Cardiology Flashcards
What is ACS subdivided into?
Unstable angina
NSTEMI
STEMI
What is the mechanism of angina pectoris?
Increase in myocardial oxygen demand exceeding oxygen supply
What is the most common cause of angina pectoris?
Atherosclerosis
What are the other causes of angina?
Atherosclerosis
Cocaine-induced coronary spasm
Arteritis
Emboli
What is a myocardial infarction?
Sudden occlusion of a coronary artery due to the rupture of an atheromatous plaque and thrombus formation
Which cells migrate into the subendothelial space to form foam cells?
Macrophages
How are foam cells formed in atherosclerosis?
Macrophages phagocytose oxidised LDL lipid within the subendothelial space to form foam cells
Which growth factors are released from foam cells resulting in the formation of atherosclerotic cells?
PDGF and TGF-B
What happens during the rupture of a thin fibrous cap?
Prothrombotic components are exposed to platelets and pro-coagulation factors leading to thrombus formation and clinical events
What are the risk factors for ACS?
Male Diabetes mellitus FHx Hypertension Hyperlipidaemia Smoking
What is presentation of ACS?
Chest pain (acute onset)
Central heavy tight ‘gripping’ pain that radiates to the left arm, jaw or epigastrium
Occurs at rest
Associated with breathlessness, sweating, nausea and vomiting
Where does the chest pain radiate to in angina?
Radiates to the left arm, jaw or epigastrium
What is the character of chest pain in angina?
Central heavy tight ‘gripping’ pain
What symptoms are associated with angina?
Breathlessness, sweating, nausea and vomiting
When is stable angina brought on?
On exertion and relieved by rest
How is stable angina resolved?
On rest or GTN within 5 minutes
What symptoms are associated with atypical angina?
Gastrointestinal discomfort and/or breathlessness and/or nausea
What is Prinzemetal angina?
The pain from variant angina is caused by a spasm caused by exposure to cold, smoking or stress
Which murmur is associated as a complication of an MI?
Pansystolic murmur due to mitral regurgitation (papillary muscle rupture)
Which cardiac enzymes are profiled in a suspected MI?
CK-MB
Troponin-T (remain elevated for 2 weeks)
How long does troponin-T remain elevated for a few hours of cardiac damage?
After 2 weeks
What ECG changes are seen in an NSTEMI?
ST-depression
T-wave inversion
Q waves reveal previous MIs
Describe the ST-elevation in limb leads (mm)
> 1mm
Describe the ST-elevation in chest leads
> 2mm
Which leads are associated with an anterior STEMI?
V1-V4
Which coronary arteries are associated with an anterior MI?
Left coronary artery and left anterior descending artery (LAD)
Which leads are associated with a lateral STEMI?
I, aVL, V5 and V6
Which coronary artery is associated with a lateral MI?
Left circumflex
Which leads are associated with an inferior STEMI?
II, III, AvF
Which leads are associated with a posterior MI?
V7-V9
Which leads are associated with a septal MI?
v1-v2
What type of ECG is performed in a patient suspected with ACS?
Exercise ECG testing
What is the difference between unstable angina and an NSTEMI?
Troponin is raised in an NSTEMI
What is the gold standard to detect for coronary stenosis or obstruction?
Coronary angiography
What scan i used to detect wall-motion abnormalities and left ventricular function in ACS?
Echocardiogram
Which type of echocardiogram is used to assess for an aortic dissection?
Transoesophageal echocardiogram
What type of echocardiogram is used to evaluate haemodynamically significant stenoses in ACS?
Stress echocardiography
What is the management of stable angina?
- Minimise cardiac risk factors: Control BP, hyperlipidaemia, and diabetes.
- Advice on smoking, exercise, weight loss and a low-fat diet.
- All patients to receive aspirin (75mg/day).
-Symptom relief using GTN
What loading dose of aspirin is given in ACS?
300mg Aspirin
What is the maintenance dose of aspirin in ACS?
75mg
What platelet therapy is administered in ACS?
Clopidogrel
ticagrelor
prasugrel
When is prasugrel given in ACS?
If the patient is already on a DOAC
What drugs are administered in the long-term for ACS?
Beta-blockers Calcium channel blockers Statins ACEis Anti-platelet therapy (DAPT) Nitrates
What is the definitive management of an MI within 12 hours?
