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

Normal and Abnormal Cardiac Rhythm Tutorial

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1. What controls the normal rhythm of the heart?  click here

2. How do autonomic nerves, circulating catecholamines, extracellular potassium concentrations, thyroid hormone, and hypoxia alter pacemaker activity?  click here

3. How do autonomic nerves, circulating catecholamines, cellular hypoxia, and drugs blocking sodium channels  alter conduction velocity within the heart?  click here

4. What are arrhythmias?  click here

5. Define each of the following types of arrhythmias:   click here
   a.    sinus rhythm
   b.    sinus bradycardia
   c.    sinus tachycardia
   d.    sick sinus syndrome
   e.    atrial tachycardia
   f.     atrial flutter
   g.    atrial fibrillation
   h.    junctional escape rhythm
   i.     AV nodal blocks - first, second and third degree
   j.     supraventricular tachycardia
   k.    ventricular premature beat
   l.     ventricular tachycardia
   m.   ventricular flutter
   n.    ventricular fibrillation

6. How can altered automaticity and conduction cause arrhythmias?  click here

7. What are early- and delayed-afterdepolarizations and what can cause them?  click here  

8. What are ectopic foci?  click here

9. Under what conditions and by what mechanisms can a non-pacemaker cell to become a pacemaker cell?  click here

10. What are reentry currents,  how can they lead to tachyarrhythmias, and how can changes in conduction velocity and the relative refractory period either precipitate or abolish reentry currents?  click here

11. What are the hemodynamic consequences of arrhythmias?  click here

 Revised 11/03/06

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

© 1999-2008 Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.