Disorders of Heart Rhythm

Within the heart resides an intrinsic electrical system tasked with orchestrating its rhythmic contractions in a coordinated and effective manner.

An electrical system managed by a conductor

Situated near the right atrium at the heart’s apex is the sinoatrial node, often dubbed the conductor or the heart’s innate “pacemaker.”

He is responsible for initiating each heartbeat and determining its frequency

An organised electrical transmission

Subsequently, the electrical impulses it generates propagate through diverse pathways within the atria and ventricles, including the “electrical customs” and the “electrical highway” a fast conduction network known as the Purkinje network.

Arrhythmia

The term “arrhythmia” serves as a common descriptor for irregularities in heart rhythm.

Two types of problems

Heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, encompass two primary categories: excitation disorders and conduction disorders.

Excitation disorders

Excitation disorders disrupt the synchrony of heartbeats, leading to an accelerated electrical current and increased heart contraction rate, often resulting in palpitations“Palpitation” is a symptom related to an abnormality in heartbeats. There are several types of arrhythmias. This term is like a surname that encompasses several first names. of varying severity.

These disturbances, termed “tachyarrhythmias” when excessively rapid, and “bradyarrhythmia” when it is too slow.

Some excitation disorders manifest from birth and are termed congenital, distinct from hereditary conditions passed down through genes. Conversely, certain problems arise from heart diseases like heart attacks.

Symptoms range from asymptomatic to benign or potentially hazardous palpitations“Palpitation” is a symptom related to an abnormality in heartbeats. There are several types of arrhythmias. This term is like a surname that encompasses several first names..

Here are few examples:

Conduction disorders

Conduction disorders, on the other hand, involve disruptions in the electrical flow crucial for proper heart function, occurring at various levels of the cardiac electrical system, including the conductor, the electrical “customs officer,” or the pathways of the Purkinje network.

Common causes include medication effects and aging, manifesting as bradycardia (a slow heart rate) or electrical pauses, known as “dead times,” which can induce weakness, dizziness, or even syncope.

Again, here are a few examples:

Bundle branch block
Complete atrioventricular node block (AV block)

Recording of electrical disorders

Electrical disturbances associated with arrhythmias are detectable through electrocardiograms (ECGs) and Holter monitors, essential diagnostic tools prescribed by physicians.

These tests reveal heart rate variations, extra heartbeats (extrasystoles), conduction abnormalities, and other irregularities, aiding in precise localization of issues and informing treatment strategies, whether through medication or other interventions.