What two factors primarily result in the deviation of electrical impulses in the heart?

The correct answer highlights the impact of hypertrophy and infarction on electrical impulse conduction in the heart. Hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the heart muscle, which can disrupt the normal electrical pathway, leading to delays or blockages in impulse transmission. This thickened muscle can strain the conduction system, altering the typical rhythm and rate at which the heart beats.

Infarction, or the damage caused by a loss of blood supply (often a heart attack), can lead to scarring within the heart tissue. This damaged area can act as a barrier to electrical signals, causing irregular rhythms or disturbances in conduction. Both hypertrophy and infarction are significant structural changes that affect how electrical impulses travel through the heart, making them primary contributors to deviations in cardiac rhythms.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of cardiac function. Arrhythmia and bradycardia are conditions related to rhythm but do not address underlying structural changes affecting impulse conduction. Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia refer to potassium level imbalances that can influence cardiac function but are not structural issues themselves. Finally, while coronary artery disease can impact heart function, when paired with arrhythmia, it doesn't specifically relate to the deviation of electrical impulses as directly as hypertrophy and