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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...

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.

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 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.

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac Action Potential

Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Published on: June 20, 2020

Cardiac arrhythmia during propofol sedation.

Robert J Douglas¹, Mike Cadogan

¹Emergency Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia. rabs01@hotmail.com

Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA

|November 1, 2008

Summary

Propofol sedation for fracture reduction can cause serious heart rhythm problems like torsade de pointes and ventricular fibrillation. Further research is needed to understand and prevent these rare but dangerous cardiac events.

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Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

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Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Published on: June 20, 2020

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus

Published on: April 5, 2011

Area of Science:

Emergency Medicine
Cardiology
Pharmacology

Background:

Propofol is increasingly used for procedural sedation in emergency departments (EDs).
Existing literature often highlights propofol's favorable safety profile in ED settings.
This case report addresses a potential, serious adverse cardiac event associated with propofol use.

Observation:

A patient undergoing propofol sedation for tibia and fibula fracture reduction experienced cardiac complications.
The patient developed torsade de pointes, a polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
This progressed to ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening arrhythmia.

Findings:

The adverse cardiac event occurred during propofol administration for procedural sedation.
The specific mechanism linking propofol to this event in this context requires further investigation.
This case highlights a rare but critical risk associated with propofol sedation.

Implications:

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for severe cardiac arrhythmias with propofol sedation, even in otherwise healthy patients.
Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology and identify risk factors for propofol-induced cardiac events.
Enhanced monitoring protocols may be considered for patients receiving propofol for procedural sedation, particularly in the ED.