10. Arrhythmias Flashcards
1
Q
What is the normal resting HR?
A
60-100 bpm (varies according to physical fitness)
2
Q
What are the terms used to describe abnormally slow or fast heart rate?
A
- bradychardia (<60 bpm)
- tachycardia (>100 bpm)
3
Q
What is the difference between ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia?
A
- ventricular = tachycardia originates in ventricles
- supraventricular = tachycardia originates in atria or atrio-ventricular conduction system
4
Q
What can ventricular tachycardia lead to?
A
ventricullar fibrillation
5
Q
What is ventricular fibrillation and why is it a medical emegency?
A
Impulses from numerous ectopic sites in ventricular muscle… abnormal, chaotic, fast ventricular depolarisation… no co-ordinated contraction - ventricles quiver… no CO… cardiac arrest.
