Ventricular rhythm is a medical term that refers to an abnormal heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers of the heart. The correct spelling of this term is /vɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər ˈrɪðəm/. The first syllable, "ven," is pronounced with an "e" sound as in "bed." The "tri" is pronounced with a short "i" sound as in "sit." The emphasis is on the second syllable, "tri." The final syllable, "lar," is pronounced with an "a" sound as in "car." The "rhythm" is pronounced as it is spelled.
Ventricular rhythm is a term used in cardiology to describe the pattern of electrical impulses that regulate the contraction of the heart's lower chambers, known as the ventricles. The ventricles are responsible for pumping blood to the body's organs and tissues.
In a normal heart, the sinoatrial (SA) node serves as the natural pacemaker, initiating electrical signals that travel through the atria (the heart's upper chambers) and reach the atrioventricular (AV) node. From there, the impulses pass to the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood.
However, in certain cardiac conditions or abnormalities, the normal electrical pathway may become disrupted or altered. This can result in a ventricular rhythm, which is characterized by irregular or abnormal electrical signals originating from the ventricles instead of the SA node.
Ventricular rhythms can have various causes, including heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, medications, or a malfunction in the heart's conduction system. These abnormal rhythms can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the specific pattern and underlying cause.
Common types of ventricular rhythms include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Ventricular tachycardia is characterized by rapid, regular heartbeats originating from the ventricles, while ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic pattern of irregular and uncoordinated electrical signals. Both conditions can lead to inadequate blood flow, decreased cardiac output, and potentially cardiac arrest if left untreated.
Managing ventricular rhythms often involves interventions such as medications, electrical therapy (defibrillation or cardioversion), or implantable devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is crucial in improving the patient's overall cardiac function and reducing the risk of
Noting the very slow ventricular contractions occurring in cases of heart-block.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ventricular" derives from the Latin word "ventriculus", meaning "little belly" or "cavity". In anatomy, it refers to a chamber or cavity within an organ, particularly in the context of the heart.
The term "rhythm" comes from the Greek word "rhythmos", meaning "movement, flow, or measure". In medicine, it generally refers to the regular or irregular heartbeat pattern or the sequence of cardiac contractions.
Therefore, the term "ventricular rhythm" combines the Latin "ventricular" with the Greek "rhythm" to describe the specific pattern or sequence of contractions of the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart.