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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...

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...

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.

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 I: Sinus Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

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[Pacemaker ECG Quiz No. 23: Pacemaker malfunction or arrhythmia?].

¹Klinik für Innere Medizin - Kardiologie und Angiologie in Bethel, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Bielefeld, Haus Gilead I, Burgsteig 13, 33617, Bielefeld, Deutschland. carsten.israel@evkb.de

Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie

|August 31, 2010

Summary

A dual-chamber (DDDR) pacemaker effectively managed a patient with severe sinus node disease and syncope. Pacemaker function was confirmed at follow-up, resolving concerns of potential malfunction.

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Area of Science:

Cardiology
Biomedical Engineering

Background:

Sinus node disease can cause significant bradycardia, leading to syncope.
Dual-chamber (DDDR) pacemakers are indicated for symptomatic sinus node dysfunction.

Observation:

A 69-year-old patient with syncope due to sinus arrest (>4s pauses) received a DDDR pacemaker.
Programming focused on minimizing unnecessary ventricular pacing.
Six months post-implantation, the patient was asymptomatic but presented for pacemaker evaluation due to ECG findings suggesting malfunction.

Findings:

The pacemaker interrogation revealed appropriate function, with no evidence of malfunction.
The careful programming successfully managed the patient's condition without adverse events.

Implications:

This case highlights the importance of thorough pacemaker evaluation, even in asymptomatic patients.
Appropriate DDDR pacemaker implantation and programming can effectively restore quality of life in patients with sinus node disease.