Arrhythmias (Cardiac Diseases)

Question 1

arrhythmias

Answer 1

• abn impulse generation or conduction
• abnormality in specialized cardiac muscle cells
• alters cardiac cycle (CO and perf impacted)

Question 2

etiology

Answer 2

• myocardial ischemia
• congenital birth defects (openings in septum)
• MI (irreversible)
• stimulant drugs (esp recreational drugs)
• fluid-electrolyte imbalance

Question 3

atrial flutter

Answer 3

• rapid, regular rhythm
• atrial tachycardia = up to 300bpm
• ventricular tachycardia = about 150bpm
• usually 2:1 ratio

Question 4

atrial fibrillation

Answer 4

• spontaneous contraction, but irregular rhythm
• chaotic and uncoordinated contractions
• atrial contract ineffective (lack rhythm)
• atrial rate of approx 300-600bpm
• ECG changes: longer space b/w QRS complex
• irregular rapid ventricle rate (approx 80-180bpm)

Question 5

heart block

Answer 5

• SA node fires, but the passage of electrical impulse from atria to ventricle blocked (either no conduction or its abn)
• not a blockage of blood flow
• 3 degrees

Question 6

1st degree heart block

Answer 6

• delayed conduction, regular rhythm (minor problem)

- results in inc P-R interval (period of atrial depolarization and contraction)

Question 7

2nd degree heart block

Answer 7

some AP goes to ventricle, some doesn’t (intermittent failure of conduction)

Question 8

3rd degree heart block

Answer 8

• no conduction (no AP passes)
• part of ventricle sets space instead of SA node
• both vent and atria set own paces and rhythm = not synchronized