Supraventricular rhythms are defined as arrhythmias originating where?

Supraventricular rhythms are indeed defined as arrhythmias that originate above the level of the bundle branches, which includes areas such as the atria and the atrioventricular (AV) node. This is significant because arrhythmias originating in these regions can affect the heart's rhythm without involving the ventricles directly. The term "supraventricular" indicates that the origin of these arrhythmias is in the upper chambers of the heart, before the electrical impulse reaches the ventricles.

Understanding this is crucial for distinguishing between different types of arrhythmias and their potential impact on cardiac function. For instance, arrhythmias that begin in the atria, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, fall into this category, and they can often lead to different clinical implications compared to ventricular arrhythmias that begin at the level of the ventricles. This highlights the importance of recognizing the anatomical and functional distinctions in managing various arrhythmias effectively.