Antiarrhythmics I Flashcards
what are the PQRST waves in an ECG?
P: atrial activation Q: his, BB, septum activation R: ventricular (left) activation S: late ventricular (right) activation T: ventricular repolarization
what is a U wave?
purkinje repolarization. caused by ypokalemia. hyperkalemia will shorten the QT interval and sharpen the T wave
what is a J wave?
occurs during ST segment. Caused by hypothermia and hypocalcemia (decreases QT interval). Hypercalcemia will Increase QT interval.
what causes ST segment elevation?
caused by transmural infarct or coronary vasospasm. (prinzmetal angina)
what causes ST segment depression?
subendocardial ischemia (exertional/stable angina)
enhanced normal automaticity
increased If, reduced Ik1, cytosolic Ca overload
triggered activity aka abnormal automaticity
can be an EAD or DAD (early afterdepolarizations, or delayed afterdepolarizations).
EADs
develop during phases 2-3. Decreased K currents in Phase 3. Increased late sodium current, increased Ica currrent in phase 2
DADs
develop during phase 4 (resting, diastole). Decreased K current. Increased diastolic Na and Ca influx.
prerequisite conditions for Reentry (re-excitation)
unidirectional block. slow conduction. Conduction time > refractory period.
where does reentry prefer?
tissue heterogeneity. gap junction coupling. fibrosis. extrasystoles.
major determinants of conduction velocity
cardiac sodium current. length constant. fibrosis. cell size. cell membrane capacitance
bradycardia
abnormally slow heart rate. may be caused by depressed impulse formation, impaired impulse conduction, excessive vagal tone, hyperkalemia, hypothyroidism, medications.
sick sinus syndrome
disease of the SA node. occurs in elderly people. sometimes due to occulsion of the SA artery. may be caused by meds. may require pacemaker.
1st degree atrio-ventricular block
prolonged PR interval. 1:1 P wave:QRS complex association
2nd degree AV block
not every P wave is followed by a QRS complex. Mobitz type I: PR interval progressively prolongs until a beat is dropped. Mobitz type II: PR interval is constant. (need pacemaker)
3rd degree AV block
complete AV block. no consistent PR interval, ventricular pacemaker evident. Need pacemaker to live.
mechanisms for tachycardia
accelerated automaticity. triggered activity. abnormal conduction. action potential inhomogeneity. Abnormal conduction structures. accessory pathways. dual AV node pathways.