Lainearytmid

Lainearytmid (Estonian for wave arrhythmias) is a broad term used in cardiology to describe disturbances of heart rhythm that arise from abnormal propagation of electrical waves in the heart muscle. They encompass tachyarrhythmias and, less commonly, bradyarrhythmias, and are often organized by mechanism (reentry, triggered activity, ectopic pacemaker activity) and by location (supraventricular vs ventricular).

Common examples include atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, which involve rapid and irregular atrial wavefronts, as well as other atrial tachyarrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation are also described under this umbrella. In addition, premature atrial or ventricular contractions may be considered part of this category. Patients may experience palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or syncope, though some arrhythmias are asymptomatic.

Diagnosis relies on electrocardiography, with 12-lead ECG being central. Ambulatory monitoring (Holter or event recorders), echocardiography, and, in some cases, electrophysiology studies help further define the arrhythmia and its cause.

Management depends on the specific arrhythmia, its severity, and the patient’s underlying conditions. Acute care may require synchronized cardioversion for unstable tachyarrhythmias or defibrillation for pulseless ventricular arrhythmias. Long-term management includes rate control or rhythm control with medications or catheter ablation, anticoagulation when indicated (notably in atrial fibrillation) to reduce stroke risk, and, in some cases, device therapy such as pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Prognosis varies with the underlying heart disease and the type of arrhythmia.