Arrhythmias Flashcards
What sxs might be associated with a-fib?
-palpitations, SOB, dyspnea, dizziness, fatigue
What are the 3 goals in management of a-fib?
- control rate
- prevent thromboembolism
- correct to normal sinus rhythm, maintain
What is the goal of pharm therapy to control the ventricular rate in a-fib?
- slow the conduction velocity
- increase refractory period at AV node
What drugs can be used to control ventricular rate in a-fib?
- beta blockers
- non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
- digoxin and amiodarone are alternative choices
MOA of Non-Dihydropyridines in A-fib Rate Control
- work at AV node to decrease conduction velocity and increase refractory period
- slows down the ventricular rate
What CCB are used for a-fib rate control?
-non-dihydropyridines: diltiazem and verapamil
What must be monitored when using CCB for a-fib rate control?
- BP because diltiazem and verapamil are vasodilators
- signs of CHF due to negative inotropic effect
MOA of Beta Blockers in A-fib Rate Control
- block beta adrenergic receptors in heart
- decreased conduction at AV node and increased refractory period
What oral BBs are commonly used in a-fib rate control?
- atenolol
- metoprolol
What must be monitored when using BB for a-fib rate control?
- BP for HoTN
- bradycardia
- exacerbation of CHF
Adverse Effects of BBs in A-fib Rate Control
-CNS: fatigue, lethargy, depression, sexual dysfunction
MOA of Digoxin in A-fib Rate Control
-increases vagal tone to slow conduction at AV node
It is advantageous to use digoxin in 2 circumstances for a-fib control. What are they?
- pt HoTN: other agents reduce BP, dig has no effect on BP
- advantage in CHF exacerbation: other agents may decrease heart’s contractility
What must be monitored when using digoxin in a-fib rate control?
- HR, BP, electrolytes (for hypokalemia/magnesemia)
- rhythm for any new arrhythmias
- signs of toxicity: hallucinations, N/V, AV block
- serum level
MOA of Amiodarone in A-Fib Rate Control
- beta blocker and CCB to slow down heart rate
- also has anti-arrhythmic actions to convert a-fib
When is anticoagulation needed when converting a-fib to NSR?
-if a-fib 48 hours or unknown, anticoag is needed: 3 weeks of warfarin before cardioversion
What are some of the agents that can be used to convert a-fib to NSR?
- procainamide, quinindine
- propafenon, flecanide
- amiodarone
- ibutilide, dofetilide, sotalol
MOA of Procainamide/Quinindine/Disopyramide
- inhibit fast sodium channels
- decreases conduction velocity
- increases refractory time
- decreases automaticity