Arrhythmias Presentation Flashcards
what is 1st degree heart block
split second delay in the time it takes the electrical impulses to move through the AV node, usually benign
what may an ECG of first degree heart block show
prolonged PR interval
what is 2nd degree heart block
series of increasing delays in the time it takes the AV node to send the pulse to the ventricle, this will eventually lead to theheart skipping a beat
2nd degree heart block can be further split up into what two types
asymptomatic
symptomatic
what man an ECG of 2nd degree heart block show
non conductive P wave
what is 3rd degree heart block
no transmission of electrical impulses between the atria and the ventricles through the AV node - AV dissociation
What is atrial fibrillation
problem with the electrical signaling in the atria and this results in a fast irregular heart beat.
how common is Afib
most common rhythm disorder, many of the population has benign A-fib
what is the aim of A-fib treatment
to restore normal sinus rhythm
what are the ways normal sinus rhythm can be restored in A fib
pharmacological
electrically by cardioversion
what medication might be given to patient with A-fib to stop thrombus formation
anti-coagulant e.g Warfarin or heprin
what is the difference between Atrial fib and Atrial flutter
atrial flutter is still rapid but organised
atrial fib is disorganised and rapid
what may the P waves look like on an ECG with atrial fib
a saw tooth pattern - as the atria keeps firing so lots of P waves.
what is supraventricular tachycardia
abnormally high heart rate at more than 100bpm at rest
what can cause SVT
genetic
structural
coronary artery disease
what is the pathology of SVT
usually a re-entry circuit involving the AV node or an accessory pathway that permits electrical conduction between the atria and the ventricles
what arrhythmia can be terminated by the valsalva manoeuvre
SVT
what medication can be given to treat SVT
adenosine -can block the AV node and break the circuit stopping the arrhythmia
define Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
condition present at birth where heart beats abnormally fast for periods of time, due to an extra electrical connection in the heart between the atria and the ventricles -causes rapid hear beat
define ventricular tachycardia
3 or more broad QRS complexes (bigger than 3 small boxes) occurring at a rate of >120bpm, with the heart beat originating in the ventricles
what is the cause of VT
coronary artery disease
conditions that cause structural damage to the ventricle s
what is ventricular fibrillation
ventricle fibrillation is never associated with cardiac out put sufficient to preserve consciousness. ventricle rhythm will be chaotic
what must you do in VF
reverse sinus rhythm- cardioversion IMMEDIATELY
what is ventricular fibrillation usually caused by
IHD- ventricle cells are deprived of oxygen
