ECG abnormalities

Question 1

What interval is typically used for heart rate determinations from an electrocardiogram

Answer 1

• R-R
• # R waves in 6 seconds x10

Question 2

Sinus

Answer 2

electrical conduction follows normal pathway (PQRST is regular), but rate/other factors might not be normal

Question 3

What heart condition does anorexia nervosa typically result in and why?

Answer 3

• bradycardia
• lack of nutrients results in heart not having adequate energy to beat properly
• hypokalemia and hyponatremia lowers resting membrane potential (action potentials not generated as easily)

Question 4

Is a pacemaker a good treatment for heart issues stemming from anorexia nervosa?

Answer 4

• no
• might correct the problem but does not correct root cause of hypokalemia/hyponatremia

Question 5

supraventricular tachycardia

Answer 5

high HR driven by atria

Question 6

How is supraventricular tachycardia treated?

Answer 6

adenosine (slows HR)

Question 7

How did the REVERT trial work and what did it treat?

Answer 7

• treated supraventricular tachycardia
  1. Valsava breathing increases aortic pressure
  2. postural change with legs raised above head increases venous return
  3. baroreceptors get activated when they detect the change
  4. baroreceptors activate PSNS to restore normal HR

Question 8

Atrial Flutter

Answer 8

• rapid, re-entrant tachycardia
• circuitous action potentials (rather than straight top to bottom travel)
• steady but variable rhythm because PQRST still occurs, but there might be 3Ps: 1QRS etc.