Atrial Tachyarrhythmias Flashcards
1
Q
Identify four pathological causes of atrial tachyarrhythmias
A
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Atrial ectopic beats (<100 bpm)
- Atrial tachycardia (>100bpm)
2
Q
Identify three cardiac causes of atrial tachyarrhythmias
A
- MI
- Mitral valve disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pericarditis
- Myocarditis
3
Q
Identify three non-cardiac causes of atrial tachyarrhythmias
A
- Caffeine
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Amphetamines
4
Q
Describe the palpitations in AF and AFl
A
- Irregular and fast
5
Q
Describe the palpitations of atrial tachycardia
A
- Regular and fast
6
Q
Describe the palpitations of atrial flutter
A
- Dropper or missed beats
7
Q
Identify four clinical features of atrial tachyarrhythmias
A
- Syncope
- Angina
- Dyspnoea
- Polyuria
8
Q
Identify two ECG findings in atrial ectopics
A
- Abnormally shaped P wave
- Early QRS complex
9
Q
Identify two ECG findings in atrial flutter
A
- F waves rate of 300/min
- Narrow QRS complexes
10
Q
What is the QRS rate in 2:1 and 3:1 heart block?
A
- 2:1 = 150 bpm
- 3:1 = 100 bpm
11
Q
What is the management of atrial flutter?
A
- Emergency cardioversion for haemodynamic instability
- Atenolol, diltiazem or verapamil for rate control
- Cardioversion with anticoagulation for rhythm control
- Catheter ablation for recurrent atrial flutter
12
Q
What is the treatment for atrial ectopic beats?
A
- Not usually required
- Beta blockers for significant arrhythmia.
