Atrial Arrhythmias Flashcards
what are four common atrial arrhythmias?
- atrial flutter
- atrial fibrillation
- supraventricular tacycardia (SVT)
- premature atrial complexes (PACs)
what causes atrial arrhythmias
SA node fails to generate an impulse so atrial tissues or internodal pathways may initiate an impulse
define atrial flutter
coordinated rapid beating of atria leading to an atrial rate of 250-400bpm
normal p waves are replaced with flutter (f waves) in a sawtooth pattern
causes of atrial flutter
>60 valve disorder (mitral) thickening of the myocardium ischaemia cardiomyopathy COPD emphysema
management of atrial flutter
risk of clot formation so need heparin
reduced CO so cardiovert and procainamide
slow ventricular rate with diltiazem, verapamil, digoxin or beta blockers
define atrial fibrillation (AF)
uncoordinated electrical activity in the atria causes them to quiver without contracting
the ventricles do not receive regular impulses and contract irregularly
causes of AF
hypoxia hypertension CHF CAD dysfunction of SA mitral valve disorders RHD pericarditis hyperthyroidism excess alcohol or caffeine
management of AF
anticoagulation
rate control= digoxin, beta blockers and CCBs
if unstable then cardiovert
what is SVT?
abnormally fast heart rate that originates above the ventricles
>150bpm
P waves become hidden by QRS
causes of SVT
stimulants hypoxia stress over-exertion hypokalaemia atherosclerotic disease
management of SVT
risks heart failure if prolonged so vagal manoeuvres, adenosine and cardiovert if unstable
what are premature atrial complexes (PACs)?
ectopic beats originate in the atria
these are normal beats, just early
causes of premature atrial complexes (PACs)
healthy stress stimulants hypertension valvular conditions infection hypoxia
management of PACs
treat cause
beta blockers or CCB
