pharmacology 2/27/25 chapter 25

Dysrhythmia

Any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart.

Depolarization

The process leading to contraction of the heart, caused by the influx of sodium into the heart muscle cells.

Repolarization

The process leading to relaxation of the heart, characterized by the efflux of potassium from the heart muscle cells.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a minute; it can be disturbed by dysrhythmia.

Denervation Atrophy

Muscle wasting due to a lack of nerve stimulation, such as in paralyzed patients.

Antidysrhythmics

Medications used for treatment and prevention of disturbances in cardiac rhythm.

Arrhythmia

A condition characterized by an absence of rhythm, leading to asystole (unable to contract and eject blood).

Action Potential

A change in electrical potential that propagates along a cell membrane, essential for muscle contraction.

Resting Membrane Potential (RMP)

The electrical potential difference across a cell membrane when the cell is not stimulated.

Plateau Phase

A phase in cardiac action potential characterized by a delay in repolarization due to simultaneous calcium influx and potassium efflux.