What does arrhythmia refer to?

Arrhythmia refers specifically to an abnormal heart rhythm, which can manifest in various forms, such as irregular heartbeats, too fast or too slow heart rates, or variations in the rhythm of the heartbeat. The heart’s rhythm is determined by the electrical impulses that coordinate the heartbeats. When these impulses are disrupted, it leads to arrhythmias, which can result in feelings of palpitations or can be more severe, potentially requiring medical attention.

Understanding this definition emphasizes the heart's normal functioning, where rhythms are typically regular and consistent. The other terms in the choices relate to different cardiac or vascular conditions. For instance, an elevated heart rate is a separate condition known as tachycardia, while decreased blood pressure pertains to hypotension, neither of which directly describes the irregularity in heart rhythm that is characteristic of arrhythmia. Normal heart rhythm, on the other hand, would be the absence of any arrhythmias—highlighting that they are significant deviations from what is deemed normal.