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Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias01:30

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...
Dysrhythmias I: Introduction01:15

Dysrhythmias I: Introduction

Dysrhythmias refers to abnormalities in the heart's rhythm. They result from disruptions in the heart's electrical conduction system, which includes the sinoatrial(SA)node, atrioventricular(AV) node, the bundle of His, bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.Definition and PathophysiologyDysrhythmias result from disorders of impulse formation, impulse conduction, or both. The heart contains specialized cells in the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, and the bundle of His and Purkinje fibers...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

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 Arrhythmias01:25

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...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

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...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias01:28

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
08:28

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

Dyselectrolytemias and arrhythmias.

Fernando Schiraldi1, Pasquale Di Conza, Giovanna Guiotto

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, S. Paolo Hospital, Naples, Italy. schirald@gmail.com

Journal of Nephrology
|December 21, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Critical care patients experience vital parameter derangements. Electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disturbances significantly impact heart electrical activity, potentially causing life-threatening arrhythmias.

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Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II
04:16

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Published on: June 20, 2020

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
08:28

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

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II
04:16

Electrocardiogram Recordings in Anesthetized Mice using Lead II

Published on: June 20, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Critical care patients often present with multiple physiological derangements.
  • Cardiac electrical activity can be significantly altered by factors beyond intrinsic heart function.
  • Electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disturbances, and certain medications are common in critical care settings and can affect cardiac electrophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental principles of cardiac electrophysiologic properties.
  • To emphasize the impact of dyselectrolytemias on cardiac excitability.
  • To discuss clinically relevant aspects of life-threatening arrhythmias caused by these derangements.

Main Methods:

  • Review of basic principles of cardiac electrophysiology.
  • Analysis of the influence of dyselectrolytemias on heart excitability.
  • In-depth discussion of clinically relevant scenarios involving arrhythmias.

Main Results:

  • Electrolyte imbalances profoundly affect cardiac excitability and electrical activity.
  • Acid-base balance and drug therapy are critical determinants of cardiac electrophysiology in critical care.
  • Specific dyselectrolytemias can precipitate dangerous arrhythmias.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the electrophysiologic effects of dyselectrolytemias is crucial for managing critical care patients.
  • Proactive management of electrolyte and acid-base balance is essential to prevent cardiac arrhythmias.
  • This review highlights key aspects for clinicians to consider when assessing cardiac electrical disturbances in critically ill patients.