Final answer:
Arrhythmia is a condition with an irregular heartbeat, possibly treated with a cardiac defibrillator to restore normal rhythm. Symptoms vary and diagnosis typically uses an electrocardiogram (ECG). Absence of normal ECG activity suggests a serious arrhythmia, affecting the heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia, also known as cardiac arrhythmia or heart arrhythmia, encompasses a variety of conditions where the heartbeat is irregular, either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia). In the presence of arrhythmia, a cardiac defibrillator can be used to deliver an electrical shock to the heart, helping to restore normal rhythm. This process, whether administered through controlled cardioversion or defibrillation, is crucial because arrhythmias can be life-threatening and lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or even sudden death.
Arrhythmias can cause symptoms like palpitations, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. However, some arrhythmias may be asymptomatic. Diagnosis often involves tools like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor to assess the heart's electrical activity. When an ECG shows the absence of normal electrical activity, a serious arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation, may be occurring, leading to a critically unstable heart rate or pulse.