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Related Concept Videos

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...
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

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.
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.
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...
Increased pulse rate01:17

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...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

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...

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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
10:08

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Cardiac Arrhythmias - Part II: Broad Complex Tachycardia.

M D O'Neill1, D W Davies

  • 1Dr Mark D O'Neill, Department of Cardiology, St. Mary's Hospital NHS Trust, London W2 1NY, United Kingdom.

Acute Medicine
|June 10, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Diagnosing and managing broad complex tachycardia is challenging. This article emphasizes assuming ventricular origin and covers immediate treatment, including managing patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) experiencing recurrent discharges.

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Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice
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Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice

Published on: May 23, 2021

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Last Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
10:08

Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine

Published on: February 17, 2018

Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice
06:07

Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice

Published on: May 23, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Broad complex tachycardia presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge.
  • Differentiating between ventricular and supraventricular origins is critical for appropriate treatment.
  • The increasing use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) necessitates specific management protocols for device-related emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an immediate diagnostic and management strategy for broad complex tachycardia.
  • To outline the approach to patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) presenting with recurrent device discharges.
  • To highlight the importance of electrocardiogram interpretation in differentiating tachycardia origins.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical guidelines for broad complex tachycardia management.
  • Emphasis on 12-lead electrocardiogram interpretation for differentiating ventricular from supraventricular tachycardia.
  • Discussion of emergency department protocols for acute tachycardia and ICD management.

Main Results:

  • Broad complex tachycardia should be presumed to be of ventricular origin in the absence of clear contraindicating evidence.
  • Timely and accurate electrocardiogram interpretation is paramount for guiding therapeutic decisions.
  • A structured approach is essential for managing patients with ICDs experiencing recurrent shocks.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of broad complex tachycardia relies on prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
  • Understanding the nuances of electrocardiogram interpretation is key to distinguishing between ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.
  • Specific protocols are required for managing ICD patients with device malfunctions or arrhythmias.