Cardiac rhythm

Cardiac rhythm refers to the sequence of heart contractions that are regulated by the cardiac conduction system. This system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and effective manner, pumping blood throughout the body.

Overview

The cardiac rhythm is initiated in the sinoatrial node (SA node), often referred to as the heart's natural pacemaker. The electrical impulses generated by the SA node spread through the walls of the atria, causing them to contract and pump blood into the ventricles.

Types of Cardiac Rhythms

There are several types of cardiac rhythms, including:

• Normal sinus rhythm: This is the normal rhythm of the heart, with a rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• Tachycardia: This is a fast heart rate, with a rate of more than 100 beats per minute.
• Bradycardia: This is a slow heart rate, with a rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
• Arrhythmia: This is an irregular heart rhythm, which can be caused by a variety of conditions.

Disorders of Cardiac Rhythm

Disorders of cardiac rhythm, also known as arrhythmias, can occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate the heart's beats don't work properly. This can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Some common types of arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation.

Treatment

Treatment for disorders of cardiac rhythm can include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, procedures such as cardiac ablation or the implantation of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

See Also

• Electrocardiogram
• Heart disease
• Cardiology