Arrhythmias Flashcards
Arrhythmias present as
asymptomatic
palpitations
SOB
chest pain
embolism
Arrhythmias investigation
ECG (12 lead, 24 hour)
Blood tests (thyroid)
Echo
Arrhythmias therapy
Digoxin
beta blocker
Ca antagonist plus Warfarin (or aspirin)
Supra-ventricular tachycardia
AV-nodal re-entrant tachycardia
high HR in upper region of heart
Ventricular tachycardia symptoms
palpitations
dyspnoea
syncope
ventricular tachycardia is usually a result of
structural heart disease
indications for pacemaker
temporary - intermittent or sustain symptomatic bradycardia
permanent - symptomatic or profound 2nd/3rd degree AV block
What is an arrhythmia?
Any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart
Types of arrhythmia
sinus
supraventircular
ventricular
Supraventricular arrhythmias
atrial fibrillation
SVT
ventricular arrhythmias
ventricular tachycardia
ventricular fibrillation
there is a negative charge …… the cardiac cell in comparison to …… the cardiac cell
inside
outside
The movement of ions across the cardiac cells membrane results in propagation of an
electrical pulse
Vaugh Williams classification
drug used to treat arrhythmias
Class 1 vaugh willaims
membrane stabilising agents
Class II vaugh Williams
beta blockers (atenolol, disproval)
Class III
increase action potential duration
Class IV
Verapril
calcium channel blockers
Digoxin
Cardiac glycoside
inhibits sodium - potassium pump
Adenosine
slow conduction through the AV node
Digoxin unwanted side effect can often be
renal impairment
nausea and vomiting
Brady/tachycardia
Indications for anticoagulation
atrial fibrillation
DVT/PE
after surgery
drugs that increase warfarin activity include
aspirin
erythromycin