A percutaneous coronary intervention PCI
When is a CABG indicated in the management of a STEMI?
in three-vessel disease
What is the MoA of HMG-CoAi?
Lower LDL-C levels and raise HDL levels (Atorvastatin)
How do bile acid sequestrants work?
The bile acid sequestrants block enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and increase faecal loss of cholesterol.
• Cholestyramine (Questran, LoCholest, Prevalite)
What is the MoA of CCBs?
Relaxes coronary smooth muscle and produces coronary vasodilation which in turns improves myocardial oxygen delivery.
• Amlodipine (Norvasc)
What is the MoA of BBs?
Inhibit sympathetic stimulation of the heart, reducing heart rate and contractility; this can decrease myocardial oxygen demand and thus prevent or relieve angina in patients with CAD.
What is Ranolazine?
Anti-anginal agents
Relieve ischaemic by reducing myocardial cellular sodium and calcium overload via inhibition of the late sodium current of the cardiac action potential.
What is the first-line management for symptomatic ACS?
Short-acting nitrate and 300mg Aspirin
When should a PCI be offered during the symptomatic presentation of ACS?
Within 12 hours
What should be offered in the management of ACS if PCI is not available?
Fibronlysis
What are the early complications after an MI?
• Death, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, heart block, pericarditis, myocardial rupture, thromboembolism.
What are the late complications after an MI?
• Ventricular wall rupture, valvular regurgitation, ventricular aneurysms, tamponade, Dressler’s syndrome (pericarditis), thromboembolism.
What is aortic regurgitation?
Reflux of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle (LV) during diastole. Also known as aortic insufficiency.
What type of pulse is associated with aortic regurgitation?
Collapsing pulse and wide pulse pressure
What are the causes of aortic regurgitation?
Aetiology
• Aortic valve leaflet abnormalities or damage: Bicuspid aortic valve, infective endocarditis, rheumatic fever, trauma.
Aortic root/ascending aorta dilation:
• Systemic hypertension, aortic dissection, aortitis (syphilis, Takayasu’s arteritis), arthritides, Marfan’s syndrome, Ehrler’s Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta.
What is the pathophysiology of aortic regurgitation?
Reflux of blood into the left ventricle during diastole Left ventricular dilation Increase in end-diastolic volume & stroke volume.
↑ Stroke, volume & low EDV pressure Collapsing pulse and wide pule pressure.
Which type of murmur is associated with aortic regurgitation?
Early diastolic murmur
How are murmurs of aortic regurgitation exaggerated?
When the patient is sitting forward and the breath is held in expiration
What is Quincke’s sign?
Visible pulsations on the nailbed
What is De Musset’s sign?
Head nodding in time with the pulse
What is the presentation of aortic regurgitation?
Chronic AR – initially asymptomatic.
• Symptoms of heart failure: Exertional dyspnoea, orthopnoea, fatigue + occasional angina.
• Severe acute AR: Sudden cardiovascular collapse.
Symptoms related to the aetiology: Chest or back pain in patients with aortic dissection.
What are the symptoms of acute heart failure?
Exertional dyspnoea, orthopnoea, fatigue + occasional angina.
What is the definitive investigation to confirm aortic regurgitation?
Echocardiogram
What is the definitive management of aortic regurgitation?
Aortic valve replacement
What is the ejection fraction in aortic regurgitation?
EF <50%
What is aortic stenosis?
The narrowing of the left ventricular outflow at the level of the aortic valve.
What is the aetiology of aortic stenosis?
Aetiology
1) Stenosis secondary to rheumatic disease
2) Calcification of a congenital bicuspid aortic valve – Mechanical stress is distributed between 2 aortic leaflets.
3) Calcification/degeneration of a tricuspid aortic valve in the elderly
The aortic valve is less than 1cm2 in diameter (3-4cm2).
What diameter of the aortic valve to categorise as aortic stenosis?
<1cm^2
Which congenital disorder is associated with aortic stenosis?
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve
What is the presentation of aortic stenosis?
Angina (Increased oxygen demand of the hypertrophied ventricles)
Syncope or dizziness on exercise
symptoms of heart failure (dyspnoea)
What type of anaemia is associated with aortic stenosis?
Microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia
How does microangiopathic anaemia occur in aortic stenosis?
Damage to erythrocytes being forced through the narrowed aortic valve Fragmentation into schistocytes Haemoglobinuria.
Describe the pulse in aortic stenosis
Slow rising pulse (Narrow pulse pressure)
Thrill in the aortic area
What murmur is auscultated in aortic stenosis?
Ejection systolic murmur at the aortic area
Where does aortic stenosis radiate to?
To the carotid arteries
What sound is heard on auscultation due a bicuspid valve?
An ejection click
What is the definitive investigation for aortic stenosis?
Transthoracic echocardiography (Including Doppler): • Visualises structural changes of the valves and level of stenosis. • An elevated aortic pressure gradient. • Assessment of left ventricular function.
What ECG changes are seen in aortic stenosis?
Signs of left ventricular hypertrophy
Absent Q waves
LBBB
What signs are seen on a chest x-ray regarding aortic stenosis?
Post-stenotic enlargement of the ascending aorta
Calcification of the aortic valve
What is the definitive management of aortic stenosis?
Aortic valve replacement
What option is available if AVR is not possible in aortic stenosis?
– Balloon dilation (valvoplasty).
Which type of valve replacement is recommended in patients who are young?
Metallic valve
What medical management should be administered alongside an aortic valve replacement?
Medical
• Antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis.
• Long-term anticoagulation for patients with mechanical prosthetics (with a Vitamin-K antagonist). DOACs are not recommended.
• ACEis for TAVR.
What is mitral regurgitation?
The mitral valve has two leaflets and consists of chordae tendinea and papillary muscles.
• In mitral regurgitation, during ventricular systole, the blood reflows back through the left ventricle into the left atrium.
What is the most common cause of mitral regurgitation?
Rheumatic heart disease and
Mitral valve prolapse (Myxomatous degeneration)
What are the causes of mitral regurgitation?
- Rheumatic heart diseases (most common)
- Infective endocarditis
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Papillary muscle rupture or dysfunction
- Chordal rupture is associated with connective tissue diseases (osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehrler’s-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, SLE).
What is the acute presentation of MR?
Symptoms of left ventricular failure
What is the chronic presentation of MR?
Present with exertional dyspnoea, palpitations
What murmur is heard in mitral regurgitation?
Pansystolic murmur that radiates to the axilla
Which heart sound might be heard in mitral regurgitation?
S3 due rapid ventricular filling in early diastole
What is the surgical management for mitral valve regurgitation?
Mitral valve replacement/Repair
What is the target INR for Warfarin in patients with a mitral valve replacement?
INR 2-3
What is mitral valve stenosis?
Narrowing causes obstruction to blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle
What is the most common cause of mitral stenosis?
Rheumatic heart disease
What is the presentation of mitral stenosis?
Fatigue
Shortness of breath on exertion or lying down (Orthopnea)
Palpitations (Related to AF)
Malar flush is associated with which valvular pathology?
Mitral stenosis
Palpation of the apex beat in mitral stenosis will reveal what?
Parasternal heave (Right ventricular hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension)
Auscultation of a patient with mitral valve stenosis will reveal what?
Loud first heart sound with an opening snap
Mid-diastolic murmur
Which type of murmur is associated with mitral stenosis?
Mid-diastolic murmur
Which ECG changes are associated with left atrial hypertrophy?
Broad bifid P waves
What are the complications of mitral stenosis on the right-side heart?
Right ventricular hypertrophy in the cases of severe pulmonary hypertension
What signs are revealed by a Chest X-ray in mitral stenosis?
Left atrial enlargement
Cardiac enlargement
Pulmonary congestion
Calcified mitral valve in rheumatic cases
What is the definitive investigation for mitral stenosis?
Echocardiography
What investigation measures the severity of heart failure?
Cardiac catheterisation
What is the medical management for mitral stenosis?
Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation
Treat dyspnoea and heart failure with diuretics
Antibiotic cover for dental/invasive covers
Cardioversion of AF considered
What is the surgical management for mitral stenosis?
Mitral valvuloplasty
Valvotomy
Mitral valve replacement
Define cardiac arrest
Acute cessation of cardiac function – a state of circulatory failure due to impaired systolic function.
What are the causes of cardiac arrest?
