What does an irregular pulse indicate?

An irregular pulse indicates the presence of arrhythmia, which refers to an abnormal heart rhythm. In a healthy heart, the rhythm is usually steady, with consistent intervals between beats. When the pulse becomes irregular, it can signify that there is an issue with the electrical conduction system of the heart, leading to variations in the heartbeat. Arrhythmias can range from benign to serious and can affect how well blood pumps throughout the body.

Understanding arrhythmias is crucial, as they can lead to complications such as decreased cardiac output or increased risk of stroke. In clinical practice, recognizing an irregular pulse can prompt further evaluation and management, including possible diagnostic testing or treatment depending on the underlying cause. The other choices do not accurately reflect the meaning of an irregular pulse; for example, bradycardia and tachycardia are conditions of heart rate (slow or fast, respectively) but do not directly indicate irregularity in rhythm.