58 Questions
What are arrhythmias?
Disorders in heart rate due to improper electrical impulses
Why are supraventricular arrhythmias classified differently from ventricular arrhythmias?
Based on the origin of the abnormal electrical activity
Why is understanding the conduction system of the heart crucial for classifying arrhythmias?
It assists in identifying the rhythm disturbance origin
What distinguishes supraventricular arrhythmias from ventricular arrhythmias?
The location of the heart where they initiate
Why might an older patient with atrial fibrillation be more likely to experience thromboembolic events compared to a young patient with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia?
Atrial fibrillation is associated with higher risk of thromboembolic events
What is the first step in treating patients with palpitations according to the text?
Diagnosing the exact type of arrhythmia
What is the primary event in the occurrence of atrial flutter?
Abnormal atrial focus or micro re-entry circuit
Which condition is known to occur in all cardiac conditions leading to an increased atrial size or pressure overload?
Atrial flutter
What is the primary goal of treating atrial flutter?
Resetting the heart rhythm to normal
What distinguishes the impact of atrial flutter on the body from atrial fibrillation?
More organized and regular rhythm
Which term describes the abnormally fast heart rhythm resulting from improper electrical activity in the upper part of the heart?
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
In atrial flutter, where is the most electrical activity found?
Right atrium
What is the impact of atrial flutter on some individuals who have no symptoms?
(More likely) if the ventricular response rate is normal or slow
What process is likely related to atrial remodeling in atrial flutter?
(More likely) changes in atrial mass, structure, and properties of atrial cells
What is the classic trigger for torsades des pointes?
Drugs that prolong the QT interval
What is the most common site for re-entry circuits resulting in ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Left ventricle
Which mineral level disturbance can cause ventricular tachycardia (VT)?
Low potassium levels
What is the primary treatment approach for ventricular tachycardia (VT) that has become a more favorable option in carefully selected patients?
Radiofrequency ablation
What is the hemodynamic classification of ventricular tachycardia (VT) originating distal to the bundle of heart muscle at a rate of 100 or more?
Sustained VT
Which type of arrhythmia often causes instantaneous loss of consciousness and collapse resulting in sudden cardiac death?
Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
What is the primary cause of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) according to the text?
Myocardial infarction
What is the characteristic abnormality seen in an ECG during an episode of PSVT?
Delta wave
What is one of the reasons that can lead to rapid heartbeats in PSVT?
Energy depletion in heart cells
What is a recognized setting for the onset of all types of arrhythmias?
Ingestion of a heavy meal
Which of the following is a symptom associated with rapid heartbeats in PSVT?
Fatigue
What usually determines the exact mechanism of the tachycardia and the location of the abnormal electrical pathway in PSVT?
Electrophysiology study
In which population might PSVT be asymptomatic and only discovered incidentally?
Younger patients with no underlying cardiac disease
Which type of treatment for atrial fibrillation is shown to be non-inferior in the long term to rhythm control?
Drugs
What is the progressive condition that can be often diagnosed as an incidental finding during medical investigations for an unrelated illness?
Atrial fibrillation
Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that can cause atrial fibrillation?
Obesity
What is the standard test to detect atrial fibrillation even if it is not present all the time?
Echocardiography
In which group does the increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation primarily result from an increased incidence and prevalence of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and other chronic heart diseases?
Elderly people
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a symptom of atrial fibrillation?
Fever
What is commonly performed to look for abnormalities in the heart's structure or function in patients with atrial fibrillation?
Echocardiography
What is the significance of the degree of dispersion of the auricular impulse in the ventricles regarding ventricular fibrillation?
It is significant, especially in patients with auricular fibrillation who were in heart failure.
What might be a consequence of not treating ventricular fibrillation within minutes?
Increased risk of sudden death.
What is the optimal response to a witnessed sudden collapse with no palpable pulse?
Perform chest compressions and defibrillation without pausing for auxiliary CPR.
Why has the American Heart Association launched 'Mission: Lifeline'?
To improve outcomes of resuscitation efforts for cardiac arrest patients.
Which statement about premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is true?
Recent evidence suggests class II patients can develop reversible left ventricular dysfunction.
Why is prompt treatment of ventricular fibrillation crucial, according to the text?
It usually results in sudden death if not treated within minutes.
What can be inferred about the use of automated external defibrillators from the text?
Efforts are being made to train laypersons to use them for early defibrillation rates.
What role does an echocardiogram play in assessing ventricular function?
It can quantify the function of the left ventricle and its ability to pump blood.
What is the main goal of 'Mission: Lifeline' initiated by the American Heart Association?
To coordinate in-hospital management for cardiac arrest patients.
What can be concluded about laypersons using automated external defibrillators?
Efforts are being made to train them to use AEDs effectively.
What recommendation is given for situations where a sudden collapse with no palpable pulse is witnessed?
Perform chest compressions and defibrillation without pausing for auxiliary CPR.
What is the primary goal of clinical arrhythmia management in the context of ventricular fibrillation?
To prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ventricular fibrillation
What is a common cause of increased susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation?
Congestive heart failure
What is a characteristic of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with idiopathic VT?
Prevention is achievable with medical treatment
Which therapy generally takes precedence when refractory symptoms or near fatal events occur due to VT?
ICD placement
What type of VT has shown a very high success rate with catheter ablation?
Post myocardial infarction scar-related VT
Which scenario may only require treatment for ventricular tachycardia if the patient becomes symptomatic?
Low-risk patient without underlying heart disease
What is a recognized cause of susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation besides myocardial ischemia or infarction?
Genetically determined conduction system abnormalities
What is the primary reason behind the widespread use of implantable cardiac defibrillators in patients with PVCs and left ventricular dysfunction?
Due to the results of the MADIT II trial
Which of the following is NOT listed as a potential cause of PVCs?
High levels of potassium in the blood
What is the main aim of treating PVCs when no specific cause is identified?
To reduce symptoms
What is the common approach for treating PVCs in patients with increased sympathetic activity?
Lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques
Why might patients with significant symptoms or at high risk for dangerous heart rhythms be started on medication for PVCs?
To alleviate symptoms
In cases where PVCs are benign in the setting of severe heart disease, what factor is considered most important for treatment success?
Treating the heart disease itself
Explore the two main types of arrhythmias: supraventricular arrhythmias and ventricular arrhythmias. Learn about heart rate disorders that can affect blood flow to vital organs and cause symptoms like syncope, dizziness, and chest discomfort.
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