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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...

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.

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...

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...

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 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...

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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: August 16, 2021

Ventricular arrhythmias during left ventricular assist device support.

Maninder Bedi¹, Robert Kormos, Steve Winowich

¹Cardiovascular Institute and Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology

|April 18, 2007

Summary

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) occur in 22% of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), particularly those with ischemic heart failure. Early VAs after LVAD implantation significantly increase mortality risk.

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Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: August 16, 2021

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: June 12, 2021

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Medical Devices
Heart Failure Management

Background:

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are crucial for advanced heart failure patients awaiting transplantation or as destination therapy.
Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are a known complication in LVAD patients, but their incidence, risk factors, and impact require further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and clinical significance of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients receiving LVAD support.
To determine the association between VAs and mortality in LVAD recipients.

Main Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 111 patients who received LVAD support for bridge to transplantation.
Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of clinically significant VAs (ventricular fibrillation, sustained/nonsustained VT with symptoms).
Comparison of baseline characteristics, causes of heart failure, and mortality rates between groups.

Main Results:

Clinically significant VAs occurred in 22% of LVAD patients.
Ischemic heart disease was a more frequent cause of heart failure in patients with VAs (71%) compared to those without (45%).
Mortality during LVAD support was significantly higher in patients with VAs (33%) versus those without (18%).
Early VAs (<1 week post-implantation) were associated with a substantially higher mortality rate (54%) than late VAs (>1 week).

Conclusions:

Clinically significant VAs are infrequent but important complications in LVAD patients.
VAs are more prevalent in patients with ischemic heart failure and are linked to increased mortality.
Early occurrence of VAs post-LVAD implantation is a strong predictor of higher mortality.