Dysrhythmias part 2 Flashcards
what are Ectopic Atrial Arrhythmias
- Results from an ectopic atrial focus creates an AP at a rate faster > sinus rate, therefore becoming the pacemaker
- Atrial rate can range between 50 and 180 bpm
causes of ectopic atrial arrhythmias
-
benign/normal hearts
- Causes short nonsustained bursts
- 2–6% of young healthy adults on Holter monitors
- common in elderly patients -
Structural heart disease – causes sustained atrial tachycardia
- CAD, MI, valvular disease, congenital heart disease, or cardiomyopathies -
Other clinical scenarios may result in transient atrial tachycardia
- lyte disturbances (esp hypokalemia)
- chronic lung disease or pulm infection
- acutealcingestion
- hypoxia
- cardiac stimulants (theophylline,cocaine)
management for ectopic atrial arrhythmias
- Treat any underlying conditions
- Only treat if sustained and symptomatic
- 1st line - BB & non-dihydropyridine CCBs
- Refractory AT - Class IC / III AAD
- Radiofrequency ablations are effective
RF/causes of afib
- CHF
- HTN
- Advanced age
- CAD
- Valvular heart disease
Other Associated causes: alc, Thyroid disease, Lung disease, OSA, Family hx, Cardiac surgery, Pericarditis
presentation of afib
- asx
- Palpitations, heart racing sensation, SOB, chest pain, fatigue, dizziness, near syncope
- hypotension, esp if underlying heart disease and HR elevated
- Persistent tachycardia may lead to cardiomyopathy
- thromboembolic event – CVA, acute limb arterial occlusion
- Irregularly irregular rhythm
- signs of CHF
- Distal pulses may be difficult to obtain, esp if vent. rate is rapid
diagnostic evaluation for suspected afib
- Echo - r/o structural heart disease
- Ischemic evaluation if sx/RF present
- Stress test w/ nuclear imaging or cardiac cath - Labs:
- BMP - r/o electrolyte abnormalities
- TSH
- Other testing, if any, would be related to suspected causes
general management for afib
Three-Fold
- Rate control
- Rhythm control
- Thromboembolic event prevention
how to manage rate control in afib
- CCBs
- BB
- Digoxin
- AVN ablation and permanent pacemaker implantation
how to control rhythm in afib
Dependent on comorbidities
- Hemodynamically unstable - immediately cardioverted mechanically
-
Elective (non-emergent) Cardioversion
- Mechanical (Electricity) / Chemical (Ibutilide) - Needs AC x 4 wks following CV
Elective (non-emergent) Cardioversion
indications for
- < 48 hrs duration, or
- confirmed no thrombus with TEE, or
- 3 wks of therapeutic anticoagulation
how to determine if an afib pt needs an anticoag?
CHADS2 - VASc Score
- CHF - 1
- HTN (>140/90) - 1
- Age >=75 - 2
- DM - 1
- Prior TIA or Stroke - 2
- Vascular disease (MI, aortic plaque) - 1
- Age 65-74 - 1
- Sex category (female = 1 pt) - 1
Pt has a CHA2DS2-VASc score = 0
what is their management?
no anticoag
pt has a CHA2DS2-VASc score = 1
what is their management?
Start oral anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy (ASA 81 mg)
preferably oral anticoagulation
pt has a CHA2DS2-VASc score = 2
what is their management
recommend oral anticoagulation
Initial anticoagulation options while determining long-term treatment option in afib
LMWH (1 mg/kg subQ Q12 hours)
Heparin (full dose sliding scale protocol)