An arrhythmia is a disorder of the heart rate (pulse) or heart
rhythm, such as beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow
(bradycardia), or irregularly. Abnormal heart rhythms;
Bradycardia; Tachycardia Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normally, your heart works as a pump that brings blood to the
lungs and the rest of the body. To help this happen, your heart
has an electrical system that makes sure it contracts (squeezes)
in an orderly way. - The electrical impulse that signals your
heart to contract begins in the sinoatrial node (also called the
sinus node or SA node). This is your heart's natural pacemaker.
- The signal leaves the SA node and travels through the heart
along a set electrical pathway. - Different nerve messages
signal your heart to beat slower or faster. Arrhythmias are
caused by problems with the heart's electrical conduction
system. - Abnormal (extra) signals may occur - Electrical
signals may be blocked or slowed - Electrical signals travel in
new or different pathways through the heart S