Arrhythmias-Narrow Complex Tachycardias Flashcards
outline the classification of tachycardias
- narrow complex
- broad complex
what are narrow complex?
SVT’s
symptoms of SVT?
- dizziness
- palpitations
- chest pain
- collapse
define narrow complex
- rate >100bpm
- QRS width <120ms
what can SVT’s be
- focal
- re-entry
what are the types of focal SVT’s?
- Sinus tachycardia
- focus on SA node
- Atrial tachycardia
- heart’s electrical rhythm comes from an ectopic pacemaker in atria; hence a different focus in atria takes over from SA node
causes of sinus tachycardia?
numerous physiological causes…
- fever
- thyrotoxicosis
- hypotension
- hypoxia
- any form of stress
aetiology of atrial tachycardia?
- structural heart abnormality
- CAD
- lung disease
what is seen in atrial tachycardia on ECG?
abnormally shaped P waves
what are the types of re-entry tachycardias?
- atrial flutter
- atrial fibrillation
- atrio-ventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT)
- atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT)
what are the 3 main types of SVT?
- AVRT
- AVNRT
- Atrial tachycardia
pathophysiology of re-entry?
electrical signal re-enters atria from ventricles –> travels through AV node –> causes another ventricular contraction
essentially causes a self-perpetuating electrical loop without an end point & results in a fast, narrow complex tachycardia
describe AVRT and Rx of it
- electrical signal re-enters through accessory pathway - WPW
Rx:
- best initial treatment: electrical cardioversion
* curative option: ablation of pathway
what is contraindicated in patients with AVRT who develop AFib or Atrial Flutter?
AV node blockade, as by doing so you are encouraging use of accessory pathway & if there are fibrillatory waves from atria these can transmit to ventricles & cause VFib
describe AVNRT & Rx of it
- re-entry back through AV node
Rx:
AV node blockade
- mechanical
- carotid sinus massage, vasovagal maneouvres
- chemical
- adenosine
- beta blockers
- verapamil (CCB)