Hypoxia Hypothermia Hypovolaemia Hypo or hyper-kalaemia Tamponade Tension pneumothorax Thromboembolism Toxins
What is the presentation of a cardiac arrest?
Patient unconsciousness
Absent breathing
Absent carotid pulse
For a pulseless ventricular tachycardia of ventricular fibrillation, what is the management in cardiac arrest?
Shockable rhythm after 30:2 chest compressions-rescue breaths
What drug is administered despite a third shock in cardiac arrest?
Amiodarone 300mg IV bolus is lidocaine
What is the management of asystole?
CPR for 2 minutes
Administer adrenaline (1mg IV) every 3-5 minutes
atropine
What is the emergency management of tension pnuemothorax?
Needle into the 2nd intercostal space, mid-clavicular line
What is tricuspid regurgitation?
The backflow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium during systole
What are the congenital causes of tricuspid regurgitation?
Ebstein anomaly (Mispositioned tricuspid valve)
What are the functional causes of tricuspid regurgitation?
Consequence of right ventricular dilation (in pulmonary hypertension)
Valve prolapse
What are the causes of tricuspid regurgitation?
Congenital
Functional
Rheumatic heart disease
Infective endocarditis
What is the most likely cause of tricuspid regurgitation?
Infective endocarditis
What is the presentation of tricuspid regurgitation?
Fatigue Breathlessness Palpitations Headaches Nausea Anorexia Epigastric pain
What pulse is associated with tricuspid regurgitation?
Irregularly irregular due to atrial fibrillation
What examination findings are evident in patients with tricuspid regurgitation?
Raised JVP with giant V waves
Parasternal heave
Pansystolic murmur heard best at the lower left sternal edge -louder on inspiration
When is a pansystolic murmur due to TR heard loudest?
During inspiration at the lower left sternal edge
What ECG changes are seen in TR?
Tall p waves (right atrial hypertrophy)
What is Atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is characterised by rapid and ineffective atrial electrical conduction at 300-600bpm often subdivided into:
• Permanent
• Persistent (>1 week without self-terminating).
• Paroxysmal (Intermittent <1 week).
What kind of tachycardia is atrial fibrillation?
Supraventricular tachycardia caused by a re-entry circuit within the right atrium
What are the causes of Atrial fibrillation?
Heart • Mitral valve disease • Myocardial infarction (Seen in 22%). • Heart disease • Rheumatic heart disease • Cardiomyopathy • Ischaemic heart disease • Pericarditis • Atrial myxoma
Lung causes
• Bronchial carcinoma
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pneumonia
Other: Caffeine, alcohol, post-operative.
What is the most common conduction ratio of atrial flutter?
2:1
What are the symptoms of AF?
Often asymptomatic in patients.
• Patients experience palpitations
• Syncope (Cardiac output decreases by 10-20%, as the ventricular filling is ineffective).
• Symptoms of the cause of AF.
What pulse is associated with AF?
Irregularly irregular pulse
What is the difference in the apical beat and radial pulse?
Apical > radial
What are the ECG changes for AF?
Uneven baseline with absent p waves
Irregular intervals between QRS complexes
What are the ECG changes in atrial flutter?
Narrow complex tachycardia
Saw tooth appearance
Loss of isoelectric baseline
What are the three steps of management for AF?
Rate control - Restores ventricular rate to a normal range
Rhythm control - Restores sinus rhytmn
Anticoagulation
What is the management for acute AF <48 hours that is haemodynamically stable?
Synchronised DC cardioversion under sedation
What is the management for acute AF <48 hours (Haemodynamically stable)?
Rate control
beta-blockers
What are the signs of haemodynamic instability in AF?
rapid pulse (greater than 150 beats per minute) and/or low blood pressure (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg), loss of consciousness, severe dizziness or syncope, ongoing chest pain, or increasing breathlessness.
Which calcium channel blockers are used in the rate control of AF?
Diltiazem and verapamil
Why are beta-blockers not prescribed alongside Diltiazem or verapamil?
Risk fo bradycardia
Aim for rest rate <90 bpm
If BBs and CBBs are ineffective rate control for AF, what drug can be used?
Digoxin
How long should a patient be anti-coagulated for before elective cardioversion?
3 weeks using Warfarin
What is the first choice drug for Rhythm control if there is no structural heart disease?
