A rhythm produced below the sinus node is known as what type of rhythm?

A rhythm produced below the sinus node is referred to as a junctional rhythm. This type of rhythm occurs when the heart's electrical impulses originate from the atrioventricular (AV) node rather than the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart. When the SA node fails to initiate electrical impulses or when there's a block in the conduction pathway, the AV node takes over the pacemaking function to ensure that the heart continues to beat. Junctional rhythms typically feature a slower than normal heart rate, as the AV node generally fires at a rate between 40 to 60 beats per minute.

It's important to note that while other rhythms also originate from areas below the SA node, such as ventricular rhythms, the junctional rhythm specifically points to impulses arising from the AV junction area. This distinction is crucial because ventricular rhythms originate further down in the conducting system, which can lead to more severe electrical disturbances and are characterized by even slower rates and potentially more pronounced symptoms. Understanding these differences helps in the clinical setting to diagnose and manage various cardiac conditions effectively.