Arrythmias Flashcards
What is the first line management for unstable tachycardias?
Synchronised DC shocks
Peri arrest, hypotension regardless of broad complex, narrow complex or atrial fibrillation
What’s the treatment for stable patient with a broad complex tachycardia with a regular rhythm?
Loading dose amiodarone followed by 24 hour infusion. (Lidocaine and procainamide are also options)
Regular BCT - Assume ventricular tachycardia unless previously confirmed SVT with bundle branch block.
What’s the management of a stable, broad complex tachycardia with an irregular rhythm?
1) AF with BBB - treat as narrow complex tachycardia
2) polymorphic VT (e.g. Torsade de pointe) - IV magnesium
What’s the management of a stable, narrow complex tachycardia with an irregular rhythm?
Probably AF
1) onset <48 hours electrical or chemical cardioversion
2) >48 anticoagulation and rate control eg B-blocker or digoxin
In which patients should you be wary of when prescribing either B-blockers, flecanide or digoxin?
BB - asthmatics
Flecanide - structural heart problems
Digoxin - renal problems
What’s the management of a stable, narrow complex tachycardia with a regular rhythm?
Vagal manoeuvres followed by IV adenosine
In the management of narrow complex tachycardia with regular rhythms, what dose of adenosine do you give?
Initially 6mg, followed by 12mg, followed by another 12mg
Whats a long QT interval and what can it lead to?
> 430(males) and >450(females)
Causes delayed depolarisation of the ventricals and can lead to VT, sudden collapse or death.
Causes of a long QT interval?
Congenital - Jerrell-Lange-Nielsen syndrome(inc. deafness). Romano-ward syndrome. (No deafness)
Drugs - amiodarone, sotalol, class 1a antiarrthymic drugs, TCA, SSRIS, haloperidone, erythromycin, methadone,
Other - electrolytes, ⬇️K+,⬇️ca2+ ⬇️mg2+, acute MI, myocarditis, hypothermia, Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Signs indicating unstable/ peri-arrest arrthymias
Shock (hypotension <90), pallor, sweating, cold, clammy,confusoin)
Syncope
Myocardial ischaemia
Heart failure
What’s used for pharmacological cardioversion of AF?
Flecanide or amiodarone
Not flecanide in structural or ischemic heart disease.
What are the main 2 types of VT?
Monomorphic- caused by MI
Polymorphic - Long QT precipitates torsades de pointes
What are the main electrolytes causing VT?
Hypokalamia
Hypomagnesiumia
Which AF patients would you NOT cardiovert (rhythm control)?
Those with AF over 48 hours, as clot will likely to have formed and this can cause a stroke.
Need anticoagulant first.
Generally older people over 65 have rate control. Eg BB or CCB
What does CHA2DS2VAS stand for?
Congestive heart failure Hypertension Age >75 (2) Age 65-74 (1) Diabetes Stroke or TIA (2) Vascular disease (IHD, PAD) Sex (female)
What is bifascicular block on ECG??
Combination of RBBB with left anterior or posterior hemiblock. (Left access deviation)