February 4, 2016 - Ventricular Arrythmias Flashcards
Ventricular Tachycardia
Is a rapid heart beat that arises from improper electrical activity of the heart presenting as a rapid heart rhythm, that starts in the ventricles.
This is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia because it can cause low blood pressure and lead to ventricular fibrillation, asystole, and sudden death.
Differentiating VT from SVT w/ Aberrancy
Not always possible…. but can be done if you see…
1) AV dissociation
2) Capture beats
3) Fusion beats
AV Dissociation
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/179/162/553/a_image_thumb.jpg?1454898537)
Capture Beat
When a normal impulse is conducted through the AV node.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/179/538/931/a_image_thumb.jpg?1454898576)
Fusion Beat
The “lovechild” between different electical activity acting on the heart.
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/brainscape-prod/system/cm/179/539/126/a_image_thumb.jpg?1454898814)
Class I Drugs
Sodium Channel Blockers
Good suppression of premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) and VT
Class II Drugs
Beta Blockers
Class III Drugs
Potassium Channel Blockers
Can suppress PVCs and VT/VF
Prolong QT interval
Eg. Amiodarone
Class IV Drugs
Calcium Channel Blockers