Arrythmias

Question 1

describe electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

Answer 1

electrical cardioversion may be done early in the process to stop the atrial fibrillation and put the heart back into normal sinus rhythm

Question 2

does electrical cardioversion cure atrial fibrillation

Answer 2

no

Question 3

describe normal sinus rhythm

Answer 3

it is the characteristic rhythm of the healthy human heart,

it is the rhythm that originates from the sinus node

Question 4

what will varying normal sinus rhythm depend on

Answer 4

the rate in normal sinus rhythm will vary depending on autonomic inputs into the sinus node

Question 5

what is first degree heart block

Answer 5

it is a disease of the electrical conduction system of the heart, the PR interval is lengthened beyond 0.2 seconds

Question 6

what is second degree heart block

Answer 6

it is a disease of the electrical conduction system of the heart, it is diagnosed when one or more of the atrial impulses fail to conduct to the ventricle due to impaired conduction

Question 7

what is third degree heart block

Answer 7

it is complete heart block
it is a medical condition
the nerve impulse generated in the sinoatrial node in the atrium of the heart does not propagate to the ventricles

Question 8

what are the causes of atrioventricular block

Answer 8

ischaemic heart disease
infective diseases including Lyme disease and Chagas disease

cardiac sarcoidosis

aortic valve disease including endocarditis, calcific aortic stenosis

aortic valve surgery

hyperthyroidism

Question 9

what is supra-ventricular tachycardia

Answer 9

it is an abnormally fast heart rhythm that arises from improper electrical activity in the upper part of the heart

Question 10

what are the 4 main types of supra ventricular tachycardia

Answer 10

atrial fibrillation
paroxysmal supra ventricular tachycardia
atrial flutter
Wolff Parkinson white syndrome

Question 11

what is Wolff Parkinson white syndrome

Answer 11

it is an electrical abnormality in the heart that may be associated with supra ventricular tachycardia i.e. it may be associated with fast heart rate originating above the ventricles

Question 12

what is ventricular tachycardia

Answer 12

it is very fast heart rhythm that begins in the ventricles, it is a type of regular and fast heart rate that arises from improper electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart

Question 13

what might ventricular tachycardia result in

Answer 13

cardiac arrest and turn into ventricular fibrillation

Question 14

describe ventricular tachycardia

Answer 14

it is a pulse of more than 100 beats per minute with at least 3 irregular heartbeats in a row

Question 15

what is fibrillation

Answer 15

it is very rapid irregular contractions of the muscle fibres of the heart

Question 16

what does fibrillation result in

Answer 16

a lack of synchronism between heartbeat and pulse

Question 17

what is sinus tachycardia

Answer 17

it is a sinus rhythm with an elevated rate of impulses, it is defined as a rate greater than 100 beats per minute in an average adult

Question 18

what is sinus bradycardia

Answer 18

it is a sinus rhythm with a rate that is lower than normal, it is generally defined to be a rate of under 60 beats per minute

Question 19

what is sinus arrest

Answer 19

it is a medical condition, the sinoatrial node of the heart transiently ceases to generate electrical impulses that normally stimulate the myocardial tissue to contract and thus the heart to beat

Question 20

what is ectopic rhythm

Answer 20

it is an irregular rhythm due to premature heartbeat, the heart experiences an early beat

Question 21

what are 3 other ways ectopic rhythm can be referred to

Answer 21

premature atrial contraction
premature ventricular contraction
extrasystole

Question 22

what are atrial ectopic beats

Answer 22

atrial ectopic beats are problems in the electrical system of the heart, they are extra heartbeats caused by a signal to the atria from an abnormal electrical focus

Question 23

what are atrial ectopic beats also called

Answer 23

atrial premature beats and premature atrial contractions

Question 24

what are ventricular ectopic beats

Answer 24

extra heart beats originating from the ventricles, these beats are triggered by the hearts normal function

Question 25

what are ventricular ectopic beats

Answer 25

premature ventricular contractions

Question 26

what is atrial fibrillation

Answer 26

it is a heart condition that causes an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate

Question 27

what are causes of atrial fibrillation

Answer 27

high blood pressure
heart attacks
coronary heart disease
abnormal heart valves
congenital heart defects
an overactive thyroid
metabolic imbalance
exposure to stimulants

Question 28

what are symptoms of atrial fibrillation

Answer 28

often episodes of atrial fibrillation have no symptoms

however symptoms could include:
palpitations
weakness
reduced ability to exercise
fatigue
lightheadedness
dizziness
confusion
shortness of breath

Question 29

what are tests to diagnose atrial fibrillation

Answer 29

ECG
holter monitor
event recorder
ECHO
blood tests
stress test
CXR

Question 30

what are complications of atrial fibrillation

Answer 30

stroke

heart failure

Question 31

how can atrial fibrillation cause a stroke

Answer 31

in atrial fibrillation, the chaotic rhythm may cause blood to pool in your heart’s atria and form clots

Question 32

what may doctors use to correct atrial fibrillation

Answer 32

cardioversion to set the heart to sinus rhythm