9. b. Arrhythmias Flashcards
Name 2 bradyarrhythmias
Sick sinus syndrome: SA node malfunction
Heart block: AV node malfunction
How can sick sinus syndrome be seen on an ECG?
Missed beats
How can heart block be seen on an ECG?
PR interval bigger than 1 box
Which ECG leads is the P wave best seen in?
2, 3, AVF, V1
How should heart block be managed?
Treat the underlying conditions
Discontinue drugs that reduce heart rate
Atropine or dopamine in unstable patients
Pacemaker in complete block
What does paroxysmal mean?
Short burst
What does a sustained tachycardia mean?
Lasts longer than 30 seconds
Requires intervention to stop
What does a non-sustained tachycardia mean?
Less than 30 seconds
Will self-terminate
What does a recurrent tachycardia mean?
Occurs periodically
More time non-tachycardic than tachycardic
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrium is beating 400-600 BPM
Irregularly irregular conduction to AV node
How can atrial fibrillation be seen on an ECG?
No distinct p waves
QRS usually narrow
May have fibrillatory waves: baseline is jagged
What are the cornerstones of atrial fib management?
Avoid a stroke Control symptoms (rate and rhythm Reduce CV risks
What score is used to stratify the risk of stroke in non-valvular atrial fib?
CHADS2VASc
What drugs are given in non-valvular atrial fib?
Warfarin or DOACs
What is valvular atrial fib?
Atrial fib with mitral stenosis or an artificial valve
What drug is given in valvular atrial fib?
Warfarin to avoid thromboembolism from valves