Final answer:
Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart beats irregularly, which may be too slow, too fast, or with extra beats. Diagnosed with devices like the ECG, treatment can include artificial pacemakers or defibrillators, especially when the condition is severe or life-threatening.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnostic term arrhythmia refers to a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular—either too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or with extra beats. A normal heartbeat is known as sinus rhythm, which is produced when electrical signals travel in a specific pattern from the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node, through the atria, and then to the ventricles. Various tests, like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or a Holter monitor, are used to diagnose arrhythmias, and in severe cases, treatment may involve the use of artificial pacemakers or defibrillators.
Normalizing heart rhythm in cases of chronic arrhythmias may involve the implantation of an artificial pacemaker that delivers electrical impulses to ensure the heart contracts and pumps blood effectively. In emergencies, a cardiac defibrillator can be used to 'reboot' the heart with an electrical shock. Treatment options vary based on the type of arrhythmia and its severity, which can range from benign with no symptoms to potentially life-threatening conditions that could lead to stroke, heart failure, or sudden death.