Atrial Arrhythmias Flashcards
Wandering Atrial Pacemaker (WAP)
Natural pacemaker shifts to latent pacemaker sites (SA to AV junction & back to SA node) Common in athletes, geriatric, children, dig toxicity Happens while exercising or sleeping Does not require treatment
Wandering Atrial Pacemaker (WAP) Tracing
Noticeable change in P wave PR interval varies QRS complex normal Rate normal but rhythm irregularity
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT)
Caused by increased impulses sent from atria to ventricles 100+bpm Different areas in atria release impulses simultaneously Confused with A-fib, but MAT has visible P wave Caused by CAD, HF, valvar heart disease, DM, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, azotemia, sepsis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, post-op state
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) Tracing
3+ different P waves PR interval varies QRS complex normal but rhythm irregular
Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)
Electrical impulse released earlier than expected impulse of SA node Caused by stress or stimulants, HTN, MI, valve disorder, electrolyte imbalance sx: “fluttering” sensation
Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) Tracing
Present, but irregularly shaped, P waves PR interval varies QRS complex normal
Atrial Tachy
Electrical impulse generated in atrial chambers rather than SA node SA node overriden sx: palpitations, syncope, dyspnea, fatigue
Atrial Tachy Tracing
P waves different shape
Short PR interval less than 0.12 sec
Supraventricular Tachy
Heart rhythm originates in ventricle or AV node
Triggers: heart disease, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, stress
May lead to heart failure
Two main types of Supraventricular Tachy
Atrioventricular nodal reentral tachy (AVNRT)
Atrioventricular reciprocating tachy (AVRT)
Supraventricular Tachy Tracing
P waves difficult to see (buried in T waves)
PR interval can’t be measured
QRS interval normal
Regular heart beat
Atrial Flutter
Atria release impulses 250-400x/minute
Not all impulses conducted to ventricles = therapeutic block at AV node
Heart fails to pump ample blood supply
Atrial Flutter Tracing
P waves sawtooth
PR interal varies
QRS normal
Atrial Fibrillation
Irregular, rapid, uncoordinated twitching of atrial cardiac muscle
Atrial Fibrillation Tracing
Absence of P waves
No PR interval
QRS complex normal
Rhythm irregular