Atrial Arrhytmias Flashcards
What is atrial fibrillation?
automatic foci firing- fibrotic remodeling of atria- rapid uncoordinated atrial contractions usually higher than 300-600 beats per min– eventually rapid ventricular response
How to tell if its irregular rhythm?
between the RR intervals it will be unequal and there is no p wave
irregularly irregular rhythm, absence of P waves, palpitations, tachycardia, shortness of breath: what cardiac condition?
atrial fibrillation
What are the causes of atrial fibrillation?
cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, mitral stenosis, increased sympathetic tone.
Which are the diastolic murmurs?
mitral stenosis and aortic regurg
What are the complications of the atrial fibrillation?
embolic atrial appendage, pulmonary edema, ventricular tachycardia
How does the emboli form in atrial fibrillation?
because the blood isnt contracting in right way
What are some ways to control atrial fibrillation?
rate control and rhythm control.
What is rate control
b blockers and CCbs, digoxin (2nd line)
What is the rhythm control?
class IC, and class III, amiodarone.
Where do you do the ablation?
left atrium (pulmonary vein ostia)
persistent a fib–> must use AV node (right atrium) cut the circuit
What is atrial flutter?
re entry in right atrium
saw tooth of P wave, regular rhythm, tachycardia, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations- which heart condition
atrial flutter
What causes atrial flutter?
same factors which cause atrial fibrillation
Where do you ablate atrial flutter?
re-entrant circuit right atrium (IVC, tricuspid annulus, fossa ovalis)
