Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards
What is an arrhythmia
An abnormality in the pattern of rhythmic excitation
What is supra-ventricular arrhythmia?
Arise in av node
Distinguished by rate of discharge
Not life threatening
What is a Ventricular arrhythmia
Prevents contraction in ventricles
Stops pumping action
Very serious
What is atrial fibrillation
Uncoordinated atrial activity
Can promote blood status’s and coagulation
How does an AF ecg differ?
P waves are absent
QRS is irregular
What is meant by irregularly irregular QRS complexes?
Means it’s has no pattern at all
What is the mechanism of action of digoxin?
Has two mechanisms of actions :
1. Inhibit sodium-potassium ATPase
2. Increase vagal outflow to reduce AV conduction and HR
Vaughan Williams classification : anti arrthymic drugs
Class 1 sodium channel blockers
Class 2 beta blockers
Class 3 drugs with that prolong repolarisation (amiodorine)
Class 4: calcium channel blockers
How does reduced renal blood flow lead to oedema?
- decreased cardiac output
- means decreased blood flow
- means RAAS is activated
-meaning more blood volume - meaning more venous return
-meaning oedema
