Cardiovascular System

Question 1

What is an arrhythmia?

Answer 1

An arrhythmia is an abnormal rate and/or rhythm of the heartbeat due to some problem with the electrical conducting system of the heart
Memory trick: ARRhythmia: A (Abnormal) R(Rate) & R(Rhythm)

Question 2

How is an arrhythmia detected?

Answer 2

ECG

Question 3

Overview of AF

Question 4

What is tachycardia?

Answer 4

High HR (above 100 bpm)

Question 4

What is a normal heart rate?

Answer 4

60-100 bpm

Question 5

What is bradycardia?

Answer 5

Slowing down of the heart rate (below 60 bpm)

Question 5

What does PAROXYSMAL ATRIAL FIBRILATION mean?

Answer 5

Episodes of AF that stop within 7 days, usually within 48 hours, without any treatment. This normally consists of rate control drugs (DIVED BETA)
I.e., it comes and goes - NOT PERMAMENT

Question 6

What does the term ‘pill in pocket’ refer to in AF?

Answer 6

The person self-manages paroxysmal AF by taking anti-arrhythmic drugs only when an episode of AF starts.

Question 7

What is new onset AF?

Answer 7

This is the first presentation of AF - this can be life threatening

Question 8

What are the symptoms of arrhythmias?

Answer 8

1. Shortness of breath
2. Abnormally fast, slow, or irregular pulse
3. Dizziness or feeling faint
4. Palpitations

[SAD Palpitations]

Question 9

What are the causes of arrhythmias?

Answer 9

Many occur as complication of heart condition.
Heart conditions:
1 Coronary heart disease (which causes angina and MI)
2 Heart valve disease
3 Hypertension
4 Ageing
5 Cardiomyopathy (disorder of heart muscle)
6 Congenital (from birth) abnormalities in the electrical pathways.
7 Hypokalaemia

Question 10

What are the different types of arrhytmias?

Answer 10

1. Ectopic beats
2. Atrial fibrillation
3. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation [episodes of AF that stop within 7 days, usually within 48 hours, without any treatment]
4. Atrial flutter
5. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
6. Ventricular tachycardia
7. Supraventricular arrhythmias

Question 11

What are the treatment pathways for arrhythmias?

Answer 11

• Each type of arrhythmia has a specific treatment option
• Treat any underlying cause (e.g., hypertension and CHD)
  Treatment options include:
  1. Medications
  2. Cardioversion (electrical shock) - restores sinus rhythm [pharmacological [flecainide/amiodarone] or electrical
  3. Artificial pacemakers
  4. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICDs)