Which two broad categories classify arrhythmias?

Arrhythmias can indeed be classified into two primary categories: tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias. Tachyarrhythmias are characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, typically exceeding 100 beats per minute. These can result from various causes, such as increased automaticity or triggered activity. On the other hand, bradyarrhythmias refer to a slower heart rate, generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute, which may result from issues in the heart's electrical conduction system or as a response to vagal stimulation.

Understanding these two broad categories is essential for diagnosing and managing arrhythmias effectively. Each category encompasses a range of specific arrhythmias and treatment strategies, tailored to the individual patient's needs based on the underlying mechanism of their heart rhythm disorder. This classification not only aids in clinical decision-making but also helps in predicting potential complications related to each arrhythmia type.

The other classifications, such as ischemic vs. non-ischemic or congenital vs. acquired, focus on different aspects and etiologies of arrhythmias rather than their intrinsic rate characteristics. Regular and irregular classifications deal primarily with the rhythm's pattern but do not encapsulate the rate aspect that defines tachyarrhythmias and brady