Arrhythmia Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of arrhythmias
A
- MI
- LV aneurism
- Pericarditis
- Mitral valve disease
- Aberrant conduction pathways
- Smoking, Caffeine, Drugs
- Metabolic imbalance
- Pheochromocytoma
2
Q
What drugs can cause arrhythmias
A
- B2-agonists
- Digoxin
- L-dopa
- Tricyclics
3
Q
What metabolic imbalances cause arrhythmias
A
- K+, Ca+, mg2+
- Hypoxia
- Hypercapnia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Thyroid diseases
4
Q
Presentation of arrhythmias
A
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Syncope/presyncope
- Hypotension
- Pulmonary oedema
Can be asymptomatic and incidental finding e.g. AF
5
Q
Hx for palpitations
A
- Precipitating factors
- Onset/offset
- Nature (fast/slow or irregular/regular
- Duration
- Associated symptoms
- Drug Hx
- FHx of cardiac disease
- PMHx
6
Q
Rx of arrhythmias
A
- If normal ECG during palpitations reassure patient
- Depends on type of arrhythmia
7
Q
Rx of bradycardic arrhythmia
A
-Atropine (if symptomatic/<40bpm)
8
Q
Rx for sick sinus syndrome
A
Pacing if symptomatic (?internal/external?)
9
Q
Rx for SVT
A
- Acute = vagotonic manoeuvres + IV adenosine
- Maintenance = B-blocker, Propranolol
10
Q
Rx for AF
A
-B-blocker, propranolol or -Digoxin or -Amiodarone
11
Q
Rx of VT
A
- Acute = IV Amiodarone, if no response/compromised DC shock
- Maintenance = Oral Amiodarone
12
Q
When can a permanent pacemaker be used
A
- Tachyarrhythmias
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Conduction disorders
