Condition3 connections · 2 sources

Arrhythmia

Any deviation from the normal, coordinated electrical rhythm of the heart, resulting in irregular, too fast, or too slow heartbeats.

Key Facts

Normal heart rhythm is initiated by the sinoatrial node and travels through specialized conduction pathways.
Arrhythmias can be detected during routine physical exams via stethoscope auscultation.
They may cause symptoms like weakness, exercise intolerance, or sudden collapse depending on severity.
An electrocardiogram is necessary to identify the specific type and origin of the rhythm disturbance.
Some arrhythmias are benign, while others indicate serious underlying cardiac pathology.

Atrial fibrillation is a specific form of arrhythmia discussed in the article.

Structural heart disease is a common underlying cause of pathological arrhythmias in pets.

ECGs are the gold standard diagnostic tool for evaluating and classifying arrhythmias.