Final answer:
The arrhythmia described in the question is called ventricular premature contraction (VPC) or ventricular extrasystole. It occurs when there is an early heartbeat originating in the ventricles, followed by a pause before the next cycle. VPCs can be caused by various factors such as stress, caffeine, or heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arrhythmia described in the question is called ventricular premature contraction (VPC) or ventricular extrasystole. It occurs when there is an early heartbeat originating in the ventricles, followed by a pause before the next cycle. VPCs can be caused by various factors such as stress, caffeine, or heart disease.
In a normal cardiac cycle, the electrical signal is initiated in the sinoatrial (SA) node, causing the atria to contract. The signal then reaches the atrioventricular (AV) node, where it pauses before spreading to the walls of the ventricles. In the case of VPCs, an additional, premature electrical impulse originates in the ventricles and interrupts the normal rhythm of the heart.
VPCs can be detected and diagnosed using an electrocardiogram (ECG). Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the arrhythmia, and may include lifestyle changes, medication, or medical procedures.