Which term describes a process of restarting the heart to eliminate an abnormal rhythm?

Study for the Cardiovascular Disorders Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a process of restarting the heart to eliminate an abnormal rhythm?

Explanation:
Defibrillation is the term that fits this description. It uses a controlled electric shock to depolarize a large portion of the heart muscle, which interrupts the chaotic electrical activity of dangerous rhythms like ventricular fibrillation. By momentarily resetting the electrical activity, the heart can resume a normal rhythm guided by the heart’s natural pacemaker. This concept is distinct from a thrombus (a moving clot of platelets), an aneurysm (ballooning of a weakened arterial wall), or angina (chest pain from myocardial ischemia).

Defibrillation is the term that fits this description. It uses a controlled electric shock to depolarize a large portion of the heart muscle, which interrupts the chaotic electrical activity of dangerous rhythms like ventricular fibrillation. By momentarily resetting the electrical activity, the heart can resume a normal rhythm guided by the heart’s natural pacemaker. This concept is distinct from a thrombus (a moving clot of platelets), an aneurysm (ballooning of a weakened arterial wall), or angina (chest pain from myocardial ischemia).

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