Cardiac Arrhythmias in the ER setting
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are deviations from the normal electrical activity of the heart, leading to irregular heart rhythms. They can arise from abnormalities in impulse generation or conduction within the heart's electrical system. Arrhythmias are categorized based on their origin (atrial, ventricular, or supraventricular), rate (tachyarrhythmias for fast rate, bradyarrhythmias for slow rate), rhythms (regular and irregular). Diagnosing arrhythmias involves electrocardiography (ECG). Management strategies include medications, cardioversion or defibrillation. Understanding the pathophysiology and classification of arrhythmias is fundamental for clinicians to provide effective patient care