Arrhythmias Flashcards
What is an arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is a deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart
How can an arrhythmia be diagnosed ?
On an ECG
Name one type of arrythmia which is not harmful to have ?
Ectopic beats
What treatment can be given to someone with ectopic beats ?
BB
Name the two broad classifications of arrhythmias
Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Name the types of bradycardia
1st, 2nd and 3rd degree heart block
Name the types of tachycardias
Supraventricular arrythmia such as atrial fibrillation and SVT.
Ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.
What is 1st degree block ?
1st Degree block is where there is a increased time between the p wave and the QRS complex
What is 2nd degree block ?
2nd Degree block is where there is an increasing time between the p wave and the QRS complex. There are two types. Mobitz type 1 is where there is progressive PR interval until the sixth P wave fails. Here P-P interval remains constant. In Mobitz type 2 the 2nd and 8th P waves are not conducted and P-P interval remains constant.
Which P waves are missed in Mobiz type 1 ?
6
Which P waves are missed in Mobiz type 2 ?
2 and 8
What is 3rd degree heart block ?
3rd Degree block is where there is no relationship between the P wave and the QRS complex. Note that the P waves are still regular.
What is atrial flutter?
Atrial flutter is where there are depolarisations which are occurring too quickly. Common symptoms include palpitations, dyspnoea and dizziness. It has a good prognosis and often there is no treatment. If it is occurring very often then catheter ablation can be considered.
What is atrial fibrillation ?
Atrial fibrillation is where the p wave is missing. This is especially clear on V1.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation ?
Common symptoms are palpitations, dyspnoea, chest pain and fatigue though there may be no symptoms.
