Arrythmias

Question 1

Symptoms:

Answer 1

• Dyspnoea
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Embolism/syncope
• Fatigue

Question 2

Investigations:

Answer 2

• Blood tests to include: FBC, thyroid stimulating hormone, U+E and calcium levels
• ECG (12 lead, 24 hour recording)
• Echocardiogram

Question 3

Treatment:

Answer 3

• Beta blockers
• Calcium antagonist + Warfarin
• Digoxin
• Radio frequency ablation (destruction of tissue)

Question 4

Treatment:

Answer 4

• Beta blockers (slows heart rate)
• Calcium antagonist + Warfarin (or aspirin if low risk)
• Digoxin (cardiac glycoside - increases force of contraction)
• Radio frequency ablation (destruction of tissue)

Question 5

Treatment:

Answer 5

• Beta blockers (slows heart rate)
• Calcium antagonist + Warfarin (or aspirin if low risk)
• Digoxin (cardiac glycoside - increases force of contraction)
• Radio frequency ablation (destruction of tissue)
• Consider anticoagulation