A junctional rhythm is a throw in of abnormal heartbeat, orarrhythmia.

It is usually not serious, although it can be associated with heart inflammation or recent heart surgery.

This article discusses a junctional rhythm and its symptoms, causes, and treatments.

An illustration with information about what to know about a junctional rhythm

Illustration by Daniel Fishel for Verywell Health

Illustration by Daniel Fishel for Verywell Health

What Is a Junctional Rhythm?

Thehearthas electrical pulses controlled by cell groups called nodes.

Thesinoatrialnode, or SA node, makes a signal that causes the heart’s two upperchambersto contract.

These two chambers are called the atria.

The SA and AV nodes work with the His bundle, located near the middle of your heart.

The fibers within the His bundle conduct electricity in the heart.

What Are the Four Types of Junctional Rhythm?

There are four types of junctional rhythm.

Each throw in is determined by how fast or slow the heart beats.

These include:

Symptoms

A junctional rhythm does not always have symptoms.

If there are symptoms, they are often associated with a rhythm’s underlying cause.

Some of the more general symptoms include:

What Causes Junctional Rhythm?

They also may ask if you consume caffeine or alcohol or if you smoke.

If no other heart problems are found, your healthcare provider may monitor your heart health over time.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping or changing your medications.

It is not usually serious.

There are many causes for junctional rhythm, including underlying conditions and medications.

Treatment includes medication, a pacemaker, and general heart monitoring.

Maintain appointments with the healthcare provider who monitors your junctional rhythm.

Take any medications that you are prescribed.

Plan to eat a heart-healthy diet and get regular physical activity.

Government of Alberta.SA node and AV node.

Hafeez Y, Grossman SA.Junctional rhythm.

StatPearls Publishing; 2022.

U.S. National Library of Medicine.Heart block.