Flecainide
In a patient with structural heart disease and AF, what is the drug for Rhytmn control?
IV amiodarone
What drug is prescribed for paroxysmal AF?
Flecainide or sotalol PRN
Which score is used to assess the risk of stroke in patients with AF?
CHA₂DS₂-VASc
What is the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score?
Congestive heart failure = 1 Hypertension = 1 Age (>75) = 2 Diabetes = 1 Stroke = 2 Vascular disease (PVD) =1 Age (65-74) =1 Sex (Female) = 1
When is a DOAC given for AF in a male?
1 or more
What is a a DOAC given for AF in a female?
2 or more
What is heart block?
Heart block is defined as an impairment of the atrioventricular node impulse conduction, as represented by the interval between P waves and the QRS complex.
What is 1st-degree AV block?
Prolonged conduction through the AV node
What is the normal PR interval?
120-200ms (3-5 squares)
What is the PR interval in 1-st degree AV block?
> 200ms
What is 2nd-Degree AV block (Type 1)?
Mobitz type 1
-Progressive prolongation of the AV node conduction until one atrial pulse fails to be conducted through the AV node.
- There is a skipped beat and the cycle begins again
What is Mobitz-Type 2 AV block?
Fixed PR interval in duration but not every P wave is followed by a QRS complex
Defined as the number of normal conductions per failed on (2:1, two p waves for each QRS complex)
Describe the PR interval in a Mobitz-Type 2 AV block?
Fixed
What is 3rd degree (Complete heart block)?
There is no relationship between atrial and ventricular contraction
Failure of conduction through the AV node leads to ventricular contraction generated by a focus of depolarisation within the ventricle
What rhythm is associated with complete heart block?
Ventricular escape rhythm
What is the most common metabolic cause for AV block?
Hyperkalaemia
What 3 main ECG changes are seen in hyperkalaemia?
Tall tented T waves
Flattened P waves
Widened QRS complex
PR prolongation
What is the most common cause of AV block?
MI or ischaemic heart disease
What is the presentation of Mobitz Type 2 and 3rd degree heart block?
Dizziness, syncope, palpitations, chest pain and heart failure
Adams Attacks
What are Adams Attacks?
Syncope caused by ventricular asystole
Which waves are associated with a raised JVP in complete heart block?
Cannon A waves
What are cannon A waves?
Seen occasionally in the jugular vein due to simultaneous contraction of the atria and ventricles.
What ECG appearances are seen in first-degree AV block?
Prolonged PR interval >200ms
What ECG appearances are seen in Mobitz Type 1?
Progressive prolongation of the PR interval (Followed by a skipped beat)
What ECG appearances are seen in Mobitz type 2?
Intermittent p waves not followed by a QRS complex (regular pattern)
-Fixed PR interval
What ECG appearances are seen in third-degree heart block?
No relationship between P waves and QRS complex
If QRS is initiated by focus in the Bundle of His – QRS is narrow.
More distally Wide and slow rate (~30 beats/min).
What is the management of chronic block?
Permanent pacemaker insertion (PPM)
What is the management of acute AV block?
IV atropine
What is supraventricular tachycardia?
SVT refers to any tachyarrhythmia arising from above the level of the Bundle of His, usually at the atria or the AV node
What kind of tachycardia is associated with an SVT?
Narrow Complex tachycardia
What is a normal QRS interval?
80 and 100 milliseconds
What is AVNRT and AVRT?
Atrioventricular nodal re-entry tachycardia (AVNRT)
Atrioventricular re-entry tachycardia (AVRT)
What is AVNRT?
A localised re-entry circuit forms around the AV node - conducts to the ventricles faster than the normal conduction pathway
What is AVRT?
Occurs when there is normal AV conduction as well as an accessory pathway being present
Forming a re-entry circuit between atria and ventricles
What is a common form of AVRT?
Wolff-Parkinson-white Syndrome
Which accessory pathway is associated with WPWs?
Bundle of Kent
What are the risk factors for SVT?
Nicotine Alcohol Caffeine Previous MI Digoxin toxicity
What is the presentation of SVT?
- Palpitations
- Light-headedness
- Polyuria (Due to increased atrial pressure causing ANP release).
