Word parts
What it means
Any change from the heart's normal rhythm, which starts in the sinus node and beats 60 to 100 times a minute in an adult. It means the same thing as arrhythmiauh-RITH-mee-uhA heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.a- withoutrhythm regular beat-ia conditionFull entry , and both words are used. Examples are atrial fibrillationAY-tree-ul fib-rih-LAY-shunAn irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.atri/o atrium (upper heart chamber)fibrill/o small fibers, quivering-ation processFull entry , ventricular tachycardiaven-TRIK-yuh-ler tak-ih-KAR-dee-uhA fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles), usually over 100 beats per minute.ventricul/o ventricletachy- fastcardi/o heart-ia conditionFull entry and ventricular fibrillationven-TRIK-yuh-ler fib-ruh-LAY-shunA heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.ventricul/o ventricle-ar relating tofibrill small fiber, twitching-ation processFull entry . Some cause no symptoms; others cause palpitations, dizziness, fainting or a loss of pulse.
For the nurse
Check the pulse and the client together: a new rhythm on the monitor matters most when the client feels dizzy, has chest pain, a low blood pressure or no pulse. Low or high potassium and magnesium can cause dysrhythmias.
In a chart
"New irregular rhythm on telemetry; 12-lead ECG shows atrial fibrillation."
At a glance
| Spanish | arritmia |
|---|---|
| Also written | dysrhythmias, cardiac dysrhythmia, cardiac dysrhythmias |
Related terms
dys-
A word beginning that means difficult, painful or not working normally.
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
electrocardiogram
A test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.
atrial fibrillation
An irregular heart rhythm in which the upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating in an organized way.
ventricular tachycardia
A fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles), usually over 100 beats per minute.