Cardiology Flashcards
Rhythm of the Heart: Describe the electrical pathway of the heart
- Electrical impulse begins with the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrium (heart’s natural pacemaker)
- Impulse travels from right atrium to left atrium, causing atria to contract (normal HR: 60-100bpm
- Signal reaches the atrioventricular (AV) node and begins to slow down
- Impulse travels to Bundle of His which splits into left and right branches for the signal to spread through the ventricles via Purjkinje fibers
Arrythmias:
-What is used to diagnosis?
-S/Sx of arrythmias
-Causes
-Types
Diagnosis: electrocardiogram (ECG)
-Holter Monitor: amulator ECG that records electrical activity continuously for 24-48 hours which can detect arryhthmias that are INTERMITTENT (heart going in and out of normal sinus rhythm)
S/Sx: some asymptomatic
-Heart flutter (beating too fast) or skipping a beat
-Dizziness, fatigue, and SOB (from not having enough circulation)
-Chest pain, lightheadedeness, syncope
Causes: myocardial ischemia or infarction MOST COMMON
-Damage to cardiac tissue (HTN, HF, heart valve disorders)
-Others: electrolyte imbalances (especially K, Mg, Na, and Ca), elevated sympathetic startes (hyperthyroidism, infection), drugs (illicit drugs, drugs that prolong QT interval, ANTIARRHYTHMICS)
Types:
-Supraventricular arrhythmias: atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter, supraventricular reentrant tachycardias (paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias or PSVTs)
-Ventricular arrhythmias: premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation
Cardiac Action Potential: Ventricular
-Explain phase 0-4 that causes ions to move through channels and cause the electrical impulse of ther heart
Action potential: SA node (pacemaker) has AUTOMATICITY, other mycoytes: rely on threshold voltage
Phase 0: influx of sodium (Na) causes rapid ventricular depolarization, causing ventricular contraction (QRS Complex)
Phase 1: Na channels close; early rapid repolarization
Phase 2: influx of Ca and efflux of K causes a plateau in response
Phase 3: efflux of K causes rapid ventricular repolarization, causing ventricular relaxation
Phase 4: resting membrane potential is established; atrial deplorization occurs (P wave on ECG)
QT Intervals:
-What does the QT interval represent?
-What is considered a prolonged QT and the main risk associated with it?
-Causes of QT prolongation
QT Interval: ventricular depolarization and repolarization
Prolonged QT interval: >440-460 milliseconds (msec), but more worrisome when >500 msec
-Main risk: Torsade de Pointes, a lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmia that can cause sudden cardiac death
Causes of QT prolongation:
-Multiple QT prolonging drugs taken at the same time
-Higher doses of QT-prolonging drugs
-Reduced drug clearance due to renal disease, liver disease, or drug interactions
-Electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia)
-HF or bradycardia
-Female
Drugs that cause QT prolongation
Antiarrhythmics: Class Ia (HIGHEST risk), Ic, and III
Anti-infectives: antimalarials, azole antifungals, MACROLIDES, QUINOLONES (including azithromycin - Zithromax has less DDIs, but NOT in regards to QT prolongation), lefamulin
Antidepressants: SSRIs (citalopram/escitalopram highest risk; sertaline is most preferred), TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS, mirtazapine, trazodone, venlafaxine
-Citalopram max dosing: 40mg (elderly, high risk: 20mg); escitalopram: max dosing 20mg (elderly, high risk: 10mg)
Antiemetics: 5-HT3 antagonists (-setrons), droperidol (one of WORST QT prolongers and NOT IN CHEMO GUIDELINES), metoclopramide, promethazine
Antiarrhythmic Drug Classifications: Class I-IV (Vaughan-Williams Classification)
Class I: Na Channel Blockers
-Ia: disopyramide, quinidine, procainamide
-Ib: lidocaine, mexiletine
-Ic: flecainide, propafenone
Class II: Beta-blockers
Class III: K Channel Blockers - dronedarone, dofetillide, sotalol, ibutilide, amiodarone
Class IV: Non-dihydropyridine CCBs - verapamil, diltiazem
Disopyramidine
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warnings/CIs
-BBW
Brand: Norpace, Norpace CR
MOA: class Ia antiarrhythmic - blocks Na channels (negative inotrope)
