Palpitations intro

    Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

HOME

Search Contents

Keywords Tutorials

Topics:

Arrhythmias

Cardiac Valve Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Edema

Heart Failure

Hypertension

Peripheral Artery Disease

Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (200 5)

Arrhythmias - Introduction

"Palpitations" is a general term describing a strange throbbing or fluttering sensation within the chest. This sensation is often related to an irregular heart rhythm.

In order to understand irregular heart rhythms (i.e., arrhythmias), it is first necessary to understand the normal rhythm of the heart and the electrophysiological basis for this rhythm (i.e., membrane potentials and action potentials). Because arrhythmias are caused by electrical disturbances within the heart, arrhythmias are diagnosed by measuring the electrical activity using an electrocardiogram.

Click here to go to the Tutorial page that will systemically address the above topics.

RK Revised 04/06/07

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.