What does "dysrhythmia" refer to?

Dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm, which can manifest in several ways, including irregular heartbeat patterns or rates that deviate from the normal sinus rhythm. This can encompass both bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate) and tachycardia (a faster than normal heart rate), along with other irregularities in heartbeats. Understanding dysrhythmia is crucial for EMTs, as it helps in identifying potentially life-threatening conditions that may require immediate intervention, such as ventricular fibrillation or atrial fibrillation. Monitoring a patient's heart rhythm is a key part of assessing their cardiovascular status, and recognizing dysrhythmias is vital for effective emergency care.