Ventricular Ectopics

Question 1

What are ventricular ectopics?

Answer 1

They are premature ventricular beats caused by random electrical discharges from outside the atria

Question 2

What are the two classifications of ventricular ectopics?

Answer 2

Bigeminy Ventricular Ectopics

Trigeminy Ventricular Ectopics

Question 3

What are bigeminy ventricular ectopics?

Answer 3

They are defined as ventricular contractions occurring after every sinus beat

Question 4

What are trigeminy ventricular ectopics?

Answer 4

They are defined as ventricular contractions occurring after every third sinus beat

Question 5

What is the clinical feature of ventricualr ectopics?

Answer 5

Random, brief palpitations

Question 6

What investigation is used to diagnose ventricular ectopics?

Answer 6

ECG Scan

Question 7

What is the feature of ventricular ectopics on ECG scans?

Answer 7

There are random, abnormal broad QRS complexes on the background on a normal scan

Question 8

What is the specific feature of bigeminy ventricular ectopics on ECG scans?

Answer 8

There is a normal sinus beat followed immediately by an ectopic beat, then a normal beat, then ectopic and so on

Question 9

What is the specific feature of trigeminy ventricular ectopics on ECG scans?

Answer 9

There are two normal sinus beats followed by an ectopic beat, then two normal beats, then ectopic and so on

Question 10

What is the management of ventricular ectopics in healthy individuals?

Answer 10

We reassure individuals that they are normal and offer no treatment

Question 11

What are the four indications for cardiology referral of ventricular ectopics?

Answer 11

Chest Pain

Syncope

Heart Murmur

Family History of Sudden Death