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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.

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...

Increased pulse rate

Increased pulse rate

Tachycardia is a condition marked by an abnormally fast or irregular heart rate, surpassing the typical resting rate. In adults, tachycardia is characterized by a pulse rate ranging from 100 to 180 beats per minute. The increased heart rate can result in inadequate blood flow to various body parts, ultimately diminishing the oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and 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...

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...

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class IV Agents as Calcium Channel Blockers

Class IV antiarrhythmic drugs, such as verapamil and diltiazem, block calcium channels. They primarily affect the heart, slowing the conduction in calcium-dependent tissues like the SA and AV nodes. These drugs manage reentrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and reduce ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation.
Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, inhibits calcium movement across myocardial cell membranes and vascular smooth muscle. This results in the dilation of coronary and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

High-Throughput Cardiotoxicity Screening Using Mature Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Monolayers

High-Throughput Cardiotoxicity Screening Using Mature Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Monolayers

Published on: March 24, 2023

Gemcitabine-induced supraventricular tachycardia.

Oshrat E Tayer-Shifman¹, Yakir Rottenberg, Mony Shuvy

¹Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

|October 28, 2009

Summary

Gemcitabine, a common cancer drug, can rarely cause cardiac arrhythmia like supraventricular tachycardia, even in patients without prior heart issues. This drug-induced arrhythmia may resist standard treatments.

Area of Science:

Oncology
Cardiology
Pharmacology

Background:

Gemcitabine is widely used in cancer therapy due to its favorable toxicity profile.
Bone marrow suppression is its most frequent side effect; non-hematological events, including cardiac complications, are infrequent.
Cardiac arrhythmia is a rare complication associated with gemcitabine treatment.

Observation:

A 67-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer, with no prior history of cardiac arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease, developed supraventricular tachycardia.
The onset of supraventricular tachycardia symptoms occurred immediately following gemcitabine administration.
The patient's arrhythmia was refractory to conventional treatments.

Findings:

This case highlights a potential association between gemcitabine and the induction of supraventricular tachycardia.

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High-Throughput Cardiotoxicity Screening Using Mature Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Monolayers

High-Throughput Cardiotoxicity Screening Using Mature Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte Monolayers

Published on: March 24, 2023

The supraventricular tachycardia in this patient was eventually managed with oral propranolol.

The findings suggest gemcitabine may trigger supraventricular tachycardia even in the absence of significant pre-existing heart conditions.

Implications:

Oncologists should consider supraventricular tachycardia as a potential adverse effect of gemcitabine, particularly in patients presenting with new cardiac symptoms.
The possibility of gemcitabine-induced supraventricular tachycardia, potentially resistant to standard therapies, warrants further investigation.
Awareness of this rare but serious side effect may aid in timely diagnosis and management of cardiac events during gemcitabine therapy.