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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...

Decreased pulse rate

Decreased pulse rate

Bradycardia is a medical condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal. It occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinus node, generates slower electrical impulses than the standard rhythm. In adults, bradycardia is diagnosed when the pulse rate falls below 60 beats per minute, indicating a deviation from the normal heart rate range.
There are specific risk factors that can elevate the likelihood of developing bradycardia. Advanced age is a significant factor, with bradycardia...

The Cardiac Cycle

The Cardiac Cycle

The heart beats rhythmically in a sequence called the cardiac cycle—a rapid coordination of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).
The Process
Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and empty blood into the...

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...

Conduction System of the Heart

Conduction System of the Heart

Autorhythmicity is a term that refers to the heart's inherent ability to generate electrical signals and instigate muscle contractions. This self-regulating conduction system within the heart consists of two key components: the pacemaker cells and specialized conducting cells.
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...

Conduction System of the Heart

Conduction System of the Heart

The cardiac conduction system produces and transmits electrical impulses that prompt myocardial contraction, ensuring efficient heart function. This intricate system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner, beginning with the atria and then the ventricles. The conduction system optimizes cardiac output by maintaining this precise sequence, which is crucial for adequate blood circulation.
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...

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Updated: May 28, 2026

Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine

Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine

Published on: January 30, 2020

[Commotio cordis].

Redi Pecini¹, Christiane Theilade, Steen Pehrson

¹Medicinsk Afdeling, Kardiologisk-endokrinologisk Sektion, Ambulatorium 1, Frederiksberg Hospital, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark. redpecini@gmail.com

Ugeskrift for Laeger

|October 27, 2011

Summary

Commotio cordis, or chest blow trauma, can cause sudden cardiac death by triggering ventricular fibrillation. This fatal arrhythmia occurs when a direct chest impact hits the heart

Area of Science:

Cardiology and Sports Medicine
Trauma and Emergency Medicine

Context:

Blunt chest trauma, known as commotio cordis, can lead to sudden cardiac death in individuals with no prior cardiac conditions.
This phenomenon is a significant concern in sports and physical activities.
Understanding the specific mechanisms is crucial for prevention and emergency response.

Purpose:

To elucidate the mechanism of sudden death in commotio cordis.
To identify the critical factors contributing to fatal arrhythmias.
To inform preventative strategies against sudden cardiac death from chest trauma.

Summary:

Sudden death in commotio cordis is caused by ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm disturbance.
The critical factor is the timing of the impact, occurring 10-40 milliseconds before the T-wave peak during the heart's vulnerable electrical period.

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Impact velocity up to 64 km/h increases arrhythmia risk, while higher velocities may paradoxically decrease it. Direct impact over the cardiac silhouette is necessary.

Impact:

Provides critical insights into the pathophysiology of commotio cordis.
Highlights the importance of impact timing and location in predicting risk.
Informs guidelines for sports safety and emergency medical protocols for chest trauma.