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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.

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...

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 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...

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...

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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

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Published on: July 29, 2011

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.

Roland R Tilz¹, Luigi Fedele, Kazuhiro Satomi

¹Department of Cardiology, St. Georg General Hospital, Hamburg, Germany.

|May 15, 2007

Summary

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), a cause of sudden cardiac death, can be treated by ablating the trigger premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Radiofrequency catheter ablation offers an effective therapeutic option for IVF, improving secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death.

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Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction

Published on: January 31, 2019

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Electrophysiology
Sudden Cardiac Death Research

Background:

Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is a significant cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) with a high recurrence rate.
Recent research links IVF to premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or Purkinje system.
Some IVF cases involve sympathetic cardiac innervation imbalances or are considered variants of Brugada syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation for treating idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF).
To assess the role of ablating trigger PVCs in the secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Main Methods:

Identification and ablation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or Purkinje system in patients with IVF.
Review of patient outcomes following radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation.

Main Results:

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of trigger PVCs has demonstrated significant effectiveness in a considerable number of patients with IVF.
This ablation strategy is now recognized as a viable treatment option for secondary prevention of SCD.

Conclusions:

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is an effective therapeutic option for idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), addressing the underlying cause.
The inclusion of RF catheter ablation in guidelines highlights its importance in the secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD).