Brady and tachy dysrhythmias Flashcards
What does altered impulse formation with enhanced automaticity lead to?
Tachyarrhythmias
What does altered impulse formation with decreased automaticity lead to?
Bradyarrhythmias
What does altered impulse conduction with reentry (stimulation of different portions of cardiac tissue) lead to?
Tachyarrhythmias
What does altered impulse conduction with conduction blocks lead to?
Bradyarrhythmias
What is the definition of bradycardia?
HR <60bpm
What are some aetiologies of sinus bradycardia?
Normal aging
AMl, especially those affecting the inferior wall of the heart
Hypothyroidism, infiltrative diseases (sarcoid, amyloid)
Hypothermia, hypokalemia
Situational (micturation, coughing)
Drugs (beta-blockers, digitalis, calcium channel
blockers, amiodarone, lithium)
Describe extreme bradycardia and likely pt presentation
HR <40
Rarely physiological this requires immediate rx
Presentation would include ALOC, poor perfusion, and hypotension
What is the presentation of symptomatic bradycardia?
Syncope/pre-syncope Dizziness SOB Chest pain ALOC
When externally pacing is it important to ensure the pulse correlates with or opposes the paced rhythm?
Correlates with
External pacing is only considered when…
Pharmacological agents are ineffective
What is the rate of less severe bradycardia?
HR 40-60
When does less severe bradycardia require immediate rx?
Systolic BP <90mmHg
Ventricular dysrhythmia
Hx of heart failure
Describe bradycardia due to 1st degree AV block
PR interval >0.2 seconds
High risk of progression to 2nd/3rd degree block if accompanied by a wide QRS
Benign if asymptomatic
What drug can cause 1st degree AV block?
Calcium channel blockers
What is 2nd degree AV block type 1? (Mobitz type 1; Wenckebach)?
Progressive PR longation with eventual non-conduction of a P wave (may be 2:1 or 3:1)
Describe the effect of Mobitz type 1 on patient presentation
Usually asymptomatic but with accompanying bradycardia can cause angina and syncope (may need pacing)
What are some risk factors/causes of Mobitz type 1?
Elderly Long distance runners Beta blockers Calcium channel blockers Digoxin
What is the ECG effect of 2nd degree AV block type 2 (Mobitz type 2)?
Normal PR intervals with sudden failure of a P wave to conduce
What is Mobitz type 2 usually accompanied by?
Bundle branch or fascicular block
Mobitz type 2 often causes ___.
Syncope
What worsens the signs of Mobitz type 2?
Exercise