CH2: CARDIO CLINICAL Flashcards
if ectopic beats are troublesome or persist how would you treat them?
offer beta-blockers
what is atrial fibrillation (AF)
- irregular rapid heart beak caused by abnormal disorganised electrical signals in the atrium
- classified by HR> 100 beats/min
what are the complications of AF and what are the risk assessments tools used?
complications of AF
- all AF pts are assessed for risk of stroke & thromboembolism
Risk assessment tools
1. CHAD2DS2-VASc
2. HASBLED
diagnosis of AF
ECG
symptoms of AF
- Heart pounding
- SOB
- Chest pain
- Heart palpilations
- Dizzinesses
- Tiredness
Briefly describe the 3 types of AF
- Paroxysmal AF = episodes last within 48 hours of treatment.
- Persistent AF = episodes last more than 7 days of treatment
- Permanent AF = present all the time
describe acute AF management for pts with life-threatening haemodynamic instability
- emergency electrical cardioversions ASAP
describe acute AF management for pts without life-threatening haemodynamic instability, with the onset of AF < 48 hours
- offer rate control and rhythm control medications
describe acute AF management for pts without life-threatening haemodynamic instability, with the onset of AF > 48 hours
- offer rate control medicaions
describe the pharmacological interventions for cardioversion.
-flecainide
-amiodarone
describe the electrical interventions for cardioversion in pts with acute AF
- start IV anticoagulants (heparins) and rule out left atrial thrombus
Briefly state the treatment for AF management (rate control); 1st line, alternative and if both are unsuitable for pts.
‘rate control’
1st line = beta-blockers (except for sotalol)
alternative = non-dihydropyridines CCB e.g. verapamil and diltiazem
if the above is unsuitable - digoxin
state the 2nd line treatment for AF management if symptoms are not controlled with 2 rate control drugs
2nd line - Cardioversion
(pharmacological or electrical cardioversions)
electrical cardioversions
- the preferred type of cardioversion for 2nd line AF treatment
Preferred in pts;
- the onset of AF > 48 hours
- patient must be anticoagulated for at least 3 weeks
- Give PO anti-coagulation for at least 4 weeks after cardioversion
- Offer amiodarone for at least 4 weeks before cardioversion and 12 months after cardioversion
pharmacological cardioversion
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
- Flecainide
OR - Amiodarone
State the 1st and 2nd line treatment if sinus rhythm is still not maintained post cardioversion.
1st line: Beta-blockers
2nd line: SPAF
Sotalol, Propafenone, Amiodarone and Flecanide.
What pts conditions are to be avoided to taking flecainide and propafenone?
- Heart failure
- Left ventricular disease
- Ischemic heart disease
what medication as a 2nd line sinus rhythm control is to be offered to pts with ventricular impairment and heart failure?
Amiodarone
what can dronedarone be used for?
- 2nd line treatment for persistent paroxysmal AF
contraindication for dronedarone?
- pts with heart failure
what is atrial flutter (AFL)
when the atria beats regularly but faster
(tachycardia effect)
state treatment options for atrial flutter
- can treat with rate/rhythm control
- electrical cardioversion is more effective/ responds better
- assess the patient’s risk of stroke
state the 2nd line treatment for atrial flutter
’ rhythm control’
- Direct current cardioversion = when rapid control of sinus rhythm is needed
- Pharmacological cardioversion = amiodarone or flecainide.
- Catheter ablation = recurrent atrial flutter
what would you offer to a pt whose atrial flutter lasts longer than 48 hours?
3 weeks of anticoagulation