Arrhythmias - Pathophysiology, Presentation & Investigation

Question 1

Presentation:

Answer 1

• Palpitations
• Dyspnoea
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Asymptomatic
• Embolism
• Syncope

Question 2

Investigations:

Answer 2

• ECG (12 lead, 24 hour recording)
• Echocardiogram (to look for structural heart disease)
• Blood test especially thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Other tests include FBC, U&E, calcium levels

Question 3

Treatment:

Answer 3

• Beta blockers
• Digoxin
• Calcium antagonist + warfarin (or aspirin if low risk)
• Consider anticoagulation

Question 4

Supraventricular arrythmia description:

Answer 4

Abnormally fast heart rate due to improper electrical activity in the upper portion of the heart.

Question 5

Supraventricular arrythmia symptoms:

Answer 5

• Palpitations, dyspnoea, syncope/dizziness

Question 6

Supraventricular arrythmia has a good/bad prognosis.

Answer 6

Good

Question 7

Supraventricular arrythmia treatment:

Answer 7

• No treatment
• Drugs
• Radiofrequency ablation heart (RFA)