Which term is used to describe an abnormal heart rhythm detected on an ECG?

Which term is used to describe an abnormal heart rhythm detected on an ECG?

• A. Arrhythmia
• B. Diastolic
• C. ECG
• D. Blood Pressure

Answer: (A)

An abnormal heart rhythm detected on an ECG is called an arrhythmia. The ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm, so when that rhythm is irregular, too fast, or too slow, we describe it as an arrhythmia. The other terms don’t fit because diastolic refers to a phase of the heartbeat cycle, not a rhythm; ECG is the test that records the rhythm, not the abnormal rhythm itself; and blood pressure measures the force of blood against the arteries, not the heart’s electrical rhythm.

An abnormal heart rhythm detected on an ECG is called an arrhythmia. The ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm, so when that rhythm is irregular, too fast, or too slow, we describe it as an arrhythmia. The other terms don’t fit because diastolic refers to a phase of the heartbeat cycle, not a rhythm; ECG is the test that records the rhythm, not the abnormal rhythm itself; and blood pressure measures the force of blood against the arteries, not the heart’s electrical rhythm.