dysrhythmias
Abnormal cardiac rhythms
Dysrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms—heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, or irregular.
The term is interchangeable with arrhythmias in medical usage, though dysrhythmia emphasizes the dysfunction rather than absence of rhythm.
The patient was monitored for dysrhythmias after the heart attack.
Dysrhythmias range from harmless palpitations to life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention.
Disorganized cardiac rhythm disorder
- bradycardiaAbnormally slow heart rate
- tachycardiaExcessively fast pulse
- fibrillationRapid irregular muscle contractions
- flutterRapid light movement
ectopic · heart block · ventricular fibrillation · asystole · paroxysmal · sustained · nonsustained
Heart's electrical activity record
- electrophysiologyBiology's electrical activity science
- echocardiogramUltrasound of the heart
- stress testEvaluating performance under strain
- P-waveLongitudinal seismic wave
Awareness of abnormal heartbeat
- syncopeTemporary loss of consciousness
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
- shortness of breathDifficulty inhaling enough air
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
lightheadedness · racing heart · skipped beats · fluttering · pounding · weakness · irregular pulse
Deviating from normal patterns
- erraticLacking regularity or consistency
- chaoticTotally without arrangement
- rapidMoving with haste
- slowLacking in speed
racing · quivering · fluttering · skipping · pounding · galloping · stuttering · uneven
Device regulating heartbeat
- defibrillatorHeart-shocking medical device
- cardioversionArrhythmia correction procedure
- ablationRemoval by cutting, melting
- antiarrhythmicCorrects abnormal heart rhythms
atrial fibrillation
Disorganized cardiac rhythm disorder
- bradycardiaAbnormally slow heart rate
- tachycardiaExcessively fast pulse
- fibrillationRapid irregular muscle contractions
flutter · ectopic · heart block · ventricular fibrillation · asystole · paroxysmal · sustained · nonsustained
electrocardiogram
Heart's electrical activity record
- electrophysiologyBiology's electrical activity science
- echocardiogramUltrasound of the heart
- stress testEvaluating performance under strain
palpitations
Awareness of abnormal heartbeat
- syncopeTemporary loss of consciousness
- dizzinessUnsteady, spinning sensation
- shortness of breathDifficulty inhaling enough air
fatigue · lightheadedness · racing heart · skipped beats · fluttering · pounding · weakness · irregular pulse
irregular
Deviating from normal patterns
slow · racing · quivering · fluttering · skipping · pounding · galloping · stuttering · uneven · sporadic
pacemaker
Device regulating heartbeat
- defibrillatorHeart-shocking medical device
- cardioversionArrhythmia correction procedure
- ablationRemoval by cutting, melting
antiarrhythmic · beta blockers · anticoagulants · radiofrequency · digoxin