EKG - Irregular Ventricular Rhythms Flashcards
How is the sinus node during unifocal PVCs?
PVC - premature ventricular complex
the sinus node is not reset and continues to depolarize “on time” through the PVCs
Profound ST segment depression indicates what?
myocardial ischemia that sets the stage for this dangerous arrhythmia
For multifocal PVCs
What are the causes of PVCs?
- excessive caffeine intake
- electrolye imbalances
- hyperthyroidism
- stimulants
- excessive alcohol
- tobacco use
- cardiac diseases
- Anemia
- most have no etiology
What are the sx of PVCs?
- often a-sx
- lightheadedness
- chest pain, discomfort, dyspenea and anxiety
- rarely syncope
- possibly palpate or ausculate a missed beat
What are the treatment for PVCs?
- rarely need any treatment
- sometimes antiarrythmics
- rarely cardiac ablation to treat aberrant SA node cells
- 1 or 2 spikes = monitor and keep going
- increasing freq = reduce intensity
What is the rule for PVCs?
runs of three leave them be (!!!)
What is vtach characterized by?
Widened QRS complexes
- no P waves
- usually a rate over 100 bpm
What does Vtach degenerate to?
to ventricular fibrillation and deeath
- may be responsive to electrical defibrillation
What are the effects of V-tach?
- life threatening if over 60 seconds
- rapid ventricular rate leads to low CO -> systemic hypoperfusion -> can’t meet the body’s demands -> syncope and potential death
- ischemia or MI
- acute coronary syndrome
What are the sx of v-tach?
- syncope
- SOB (due to pulmonary edema)
- cardiac arrest (even cardiac death)
- ICD may shock
What is the medical response to v-tach?
A rapid response or possible code situation depending on how quickly the patient is deteriorating
-outpatient situation = EMS
What does the loss of electrical organization cause in the EKG?
irregular shaped waveforms that reflect multiple ventricular foci firing randomly in v-fib
- not able to measure HR because of it
Basically inconsistencies
What is V-fib characterized as?
chaotic wave pattern and no pulse
- maybe responsive to electrical defibrillation
What are the causes of V-fib?
- MI or other damage to the heart wall or conduction system
- Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia)
What are the sx of V-fib?
syncope or near syncope
significant SOB
cardiac arrest
