ABSTRACT
Some dysrhythmias are immediately life-threatening; others may compromise cardiac function by reducing stroke volume, and increasing tachycardia and myocardial hypoxia. Dysrhythmias are usually symptoms of underlying problems, and may be acute or chronic. Chronic dysrhythmias (atrial fibrillation being especially common) should be controlled, but can rarely be reversed. Most acute dysrythmias should actively be reversed if possible, necessitating close haemodynamic monitoring and support. This chapter focuses on acute rather than chronic problems.
