arythmogenic

Arrhythmogenic is an adjective used to describe conditions or factors that cause or are associated with arrhythmias. An arrhythmia is a disruption in the heart's normal rhythm. This can manifest as a heart beating too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Arrhythmogenic causes can be inherited, acquired, or idiopathic (unknown). Inherited causes include genetic mutations affecting the ion channels or structural proteins of heart muscle cells, leading to conditions like arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) or certain inherited channelopathies such as Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome. Acquired arrhythmogenic factors include heart disease such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). Electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium and magnesium, can also be arrhythmogenic. Certain medications, recreational drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt normal heart rhythm and are therefore considered arrhythmogenic. Environmental factors like stress and severe illness can also contribute. Identifying arrhythmogenic factors is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiac arrhythmias.