Heart Rhythm Disorders Caused by Abnormalities in Electrical Conduction

Heart arrhythmias can be broadly classified into two categories: those caused by abnormal impulse formation and those resulting from conduction disturbances. A significant number of arrhythmias fall into the second group—those caused by impaired electrical signal transmission through the heart's conduction system.

Types of Arrhythmias Linked to Conduction Abnormalities

One of the most common conduction-related rhythm disorders is heart block, which includes various forms such as atrioventricular (AV) block, sinoatrial (SA) block, and intraventricular block. These conditions occur when electrical signals between the heart's chambers or within the ventricles are delayed or completely blocked.

In addition to heart blocks, several other rhythm disorders stem from abnormal conduction pathways. For example, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), one of the most frequently diagnosed arrhythmias, often develops due to the presence of dual conduction pathways or accessory electrical connections in the heart. These anatomical variations allow electrical impulses to re-enter parts of the heart, creating rapid and irregular heartbeats.

Diagnosing Conduction-Related Arrhythmias

Understanding which arrhythmias arise from conduction issues requires careful evaluation of the heart's anatomy and electrical mechanisms. While some conduction disorders can be clearly identified through standard electrocardiogram (ECG) testing, others require more advanced diagnostic techniques such as electrophysiological studies (EPS). These specialized procedures allow cardiologists to map the heart's electrical pathways and pinpoint the exact source of conduction disturbances.

Conduction abnormalities represent a substantial portion of clinically significant arrhythmias. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies, which may range from medication management to catheter ablation procedures targeting abnormal pathways.