Here you will find an overview of common medical terms used in heart care.
First-degree AV block is a form of AV block characterized by a delayed transmission time between atrium and ventricle.
In second-degree AV block, not all electrical signals from the atrium are transmitted to the heart’s ventricles. There are two types: Wenckebach and Mobitz. In Mobitz type, only every second or third electrical impulse is transmitted via the AV node, while the impulses in between are not. In Wenckebach type, the transmission slows from impulse to impulse until one is completely dropped.
In third-degree AV block, electrical impulses from the atrium are completely interrupted before reaching the ventricles. The ventricles then rely on their own electrical impulses. This typically leads to a significantly slower heart rate, often between 20 and 30 beats per minute.
The part of the heart connected to the ventricle via the heart valve, where blood flows in first; also called the atrial chamber.
When the heart gets out of rhythm. There are various causes for this.
Beta blockers, or more precisely beta receptor blockers, are medications used to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Every second heartbeat is an extrasystole.
A blood clot (thrombus) is a lump of blood formed by coagulation.
Anticoagulant medications are often referred to as „blood thinners,“ although this is not entirely accurate. Anticoagulants do not make the blood thinner but reduce its ability to clot.
Bradycardia is usually not a cause for concern. Under normal conditions, up to 2000 of these “pauses” can occur within 24 hours without causing any issues. If your heart beats so slowly that the time between two beats exceeds 2.5 seconds, we note this as a pause.
The electrical impulse from the atrium is transmitted to the ventricles via two main pathways: the left and right bundle branches. If there’s an interruption in one of these, it’s called a bundle branch block.
This refers to two extrasystoles occurring consecutively (SVES couplet, VES couplet).
ECG stands for electrocardiogram and refers to a diagnostic method that records the heart’s electrical activity. The heart’s activity is measured via electrodes and shown in curve form. This allows doctors to assess whether the heart is functioning normally.
A long-term ECG with the ritmo device records for up to 72 hours.
Features analyzed during a long-term ECG:
In addition to atrial fibrillation, we examine 21 other parameters:
- AV block
- Bigeminy
- Bradycardia
- Couplet
- Escape rhythms
- Extrasystole
- Average heart rate
- HRV: Heart rate variability
- Minimum heart rate
- Maximum heart rate
- Night-time drop
- Pauses
- Salvos
- Bundle branch block
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
- SV runs
- Sinus arrest
- Tachycardia
- Trigeminy
- Triplet
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
If the heart’s normal pacemaker system fails, the heart muscle can continue to beat using its own rhythm. This rhythm is usually slower but can maintain organ function. These rhythms can be brief.
(Ventricular, Supraventricular)
An extrasystole is an extra heartbeat originating either in the atria (supraventricular) or the ventricles (ventricular). This results in extra beats that patients often perceive as palpitations or skipped beats. While atrial extrasystoles are generally harmless, the cause of frequent ventricular extrasystoles should be investigated.
Heart rate (or pulse rate)
is the number of heartbeats per minute.
Average Heart Rate
This value describes the average heart rate over the monitoring period. It varies by individual and is influenced by, among other things, the tone of the autonomic nervous system.
HRV: Heart Rate Variability
The HRV-SDNN value is a standard heart rate variability index. It reflects the overall variability of the heartbeat. It helps assess how well the autonomic nervous system regulates the body. In cardiology, it’s a key parameter for evaluating the course of a disease, e.g., after a heart attack.
Minimum Heart Rate
This value indicates the lowest heart rate measured during the monitoring period. If there are no arrhythmias, this lowest pulse is usually recorded at night.
Maximum Heart Rate
This value indicates the highest heart rate measured during the monitoring period. During physical or emotional stress, the pulse can rise to up to 160 beats per minute.
If no arrhythmias are present, the lowest heart rate is usually recorded at night, as the body shifts into “energy-saving mode.”
These rhythm disturbances are generally harmless. Up to 2,000 of these “skipped beats” can occur within 24 hours.
Psychosocial risk factors like stress, anxiety, or depression affect cardiovascular disease and should be considered in both diagnosis and treatment.
The pulse felt at the wrist usually corresponds to the heart rate per minute.
A group of consecutive ventricular extrasystoles is referred to as a salvo
A stroke (apoplexy, cerebral infarction) is a sudden disruption of blood flow in the brain. It requires immediate medical attention!
The sinus node (the heart’s natural pacemaker located in the atrium) temporarily stops working, causing a pause in the heart rhythm.
This is a rapid heartbeat that originates in the atria.
If your heart beats in a rhythm faster than 80 beats per minute, it is referred to as tachycardic arrhythmia.
Three consecutive extrasystoles.
A rapid heartbeat originating in the ventricles. VT can occur in healthy individuals but may also indicate heart disease and potentially lead to serious arrhythmias. The heart should be evaluated further by a cardiologist.
Each half of the heart consists of one atrium and one ventricle—so the heart has four chambers in total.
Next Steps
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