Classification of Arrhythmias

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What are arrhythmias?

Disorders in heart rate due to improper electrical impulses (correct)

Lung function abnormalities affecting heartbeats

Irregularities in blood pressure coordination

Blood flow disorders in the brain and heart

Why are supraventricular arrhythmias classified differently from ventricular arrhythmias?

Based on the origin of the abnormal electrical activity (correct)

Due to the speed of heartbeats

Related to the symptoms they cause

Because of their effect on the brain

Why is understanding the conduction system of the heart crucial for classifying arrhythmias?

It affects blood pressure regulation

It helps determine the patient's age

It predicts the prognosis of arrhythmias

It assists in identifying the rhythm disturbance origin (correct)

What distinguishes supraventricular arrhythmias from ventricular arrhythmias?

The location of the heart where they initiate Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in treating patients with palpitations according to the text?

Diagnosing the exact type of arrhythmia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary event in the occurrence of atrial flutter?

Abnormal atrial focus or micro re-entry circuit Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is known to occur in all cardiac conditions leading to an increased atrial size or pressure overload?

Atrial flutter Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of treating atrial flutter?

Resetting the heart rhythm to normal Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the impact of atrial flutter on the body from atrial fibrillation?

More organized and regular rhythm Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the abnormally fast heart rhythm resulting from improper electrical activity in the upper part of the heart?

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia Signup and view all the answers

In atrial flutter, where is the most electrical activity found?

Right atrium Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What process is likely related to atrial remodeling in atrial flutter?

(More likely) changes in atrial mass, structure, and properties of atrial cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the classic trigger for torsades des pointes?

Drugs that prolong the QT interval Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common site for re-entry circuits resulting in ventricular tachycardia (VT)?

Left ventricle Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral level disturbance can cause ventricular tachycardia (VT)?

Low potassium levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment approach for ventricular tachycardia (VT) that has become a more favorable option in carefully selected patients?

Radiofrequency ablation Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Which type of arrhythmia often causes instantaneous loss of consciousness and collapse resulting in sudden cardiac death?

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) according to the text?

Myocardial infarction Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic abnormality seen in an ECG during an episode of PSVT?

Delta wave Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the reasons that can lead to rapid heartbeats in PSVT?

Energy depletion in heart cells Signup and view all the answers

What is a recognized setting for the onset of all types of arrhythmias?

Ingestion of a heavy meal Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom associated with rapid heartbeats in PSVT?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

What usually determines the exact mechanism of the tachycardia and the location of the abnormal electrical pathway in PSVT?

Electrophysiology study Signup and view all the answers

In which population might PSVT be asymptomatic and only discovered incidentally?

Younger patients with no underlying cardiac disease Signup and view all the answers

Which type of treatment for atrial fibrillation is shown to be non-inferior in the long term to rhythm control?

Drugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the progressive condition that can be often diagnosed as an incidental finding during medical investigations for an unrelated illness?

Atrial fibrillation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a factor that can cause atrial fibrillation?

Obesity Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard test to detect atrial fibrillation even if it is not present all the time?

Echocardiography Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a symptom of atrial fibrillation?

Fever Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly performed to look for abnormalities in the heart's structure or function in patients with atrial fibrillation?

Echocardiography Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of not treating ventricular fibrillation within minutes?

Increased risk of sudden death. Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal response to a witnessed sudden collapse with no palpable pulse?

Perform chest compressions and defibrillation without pausing for auxiliary CPR. Signup and view all the answers

Why has the American Heart Association launched 'Mission: Lifeline'?

To improve outcomes of resuscitation efforts for cardiac arrest patients. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is true?

Recent evidence suggests class II patients can develop reversible left ventricular dysfunction. Signup and view all the answers

Why is prompt treatment of ventricular fibrillation crucial, according to the text?

It usually results in sudden death if not treated within minutes. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of 'Mission: Lifeline' initiated by the American Heart Association?

To coordinate in-hospital management for cardiac arrest patients. Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about laypersons using automated external defibrillators?

Efforts are being made to train them to use AEDs effectively. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of increased susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation?

Congestive heart failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with idiopathic VT?

Prevention is achievable with medical treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which therapy generally takes precedence when refractory symptoms or near fatal events occur due to VT?

ICD placement Signup and view all the answers

What type of VT has shown a very high success rate with catheter ablation?

Post myocardial infarction scar-related VT Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario may only require treatment for ventricular tachycardia if the patient becomes symptomatic?

Low-risk patient without underlying heart disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a recognized cause of susceptibility to ventricular fibrillation besides myocardial ischemia or infarction?

Genetically determined conduction system abnormalities Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT listed as a potential cause of PVCs?

High levels of potassium in the blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of treating PVCs when no specific cause is identified?

To reduce symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the common approach for treating PVCs in patients with increased sympathetic activity?

Lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques Signup and view all the answers

Why might patients with significant symptoms or at high risk for dangerous heart rhythms be started on medication for PVCs?

To alleviate symptoms Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers