What it means
A heart rhythm is described as regular or irregular and named from the ECG, for example normal sinus rhythm or 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 . An abnormal heart rhythm is an arrhythmiauh-RITH-mee-uhA heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.a- withoutrhythm regular beat-ia conditionFull entry (also called a dysrhythmia). Breathing also has a rhythm, which can be regular or irregular, as in Cheyne-Stokes breathing.
For the nurse
When a pulse feels irregular, count it for a full minute, ideally at the apex of the heart, and compare it with the monitor or an ECG.
At a glance
| Spanish | ritmo |
|---|---|
| Also written | rhythms |
Related terms
heart rate
How many times the heart beats per minute.
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.
dysrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.