Lecture 21: Dysrhythmias Part 1 Flashcards
What is the underlying mechanism behind sinus arrhythmias?
Reflex changes in vagal influence on normal pacemaker, which disappears when holding your breath or increasing HR.
NON PATHOLOGIC
Inspiration = increased HR
At what point is sinus bradycardia considered severe and potentially an indication of sinus node pathology?
< 45 BPM
In what demographic is sinus bradycardia “normal”?
Athletes
What physiological conditions can result in sinus bradycardia?
- OSA
- Increased ICP (r/o neurologic symptoms)
- Hypothyroidism
- Inferior wall MI (RCA is the main supply to the sinus node)
- Hypothermia
Cushing’s reflex = Widened pulse pressure, hypotension, irregular respirations => increasing ICP
What is sick sinus syndrome?
- Recurrent supraventricular arrhythmias
- Brady-tachy syndrome
- Chronotropic incompetence
Different versions!
How do you treat sick sinus syndrome?
If symptomatic => Permanent pacemaker implant
What is the key management step in sinus bradycardia?
Seeing if they are symptomatic and if the symptoms are correlated with their bradycardia.
How do you calculate max HR?
220-Age
What are the MCC of sinus tachycardia?
- Exercise
- Anger/stress
At what point are P waves difficult to see on EKG in sinus tachycardia?
> 140 BPM
Superimposed on preceding T wave
If someone has structural HD but is presenting with tachycardia, what could occur physiologically?
- Increased O2 consumption
- Decreased Coronary blood flow
- Decreased CO due to shortened ventricular filling time
- Exacerbation of existing HD
What is inappropriate sinus tachycardia?
Exaggerated responses or increased resting HR during exercise.
In patients with symptomatic/inappropriate sinus tach, what is the first-line therapy?
- BBs
- non-DHP CCBs or ivabradine
Verapamil/Dilt
Where do mobitz type 1 and 2 differ in terms of physiology of conduction?
- Type 1 is characterized by abnormal conduction within the AV Node
- Type 2 is characterized by abnormal conduction within the bundle of His
Higher type = higher up
What is 1st deg AVB?
PR interval > 0.2s with all atrial impulses conducted
Just takes longer to go from the atrium to the ventricle
What is Mobitz Type 1 and Type 2 2nd deg AVB?
- Type 1 = Progressive lengthening of AV conduction time
- Type 2 = Intermittently nonconducted AV beats not preceded by lengthening of AV conduction time
What is 3rd deg AVB?
- Complete heart block
- Complete A-V dissociation
Atria and ventricles have 0 communication with each other.