Cardiac arrhythmias, ECG and sudden cardiac death

Question 1

What is a sudden cardiac death?

Answer 1

An event that is non-traumatic, non violent, unexpected and resulting from sudden cardiac arrest within 6 hours of previously witnessed normal health.

Question 2

What are channelopathies?

Answer 2

Diseases that develop due to mutations of the ion channels caused by either genetic or acquired factors.

Question 3

What are cardiomyopathies?

Answer 3

A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.

Question 4

What are the 2 types of ICD (implantable cardiac defibrillator)?

Answer 4

Transvenous (traditional) - placed in the chest. Wires known as leads attach to them.
Subcutaneous - placed under the skin at the lateral side of the chest under the axilla (armpit). It is attached to a sensor called an electrode.

Question 5

What are some complications associated with transvenous leads?

Answer 5

Endocarditis
Haemothorax
Pneumothorax
Vascular complications
Perforations
Thromboembolic events

Question 6

What is Cascade (family) screening?

Answer 6

It is the process of informing family members about a genetic condition within the family, followed by family members getting tested for the condition.

Question 7

What are the 2 sub - types of type 2 AV heart block?

Answer 7

Mobitz type 1 and 2

Question 8

Hallmark difference between mobitz type 1 and 2

Answer 8

Mobitz 1 has gradual progression of PR intervals before a block (missed QRS complex) whereas Mobitz 2 has a constant PR intervals before a block.

Question 9

Type 1 AV heart block is represented by only an increase in PR interval on the ECG. True/false?

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Is there any pattern to type 3 AV hearty block?

Answer 10

Type 3 AV heart block follows no pattern and is purely random.