Arrhythmias

Question 1

what is an arrythmia

Answer 1

an abnormality in the cardiac rhythm, generated by abnormal electrical conduction usually by ectopic beats

Question 2

give some examples of supraventricular tachycardias (3)

Answer 2

atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ectopic atrial tachycardia

Question 3

give some examples of supraventricular bradycardias

Answer 3

sinus bradycardia, sinus pauses

Question 4

where do supraventricular arrhythmias originate from

Answer 4

originate from above the AV node

Question 5

describe the QRS complex in supraventricular arrhythmias

Answer 5

narrow complex

Question 6

describe the QRS complex in ventricular arrhythmias

Answer 6

broad complex

Question 7

give some examples of ventricular arrhythmias (4)

Answer 7

ventricular ectopic, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, asystole

Question 8

give some examples of AV node arrhythmias

Answer 8

AV re-entry tachycardia, AV block

Question 9

what is an ectopic beat

Answer 9

a beat that originates from somewhere other than the SA node

Question 10

what types of abnormal anatomy can cause arrhythmias (3)

Answer 10

left ventricular hypertrophy, accessory pathways, congenital heart disease

Question 11

describe different ways in which the autonomic nervous system can cause arrhythmias (2)

Answer 11

sympathetic stimulation(e.g. stress, exercise), increased vagal tone causing bradycardia

Question 12

describe different metabolic causes of arrhythmias

Answer 12

hypoxia(e.g. PE), myocardial ischaemia, electrolyte imbalances

Question 13

what other causes of arrhythmias are there, other than anatomy, ANS and metabolic

Answer 13

drugs, inflammation(e.g. myocarditis), genetic(e.g. long QT syndrome)

Question 14

describe what is meant by re-entry in reference to arrhythmias

Answer 14

requires more than one conduction pathway, with different speed of conduction