Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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.

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...

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...

Development of the Heart

Development of the Heart

The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...

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:...

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Adverse effects of amiodarone at low dose: plus ça change.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology·1997

Same author

Atrial premature beats preceding episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: factorial analysis of a prediction system.

Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE·1997

Same author

Exercise-induced T-wave alternans as a marker of high risk in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Japanese circulation journal·1997

Same author

Elevated Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies, cardiovascular events, and azithromycin in male survivors of myocardial infarction.

Circulation·1997

Same author

Chlamydia pneumoniae and coronary heart disease.

BMJ (Clinical research ed.)·1997

Same author

Amiodarone after myocardial infarction: EMIAT and CAMIAT trials.

Lancet (London, England)·1997

Same journal

The surgical collateralization theory: has the beautiful hypothesis been killed by the ugly facts?

European heart journal·2026

Same journal

Beyond single measurement: additional considerations for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in cardiovascular risk prediction.

European heart journal·2026

Same journal

Brain mineralocorticoid receptor activation and antagonism in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a hypothesis.

European heart journal·2026

Same journal

Myths and misconceptions about high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a marker of residual inflammatory risk.

European heart journal·2026

Same journal

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: should we treat asymptomatic patients?

European heart journal·2026

Same journal

Impactful trials on dyslipidaemias, fractional flow reserve, beta-blockers, and peripheral artery disease.

European heart journal·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Congenital complete heart block.

A J Camm, R S Bexton

European Heart Journal

|March 1, 1984

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Congenital complete heart block in adults can lead to sudden death and consciousness impairment, despite earlier beliefs of a benign prognosis. This condition is now a contraindication for professional pilot status.

More Related Videos

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Published on: May 5, 2018

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System

Published on: May 5, 2018

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China

Published on: February 11, 2022

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Aerospace Medicine

Background:

Congenital complete heart block (CCHB) has been historically perceived as benign, particularly in isolated case reports involving aviators.
However, limited long-term data exists on the prognosis of CCHB in adolescent and adult populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the long-term prognosis of congenital complete heart block in adolescents and adults.
To determine the risks associated with CCHB, including sudden death and neurological impairment.

Main Methods:

Prospective studies were conducted on adolescents and adults diagnosed with congenital complete heart block.
Outcomes assessed included incidence of impairment of consciousness and mortality.

Main Results:

Prospective studies reveal an unpredictable incidence of impairment of consciousness and sudden death in individuals with CCHB.
These findings contrast with earlier isolated reports suggesting a benign course.

Conclusions:

Congenital complete heart block in adolescents and adults carries unpredictable risks of serious adverse events.
CCHB is a definitive contraindication for individuals seeking professional pilot status due to these risks.