arrhythmia
Pronunciation: ah-RITH-mee-ah
An abnormal heart rhythm that may be too fast, too slow, or irregular.
Full Definition
An arrhythmia is any deviation from the normal heart rhythm, encompassing conditions where the heart beats too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Arrhythmias can range from benign and asymptomatic to life-threatening conditions requiring immediate intervention. In cardiac rehabilitation, arrhythmias present important safety considerations as exercise can potentially trigger or exacerbate abnormal rhythms. Common arrhythmias in rehabilitation patients include atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, and various degrees of heart block. Exercise protocols must include continuous rhythm monitoring, and staff must be trained to recognize and respond appropriately to arrhythmic events during exercise sessions.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over 'dysrhythmia' in most clinical documentation; specify type when known.
In Context
- "The patient developed a sustained arrhythmia during peak exercise, requiring immediate monitoring." — Exercise incident report
- "Antiarrhythmic medication was adjusted based on exercise-induced arrhythmia patterns." — Medication management note