Dysrhythmias
Definition
Improper beating of the heart, whether irregular, too fast or too slow.
Pathophysiology
Rhythm disturbances result from abnormalities of impulse formation, impulse conduction, or both.
Bradyarrhythmias result from decreased intrinsic pacemaker function or blocks in conduction, principally within the AV node or the His-Purkinje system.
Causes
Electrolyte imbalance
Hypoxia
Digital toxicity
Myocardial ischemia
Valvular heart disease
Clinical manifestations
Chest pain
Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Palpitations
Dizziness
Pallor
Excessive sweat
Management
The application of electrical shock therapy, a fibrillation or cardioversion
The use of a permanent pacemaker to treat the bradycardias
Cardiac ablation
Use of antiarrhythmic drugs
References