Arrhythmias

Question 1

What are the 5 main types of arrhythmia (clinically)?

Answer 1

Ectopic beats (atrial or ventricular)
AF
Atrial flutter
Supraventricular tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia

Question 2

Which arrhythmias are REGULAR?

Answer 2

ST
VT
Atrial flutter (UNLESS variable AV block)

Question 3

Which arrhythmias are IRREGULAR?

Answer 3

AF - irregularly irregular

Ectopic beats - usually isolated ‘missed beats’

Question 4

Which arrhythmias are FAST?

Answer 4

ST

VT

Question 5

Which arrhythmias are of VARIABLE SPEED?

Answer 5

AF & Atrial Flutter - usually fast, but can be normal depending on degree of AV block

Question 6

Which arrhythmia is of NORMAL SPEED?

Answer 6

Ectopic beats

Question 7

Pattern of ECTOPIC BEATS

Answer 7

Regularity: isolated ‘missed beats’
Pace: normal
Key features: Can be classified as ‘REGULARLY IRREGULAR’ if pattern is predictable

Question 8

Pattern of AF

Answer 8

Regularity: Irregularly irregular
Pace: Fast (depending on degree of AV block)
Key features: Often associated with SOB & FATIGUE

Question 9

Pattern of Atrial Flutter

Answer 9

Regularity: Regular (unless variable AV block)
Pace: Fast (depending on degree of AV block)
Key features: Classically present with VENTRICULAR RATE OF 150 bpm

Question 10

Pattern of SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Answer 10

Regularity: Regular
Pace: Fast
Key features: ABRUPT onset & termination

Question 11

Pattern of VT

Answer 11

Regularity: regular
Pace: Fast
Key features: Usually SYMPTOMATIC –> SOB, dizziness, syncope