arrhythmia Flashcards
1
Q
What is an arrhythmia
A
Deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart
2
Q
What does digoxin do
A
- Increases vagal tone - slows the SA and AV node down
- Reduces refractory period of myocardium which makes the heart contract quicker which is not a good thing in arrhythmia
- Increases intracellular calcium
3
Q
What are the features of digoxin toxicity
A
- Nausea and vomiting
- Xanthopsia
- Bradycardia
- Tachycardia
- Arrhythmias
4
Q
What is the management of digoxin toxicity
A
- Stop digoxin
- If very high toxicity give digibind
5
Q
What is adenosines function and what is it used for
A
- Adenosine can bind to adenosine receptors in the AV node and slow the conduction through it
- Used to convert paroxsymal supraventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm
5
Q
Who should adenosine be avoided in
A
Asthmatics as it can cause bronchospasm
6
Q
What are the antiarrhythmic drugs
A
- Strong NA channel blockers : flecainide
- Beta blockers: atenolol or bisoprolol
- K channel blockers: amiodarone
- Calcium channel blockers: Diltiazem or verapamil
- Digoxin
7
Q
A
8
Q
What drugs should be started in atrial fibrillation
A
- Anticoagulation - thrombus can form due to atrial fibrillation in the right atria which can embolise and cause stroke
9
Q
Where in the heart is the thrombus formation in atrial fibrillation most commonly found
A
The right atrial appendage in the right atria