ROA: PO
AVEs: ANTICHOLINERGIC (ex. dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention)
Warnings/CIs:
-Warnings: PROARRHYTHMIC, hypotension, exacerbation of HF, worsening of BPH/urinary retention, narrow-angle glaucoma, MYASTHENIA GRAVIS (from anticholinergic effects)
-CI: 2nd/3rd degree heart block (unless functional artifical pacemaker present), cardiogenic shock, congeintal QT syndrome, sick sinus snydrome
BBW: reserve use for pts with LIFE-THREATENING ventricular arrhythmias
Quinidine:
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warnings
-CIs
-BBW
MOA: class Ia antiarrhythmic - blocks Na channels (negative inotrope)
ROA: PO
AVEs: DRUG-INDUCED LUPUS ERTHEMATOSUS (DILE) - stop if buterfly rash occurs; DIARRHEA/STOMACH CRAMPING, rash, lightheadedness
Warnings: PROARRYHTMIC, HEMOLYSIS RISK (G6PD deficiency or positive Coombs test), hepatotoxicity
CIs: concurrent use w/ quinolones that prolong QT interval or ritonavir; 2nd/3rd heart block or idioventricular conduction delays (unless pt has functional artifical pacemaker), thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), myasthenia gravis
BBW: may increase mortality risk in TX of AFib/A flutter and non-life threatening ventricular arrhythmias
Quinidine Counseling Points
- Take with food or milk to decrease GI upset (lots of potential diarrhea/stomach cramping side effects)
- CINCOHONISM (quinidine toxicity: tinnitus, hearing loss, blurred vision, HA, delirium)
-Avoid changes in Na intake: decreased Na can increase quinidine levels
-Alkaline foods/alkaline urine can increase quinidine levels
Procainamide:
-MOA
-ROA
-TX
-AVEs
-Warnings/CIs
-BBW
-Therapeutic levels and risks for toxicity
MOA: Class 1a antiarrhythmic - Na channel blocker (negative inotrope)
ROA: injection
TX: DOC for Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
AVEs: hypotension, rash
Warnings/CIs: PROARRHYTHMIC
-Cis: heart block, systemic lupus erythematosus, TdP
BBW:
-Reserve for pts w/ life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
-Potentially fatal blood dyscrasia (agranulocytosis): monitor in first 3 months and periodically thereafter
-Long-term use: positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) which can result in DILE (drug-induced lupus erythematosus)
Therapeutic levels: 4-10mcg/mL (combined w/ procainamide and NAPA)
-Metabolized to active metabolite, N-acetyl procainamide (NAPA) which is RENALLY cleared –> decrease dose when CrCl <50mL/min; slow acetlyators at risk for drug accumulation
Class Ib Antiarrhythmics
-Drugs/Brands
-MOA
-ROA
-TX
-Warnings
-CIs
-BBW
Drugs: lidocaine (Xylocaine), mexiletine
MOA: block Na channels (negative inotrope)
ROA: lidocaine (injection), mexiletine (PO)
TX: ventricular arrhythmias ONLY (no use in AF)
-IV lidocaine: refractory VT or cardiac arrest
Warnings: caution in elderly, hepatic impairment, and HF
-Mexiletine: blood dyscrasias, severe skin rxns (DRESS), proarrhythmic)
CIs: 2nd/3rd degree heart block (unless pt has functional artifical pacemaker)
-Mexiletine: cardiogenic shock
-Lidocaine: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, Adam-Strokes syndrome, allergy to corn or corn-related products or amide-type anesthetics
BBW (mexiletine): reserve use for pts w/ life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias; abnormal liver fxn seen in pts w/ CHF or ischemia
Flecanide:
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warnings/CIs
-BBW
MOA: class Ic antiarrythmic - blocks Na channels (negative inotrope)
ROA: PO
AVEs: dizziness, visual disturbances, dyspnea
Warnings/CIs:
-Warnings: avoid in severe hepatic and renal impairment
-CI: 2nd/3rd degree heart block (unless pt has functional artificial pacemaker), cardiogenic shock, structural heart disease (MI, HF), concurrent use of ritonavir
BBW: PROARRHYTHMIC especially if AF (DO NOT USE in chronic AF), resreve for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
-When treating atrial flutter, 1:1 atrioventricular conduction may occur (rapid ventricular rate), pre-emptive negative chrontropic therapy (digoxin, beta-blockers) can decrease the risk
Propafenone:
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warning/CIs
-BBW
Brand: Rythmol SR
MOA: Class Ic antiarrhythmic - Na channel blocker
-has significant beta-blocking effects, negative inotropic and proarrhythmic properties
ROA: PO
AVEs: taste disturbance (metallic), dizziness, visual disturbances, N/V
Warnings/Cis:
-PROARRHYTHMIC
-CIs: sinoatrial and atrioventricular disorders (unless pt has functional artificial pacemaker), sinus bradycardia, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, structural heart disease (HF, MI), bronchospastic disorders, marked electrolyte imbalances
BBW: reserve for pt w/ life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias
Amiodarone:
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-TX
-T/2
Brand: Nexterone, Pacerone
MOA: Class III antiarrhythmic - K+ channel blocker
-ALSO: blocks Na and Ca channels and alpha/beta adrenergic receptors
ROA: PO or injection
TX: preferred antiarrhythmic in HF
-Pulseless VT/VF, VT w/ pulse, secondary prevention of ventricular arrhythmias
-Off-label: AF/atrial flutter
T1/2: 40-60 DAYS
Amiodarone: IV preparation/considerations
- Infuse in NON-PVC container (polyolefin or glass) when >2 hours –> PVC tubing is okay
- Premixed IV bags: longer stability (Nexterone: comes in non-PVC and non-DEHP GALAXY plastic container)
- Use 0.22 micron filter
- Central line preferred
- Incompatible w/ heparin –> flush w/ saline instead
- Many Y-site additive incompatibilities
- Slow or decrease infusion rate if hypotension or bradycardia occurs
Amiodarone:
-AVEs
-Warnings
-CIs
AVEs: HYPOTENSION, BRADYCARDIA, dizziness, tremor/ataxia, malaise/fatigue, nausea, drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE), severe skin rxns (SJS/TEN)
Warnings (KNOW ALL):
-Molecule contains iodine: can induce an AUTOIMMUNE hyper- (Graves) or hypothyroidism (hypo more common = Hoshimotos as drug also partially inhibits peripheral conversion of T4 to T3)
-Visual impairment: optic neuropathy, corneal microdeposits (most pts get, but usually do NOT cover pupil and are not bothersome)
-Photosensitivity: blue-gray skin discoloration (sun protection required)
-Nephrotoxicity: peripheral neuropathy
-Correct hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalcemia prior to use
-AVOID in pregnancy (teratogenic) and when breastfeeding if possible
CIs: IODINE HYPERSENSITIVITY, sick sinus syndrome, 2nd/3rd degree heart block, bradycardia causing syncope *unless using artificial pacemaker), cardiogenic shock
Amiodarone:
-BBW
-Monitoring
-DDIs/Drug adjustments needed when amiodarone is started
BBW:
-Pulmonary toxicity: check baseline chest X-ray, PFTs
-Hepatotoxicity: check baseline LFTs
-USE FOR life-threatening arrhythmias only, PROARRHYTHMIC –> continuous ECG monitoring and cardiac resuscitation should be available for initiation
Monitoring: ECG, BP, HR, ELECTROLYTES
-Q3-6 months: thyroid function, chest X-ray
-Q6 months: LFTs
-Regular eye exams
DDIs:
-Amiodarone can increase the levels of other drugs: inhibitor of CYP2C9 (moderate), 2D6 (moderate), 3A4 (weak), and P-gp
-Additive effects w/ drugs that decrease HR: non-DHP CCBs, digoxin, beta-blockers, clonidine, demedetomidine
-do NOT use sofosbuvir together: enhanced bradycardia effect of amiodarone
-When starting amiodarone, decrease digoxin by 50%, decrease warfarin by 30-50%, and do NOT exceed 20mg/day of simvastatin or 40mg/day of lovastatin
Dronedarone
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warnings
-CIs
-BBW
Brand: Multaq
MOA: Class III antiarrhythmic - primarily blocks K channels
ROA: PO
AVEs: PROARRHYTHMIC, diarrhea, bradycardia, asthenia
Warnings: HEPATIC FAILURE, PULMONARY TOXICITY (including fibrosis, pneumonitis), marked increased SCr, prerenal azotemia and acute renal failure (ususally during hypovelemia)
-Avoid in pregnancy and nursing mothers
CIs:
-Concurrent use of erythyromycin or strong CYP3A4 INHIBITORS and QT-PROLONGING drugs
-2nd/3rd degree heart block (unless pt has functional artificial pacemaker), HR <50bpm, QTc>500 msec, PR interval > 280 msec
-Lung or liver toxicity from previous amiodarone use
-Hepatic impairment
BBW: decpmpensated HF (NYHA Class IV or any class w/ recent hospitalization) or permanent AF (from increased risk of death, stroke, and HF)
How does dronedarone differ from amiodarone?
