Final answer:
An irregularity in the heart's beating pattern, failing to maintain regular intervals, is known as an arrhythmia. There are various types of arrhythmias, diagnosed through methods like ECG, and they can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Treatment might involve the use of a defibrillator or pacemaker, based on the specific type and cause of the arrhythmia.
Step-by-step explanation:
A condition where the heart fails to beat at regular successive intervals is known as an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias may manifest as irregular heartbeats, which can be too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). These disorders are due to issues with the heart's electrical conduction system and can be classified into different types such as supraventricular tachycardias, ventricular arrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias, among others.
Tests like the electrocardiogram (ECG) and Holter monitor are crucial in diagnosing arrhythmias. Some heart arrhythmias may be asymptomatic, while others can have severe symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. In some cases, especially with ventricular fibrillation, immediate treatment with a defibrillator to deliver an electrical shock is necessary to restore normal heart rhythm.
Bradycardia can be a type of arrhythmia where the heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute. It could stem from inherent factors such as abnormalities in the SA or AV node, or external factors including metabolic or endocrine disorders, and may require a pacemaker or other interventions depending on the underlying cause.