Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Microelectrode Array Recording of Sinoatrial Node Firing Rate to Identify Intrinsic Cardiac Pacemaking Defects in Mice
Published on: July 5, 2021
Cardiac arrhythmias and conduction defects in systemic sclerosis
Alessandra Vacca1, Christophe Meune1, Jessica Gordon1
1Unit and Chair of Rheumatology, University and A.O.U. of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy, Cardiology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Bobigny and Cochin Hospital, Paris XIII University, APHP, Paris, France, Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA, Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, Australia, Health Science Center at Houston, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico, Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA, Rheumatology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland and Rheumatology A Department, Cochin Hospital, APHP, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.
Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) often experience arrhythmias. Early cardiac evaluation is crucial for identifying high-risk individuals and guiding tailored treatment for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Arrhythmias and conduction defects are common in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).
- Cardiac rhythm disorders in SSc can stem from various causes, including primary cardiac issues, pericardial disease, valvular problems, and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
- These arrhythmias can significantly worsen the prognosis for SSc patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of identifying SSc patients at high risk for cardiac arrhythmias.
- To highlight the necessity of comprehensive cardiological evaluation in SSc.
- To underscore the need for recognizing underlying cardiac conditions, including SSc-related myocardial involvement.
Main Methods:
- This study focuses on the clinical presentation and management implications of arrhythmias in SSc patients.
- It reviews the potential origins of cardiac rhythm disorders in this population.
- The importance of thorough cardiological assessment is discussed.
Main Results:
- Signs and symptoms of arrhythmias are frequently observed in SSc patients.
- Multiple factors contribute to the development of arrhythmias in SSc.
- Identifying high-risk patients through complete cardiological evaluation is essential.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive cardiological evaluation is vital for SSc patients to detect arrhythmias and underlying heart conditions.
- Prompt identification of cardiac involvement, including SSc-related myocardial issues, is critical.
- Treatment strategies for SSc patients with arrhythmias may require adjustments compared to the general population.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
01:15Dysrhythmias I: Introduction
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
01:19Conduction System of the Heart
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...
01:20Conduction System of the Heart
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...