Arrythmia Flashcards
If etopic beats are troublesome, how can they be treated?
Beta blockers
If a patient has AF what 2 assessments can be carried out to assess risk?
CHADVASC + HASBLED
At what score on the CHADVASC would you consider treating?
more than or equal to 1
If a patient has a HASBLED of <1 can they be treated?
Yes. 0-1 can be anticoagulated
What score on the HASBLED tool is anticoagulation not suitable?
2
What 2 ways can AF be controlled?
Ventricular rate or attempting to restore sinus rhythm
Presentation of AF patient
Palpitation, fatigue, SOB, syncope, chest discomfort
What are 2 cardiac assessments to diagnose for AF
ECG + ECHO
When must emergency electrical cardioversion be offered?
if patient presents with life threatening haemodynamic instability
If a patient presents acutely without life threatening haemodyamic instability what type of treatment should be offered
if < 48 hours - Rate / rhythm
If > 48 hours - Rate preferred
If a patient is going to undergo cardioversion what drug options can be given IV
Amiodarone or Flecanide
What 2 drugs are used for urgent rate control?
IV beta blocker + verapamil
How long should a patient have been anticoagulated for if they have had AF >48 hours and are going to undergo cardioversion?
3 weeks
How long after cardioversion should a patient be anticoagulated for?
4 weeks
First line rate control drugs
Beta blocker + RL CCB (diltiaziem or verapamil)
In what patients is Digoxin consider for rate control?
Sedentary patients or if they have CHF + AF
Why is Digoxin only considered for sedentary patients or CHF in AF?
It is only effective for controlling ventricular rate at rest
Drug treatment post cardioversion
Beta blocker or oral anti-arrythmic
Examples of oral anti-arrythmics
Flecanide, Propafone, Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Soltalol
How many weeks prior to cardioversion can amiodarone be started?
4 weeks
How many months after cardioversion is amiodarone continued for?
12 months
If there is no ischaemic heart disease what 2 anti-arrhythmics cannot be given?
Flecanide or propafenone
What approach can be utilised in paraoxysmal AF?
Pill in pocket - with flecanide
What should be offered to all patients wiht new onset AF?
Anticoagulation
How is paroxysmal SV tacycardia treated?
Usually terminates spontaneously, if not give IV adenosine
Examples of Class 1 anti-arrthymics
1A: Quinidine
1B: Lidocaine, Mexiltene
1C: Flecanide, Propafenone
Examples of Class II anti-arrthymics
Beta blockers
Examples of Class III anti-arrthymics
Amiodarone, Soltalol, Dronedarone