What does arrhythmia refer to?

Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm, which can manifest as irregular, too fast, or too slow heartbeats. The heart is supposed to beat in a coordinated and rhythmic manner, ensuring an effective pumping of blood throughout the body. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to various health issues, as the heart may not be able to function optimally.

Understanding arrhythmias is crucial, especially in the context of drug recognition, as certain substances can cause or exacerbate these irregular heart rhythms. Recognizing signs of arrhythmia can aid in assessing a person's physiological state and potential substance influence, making it a key concept in the realm of drug recognition and evaluation.

The other options represent different physiological conditions: an increase in heart rate pertains to tachycardia, a decrease in blood pressure relates to hypotension, and rapid breathing is associated with tachypnea. Each of these conditions affects the body differently and do not accurately define arrhythmia.