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