Which term describes abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation as the most common type?

Which term describes abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation as the most common type?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Dysrhythmias
• C. CAD
• D. Pericarditis

Answer: (B)

Abnormal heart rhythms are called dysrhythmias. The heart’s electrical system normally coordinates a regular rhythm, but when signals are erratic or out of sequence, the heartbeat can be too fast, too slow, or irregular. Dysrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, which is the most common type. In atrial fibrillation, the atria beat chaotically and ineffectively, producing an irregular, often rapid pulse and an increased risk of stroke due to clot formation in the atria. The other terms refer to different cardiovascular problems: hypertension is high blood pressure, CAD is coronary artery disease, and pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around the heart. They describe conditions other than abnormal heart rhythms.

Abnormal heart rhythms are called dysrhythmias. The heart’s electrical system normally coordinates a regular rhythm, but when signals are erratic or out of sequence, the heartbeat can be too fast, too slow, or irregular. Dysrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, which is the most common type. In atrial fibrillation, the atria beat chaotically and ineffectively, producing an irregular, often rapid pulse and an increased risk of stroke due to clot formation in the atria. The other terms refer to different cardiovascular problems: hypertension is high blood pressure, CAD is coronary artery disease, and pericarditis is inflammation of the lining around the heart. They describe conditions other than abnormal heart rhythms.