How should arrhythmias be investigated?
When do you worry about ectopic beats on a 24hr ecg?
when they occur >20% of the time, it may lead to heart failure
Describe how regular narrow complex (SVT) regular tacharrhythmias are treated if the pt is haemodynamicaly stable? (4 steps)
1st: Valsalver maneouvre
2nd: carotid sinus massage
3rd: adenosine 6mg IV then 12mg x2
4th: IV verapamil or betablockers(last resort// in asthma)
5th: electrocardioversion (do this 1st if haemodynamically unstable)
How should narrow complex irregular tachycardias be treated initially?
(if haemodynamically unstable// adverse signs, if new onset within 48hrs, if been present for >48hrs and if infrequent episodes)
Treat as AF- by far most likely diagnosis
Haemodynamically unstable/ adverse signs: synchronised DC
Acute presentation (within 48hrs): chemical rhythm control with amiodarone (if they have structural heart disease) or 300mg PO flecainide then DC and if urgent rate control needed use CSM, VSM, bisoprolol then verapamil
If old: anticoagulate and offer bisoprolol/ verapamil for rate control/ digoxin in HF. Then bring back in two weeks for cardioversion. Flecainide PRN can be used in infrequent symptomatic AF.
What are the criteria on the CHA2DS2 VASc score?
Congestive heart failure/ LVSD Hypertension Age >75 (scores 2) Diabetes Stroke/ TIA/ VTE (scores 2) Vascular disease Age 65-75 Sex -female
What are the adverse signs in tachy/brady which indicate you may need to use a defib
shock
MI/ chest pain/ ischaemia on ECG
Heart failure
Syncope
Synchronised DC shocks for tachy, transcutanous pacing for brady.
Electrical cardioversion before chemical (amiodarone) for tachy. Chemical (atropine) before electrical for brady.
Name 3 anticoagulants
warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban
What can be done in AF if anticoagulants are not tolerated or contraindicated?
left atrial appendage occlusion
Give 5 causes of AF
Can also remember by mnemonic PIRATES: Pulmonary embolism. Ischaemia. Respiratory disease. - lung cancer, chest infection Atrial enlargement or myxoma. Thyroid disease. (Hyper) Ethanol. Sepsis/sleep apnoea.
How are unstable bradycardia treated?
How should pulseless VT and V fib be treated?
defibrillation
adrenaline 1mg every 3-5 mins and amiodarone 300mg after 3 shocks +/- lidocaine
How should
a) unstable
b) stable sustained VT with a pulse be treated?
unstable: sedate and do DC cardioversion x 3 then amiodarone 300mg over 20 mins whilst doing more DC shocks, check and correct electrolytes
stable: amiodarone, then flecainide then lidocaine then cardioverision or pacing
How can non sustained VT be treated?
beta blockers- may also need implantable defibrillator
What is torsades de pointes? (2) What are the ECG features?
Type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Associated with long QT.
Features: changes in amplitude (twisting) of the QRS complexes around the isoelectric line.
How is torsade de pointes treated?
IV magnesium sulphate 2g given over 10 minutes
(initially and then can be repeated after 5-15 mins)
if unsuccessful then sedate for DC cardioversion
Look for cause of long QT (drugs, hypokalaemia, bradycardia, genetics)
Other anti-arrhythmics cant be used as they prolong QT
What investigations are needed for angina
How should stable angina be treated? (8)
How is an MI investigated?
How should a STEMI be treated?( short term- inc drug doses)
What do you need to think about when assessing NSTEMI risk and need for angiography/ PCI? (6)
Calculate GRACE SCORE
What causes mitral regurg and mitral stenosis?
Regurg: MI, LV dilation, calcification, CT disorders, rheumatic fever, endocarditis, cardiomyopathy
Stenosis: rheumatic fever (most common cause!) or congenital (rarer)
What causes aortic stenosis and regurg?
What is the most common cause of aortic stenosis in someone <60yrs?
Stenosis: calcification, sometimes rheumatic fever or congenital
Regurg: congenital, CT disorders, rheumatic fever, RA, SLE, hypertension
Most common cause of AS <60yrs = bicuspid arotic valve
Describe the clinical features of mitral regurg?
Dyspnoea, fatigue, palpitations, AF, systolic murmur (pan-systolic) best on expiration at apex with soft s1,
Displaced Apex Beat
Cardiomegaly
Acutely: presents with pulmonary oedema
Describe the clincial features of mitral stenosis?
pulmonary hypertension–> dyspnoea, haemoptysis, chronic bronchitis like picture, RA pressure increase can impinge recurrent laryngeal so hoarseness of voice, dysphagia. Fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, systemic emboli, rarely infective endocarditis. Malar flush on cheeks, AF, diastolic murmer best on exp with loud s1.