of arrhythmias and sudden death.
To highlight the role of ion channel genes (channelopathies) in cardiac disorders.
To discuss the implications of molecular defects for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

Review of scientific literature on genetic diseases, arrhythmias, and sudden death.
Analysis of identified genes responsible for channelopathies.
Examination of current and potential treatments based on molecular defects.

Main Results:

Several genes encoding ion channels have been identified for disorders causing arrhythmias and sudden death.
Mutations in sodium and potassium channels cause congenital long QT syndrome.
Brugada syndrome, linked to sodium channel mutations, is a significant cause of sudden death, especially in Southeast Asia.
Familial polymorphic ventricular tachycardia is associated with ryanodine receptor defects.
A specific locus (10q32) is linked to familial atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions:

Knowledge of the molecular basis of arrhythmias is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Targeted therapies for long QT syndrome based on genetic defects are being implemented.
These approaches may serve as models for treating acquired arrhythmias.