Arrhythmias Flashcards
What is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation?
sudden reoccurrence or intensification of symptoms, lasts <48hrs
What is permanent atrial fibrillation?
unable to restore normal sinus rhythm
What is the acute treatment for sinus bradycardia?
atropine
What are the causes of ventricular ectopics?
LV hypertrophy, heart failure, myocarditis, ischaemic heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, inherited cardiac conditions
What is the chronic treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
correct ischaemia - revascularisation, implantable cardiac defibrillator, catheter ablation
What is the treatment for 1st degree heart block?
no treatment, long term follow up
What is atrial flutter?
rapid and regular atrial tachycardia
What is the acute treatment for ventricular tachycardia?
unstable - direct current cardioversion, stable - anti-arrhythmic drugs, prepare for direct current cardioversion
What are the signs of Torsades de Pointes?
HR = 200-250bpm, irregular pulse
What is the treatment of ventricular fibrillation?
defibrillation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation
What is sinus tachycardia?
> 100bpm
What is the mechanism of atrial fibrillation?
ectopic foci in muscle sleeves in opening of pulmonary veins
What is a single chamber pacemaker?
paces RA or RV only
What is haemodynamic compromise?
hypotension, CHF, angina
What is 2nd degree heart block?
intermittent block - dropped beats
What are the triggers of ventricular tachycardia?
electrolyte imbalance, ischaemia, hypoxia, drugs that prolong QT interval
What is re-entry?
more than one conduction pathway with different conduction speeds
What is persistent atrial fibrillation?
lasts >48hrs
What are the ECG characteristics of Torsades de Pointes?
long QT interval, wide QRS, continuously changing QRS morphology
What is Mobitz II heart block?
usually 2:1 or 3:1
What is seen on an ECG of 1st degree heart block?
PR interval >0.2s