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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...

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...

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...

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...

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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

[Atrial fibrillation: rhythm vs. rate control].

Leonardo Rivera Rodríguez¹

¹Departamento de Electrofisiología del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan, DF México. leonardoriv@hotmail.com

Archivos De Cardiologia De Mexico

|October 5, 2006

Summary

Atrial fibrillation treatment remains debated, with no clear strategy despite advances. Recent findings suggest heart rate control for older asymptomatic patients and rhythm control for those with severe symptoms.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Clinical Medicine

Background:

Atrial fibrillation treatment strategies have been debated for nearly a century.
Despite technological advancements, a definitive therapeutic approach remains elusive.
Key trials like AFFIRM and RACE have not established a clear treatment pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the ongoing controversy in atrial fibrillation management.
To evaluate recent subgroup analyses and the inclusion of quality of life metrics.
To identify updated therapeutic recommendations based on patient profiles.

Main Methods:

Review of major clinical trials (AFFIRM, RACE, PIAF, PAF2, STAF).
Analysis of recent subgroup data incorporating quality of life and functional status.
Synthesis of evidence to guide current treatment strategies.

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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Transesophageal Atrial Burst Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Induction in Rats

Transesophageal Atrial Burst Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Induction in Rats

Published on: February 14, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Transesophageal Atrial Burst Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Induction in Rats

Transesophageal Atrial Burst Pacing for Atrial Fibrillation Induction in Rats

Published on: February 14, 2022

Main Results:

No single treatment strategy has emerged as definitively superior across all patients.
Patient-specific factors, including symptom severity and age, are crucial in decision-making.
Emerging evidence supports tailored approaches based on individual patient characteristics.

Conclusions:

Heart rate control is recommended for asymptomatic patients aged 65 and older.
Rhythm control appears more beneficial for patients experiencing severe symptoms.
Personalized treatment strategies are essential for optimal atrial fibrillation management.