Dronedarone is a synthetic version of amiodarone does NOT contain iodine and has little effect on thyroid function, BUT the drug has further increased risk of heaptic failure and death/stroke and HF in pts w/ decompensated HF or permanent Afib
Sotalol
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warnings/CIs
-BBW
Brand: Betapace AF, Betapace, Sotylize, Sorine
-Betapace should NOT be substituted with Betaface AF (distributed w/ educaitonal info specific to AF/atrial flutter pts)
MOA: Class III antiarrhythmic - K= channel blocker
-ALSO: non-selective beta-blocker
ROA: PO or injection
AVEs: BRADYCARDIA, palpitations, chest pain, dizzinesss, fatgiue, dyspnea, N/V
Warnings/CIs:
-Warnings: PROARRHYTHMIC (increased risk of TdP w/ QT prolongation), worsening of HF, bronchoconstriction
-CIs: 2nd/3rd degree heart block (unless functional artificial pacemaker), congeintial or aquired long QT syndrome, sinus bradycardia, uncontrolled HF, cardiogenic shock, asthma
BBW: initiation and dose increases should be done in hospital w/ continuous ECG monitoring and experienced staff due to risk of VT and QT prolongation
-Adjust dosing interval on CrCl (<60mL/min) to decrease proarryhtmia
-QT prolongation directly related to CONCENTRATION
Ibutilide
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-TX
-AVEs
-BBW
Brand: Corvert
MOA: Class III antiarrhythmic - K channel blocker
ROA: injection
TX: cardioversion ONLY
AVEs: ventricular tachycardias (TdP), hypotension, QT prolongation
BBW: VERY PROARRHYTHMIC - aminister w/ continious ECG monitoring and experienced staff, confirm benefits outweight risks
-CORRECT HYPOKALEMIA and HYPOMAGENESMIA PRIOR TO USE AND DURING
Dofetilide
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-TX
-AVEs
-CIs
-BBW
Brand: Tikosyn
MOA: Class III antiarrhythmic - K channel blocker
ROA: PO
TX: preferred antiarrhythmic in HF
AVEs: ventricular tachycardias (TdP)
CIs: congenital or aquired long QT snydromes, QTc >440 msec at baseline
-do NOT use with: cimeditine, dolutegravir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, megestrol, prochlorperazine, trimethoprim, verapamil, Biktarvy –> inhibit renal tubular secretion of dofetilide
BBW: must be initiated w/ continous ECG monitoring and experienced staff to assess CrCl for A MINIMUM OF THREE DAYS, VERY PROARRHYTHMIC
Adenosine:
-Brand
-MOA
-ROA
-T1/2
-TX
AVEs
-CIs
Brand: Adenocard
MOA: activates adenosine receptors to decrease AV node contraction
ROA: injection
T1/2: <10 SECONDS
TX: SUPRAVENTRICULAR RE-ENTRANT TACHYCARDIAS (Paroxysmal suprventricular tachycardias - PSVTs)
AVEs: transient new arrhythmia, facial flushing, chest pain/pressure, GI distress, transient decrease in BP, dyspnea
CIs:
-DO NOT USE for ventricular tachycardia or for converting AF/A flutter
-2nd/3rd degree heart block, sick sinus syndrome or symptomatic bradycardia (except in functional pacemaker), bronchospastic lung disease
Class IV Anitarrhythmics:
-Drugs/Brands
-MOA
-ROA
-AVEs
-Warnings/CIs
-DDIs
Drugs: diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT, Dilt XR, Diltzac, Tiazac, Taztia XT), verapamil (Calan, Convera, Verelan)
MOA: calcium channel blocker that slows HR and has negative intropic effects (decreased contraction)
ROA: PO or injection
AVEs: EDEMA, HA, DIZZINESS, HYPOTENSION, ARRYHTMIAS, HF, CONSTIPATION (especially verapamil), GINGIVAL HYPERPLASIA
Warnings/CIs:
-Warnings: 1st degree heart block w/ sinus bradycardia, increased LFTs
-CIs: severe hypotension (SBP <90mmHg), 2nd/3rd degree heart block/sick sinus syndrome (unless functional pacemaker), cardiogenic shock, systolic HF, Wolff-Parkinson’White Syndrome w/ Afib, HFrEF
DDIs: CYP3A4 substrate and inhibitors; P-gp subsrates
-Avoid grapefruit juice
-Use statins NOT metabolized by CYP3A4 (pravastatin, rosuvastatin, pitavastatin) or lower doses of statins
-Additive effects w/ amiodarone, digoxin, beta-blockers, dexmedetomidine (decrease HR)