20. Antiarrhythmics Flashcards
How can diuretics cause arrhythmias?
Change ion concentrations
How is the diagnosis of an arrhythmia made?
History and exam
ECG
Exercise testing
Holter, loop recorder and tilt table
What is WPW syndrome?
Bypass in conduction
May cause wide complex supra-ventricular tachycardia
How can WPW be seen on an ECG?
Short PR and delta wave
What is the most common arrhythmia in the eldery?
Atrial fibrillation
What is long QT syndrome?
AD
Causes life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
What other condition is long QT syndrome associated with?
Deafness
How is long QT syndrome treated?
Beta blocker
Left cardiac sympathetic denervation
ICD
What is Brugada syndrome?
AD
Causes ST elevation in right heart leads
Susceptible to ventricular tachycardia
How is Brugada syndrome treated?
ICD
Why are class 1 antiarrhythmics not used?
Very pro-arrhythmic with bad side effects
Name a class 1 a-c antiarrhythmic
a. quinidine
b. Lignocaine
c. Propafenone
How do the class 1 antiarrhythmics work and what arrhythmia are they used for?
Block fast Na channels
Mostly ventricular arrhythmias
What type of drugs are class 2 antiarrhythmics?
B blockers
Act on nodes
How do class 3 antiarrhythmics work?
Slow repolarisation and prolong action potential
Name a class 3 antiarrhythmic
Amiodarone
What kind of drugs are class 4 antiarrhythmics?
Ca channel blockers
Only treat SVT
Name a class 4 antiarrhythmic and describe how it works
Digoxin
Increases vagal activity, which slows conduction through AVN and bundle of His
What complications are related to ICDs?
Pneumothorax
Perforation
Bleeding
When is catheter ablation used?
In VT where there is an ectopic focus causing it
What complications are associated with catheter ablation?
Tamponade
Heart block
