Cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

The electrical activation of heart muscle follows a precise and organized pathway which ensures that contraction and relaxation occur in an efficient way to support effective circulation. Arrhythmias result from an abnormal electrical activation of the heart which may lead to an abnormal rhythm and rate of the heart cycle. While some arrhythmias are benign and pose no significant cardiovascular compromise, others degrade the mechanical pumping activity and lead to hemodynamic compromise and, in some cases, to collapse and or death.