- Abrupt onset and termination of symptoms
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, chest discomfort, dyspnoea, syncope.
Why is polyuria associated with an SVT?
Due to increased atrial pressure causing ANP release
Which heart sound is associated with WPWs?
S3 gallop
RV heave
Displaced beat
Which ECG changes are present in AVRT?
Delta wave
What ECG appearances are seen in AVNRT?
Narrow complex tachycardia
P waves buried in QRS complex
Decreased PR interval
What ECG changes are seen in AVRT?
Narrow complex tachycardia
Shortened PR interval
P waves buried in QRS
What investigations are performed in SVT?
24 hour ECG monitoring
In a haemodynamically unstable patient what is the management of SVT?
DC cardioversion
What is the initial management of SVT, if haemodynamically stable?
Vagal manoevures - Valsalva, carotid massage
• Adenosine 6 mg bolus (Can increase to 12 mg) Contraindicated in asthma as it can cause bronchospasm (Use verapamil).
What drug is administered if vagal manoeuvres fail in acute SVT?
6mg bolus Adenosine
What is the definitive management of AVRT?
Radiofrequency ablation of the accessory pathway
What is WPWs?
A congenital abnormality can result in supraventricular tachycardias that use an accessory pathway (Bundle of Kent).
• Pre-excitation syndrome: Early activation of the ventricles due to impulses bypassing the AV node via the accessory pathway.
Why are there delta waves in WPWs?
pre-excitation syndrome
Early activation of the ventricles due to impulses bypassing the AV node via the accessory pathway
What is the presentation of WPWs?
Palpitations
Light-headedness
Syncope
What is paroxysmal SVT followed by?
Followed by a period of polyuria due to atrial dilation and release of ANP
What are the classical findings in WPSs (ECG)?
Short PR interval
Broad QRS complex
Delta-waves
What type of tachycardia is ventricular fibrillation?
Irregular broad-complex tachycardia
What is the aetiology of Vfib?
Ventricular fibres contract haphazardly causing complete failure of ventricular function due to disorganised electrical activity
What are the risk factors for Vfib?
- Coronary artery disease – most common
- Atrial fibrillation
- Hypoxia
- Ischaemia
- Pre-excitation syndrome
- Cardiomyopathy
- Drugs
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Brugada syndrome
- Long QT-syndrome
What is the presentation of V fib?
Chest pain
Fatigue
Palpitations
Cardiac arrest
What are the ECG appearances in V fib?
Chaotic irregular deflections of varying amplitude, no identifiable p waves
What investigations are performed in V fib?
ECG
Cardiac enzymes- Troponin to identify any recent ischaemic events
Electrolytes - Derangement can cause arrhythmia, including VF
Drug levels and toxicology screen - Anti-arrhytmic can cause arrythmia, as can various recreational drugs
TFTs - Hyperthyroidism
What is the management of Vfib?
Requires urgent defibrillation and cardioversion (Non-synchronised DC shock)
What kind of DC shock is administered in VFIB?
Non-synchronised DC shock
What may be the chronic management for Vfib?
Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
Empirical beta-blockers
What are the complications of V fib?
- Ischaemic brain injury due to loss of cardiac output
- Myocardial injury
- Post-defibrillation arrhythmias
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Skin burns
- Death
Definition of ventricular tachycardia?
A regular broad complex tachycardia, originating from the ventricles
Rate >120bpm
What is the aetiology of vTachy?
Electrical impulses arise from a ventricular ectopic focus – an excitable group of cells within the atria/ventricles that cause a premature heartbeat outside the normally functioning circulation.
• Can impair cardiac output – causing hypotension, collapse, and acute cardiac failure.
What are the risk factors of Vtachy?
- Coronary heart disease
- Structural heart disease
- Electrolyte deficiencies (Hypokalaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia)
- Use of stimulant drugs (Caffeine, cocaine).
What is the presentation of vtachy?
Chest pain
Palpitations
Dyspnoea
Syncope
What are the signs of haemodynamic instability in Vtachy?
- Respiratory distress
- Bibasal crackles
- Raised JVP
- Hypotension
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Coma
What are the ECG changes in Vtachy?
Rate >100bpm
Broad QRS complexes
AV dissociation
What is the management for Vtachy?
Pulseless VT - ALS
+ Unsynchronised DC cardioversion