Cardiac Arrhythmias

Atrial Fibrillation

  • Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a type of arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria.

  • Commonly presented in clinical settings as it can lead to various complications, notably strokes and heart failure.

Ventricular Bigeminy

  • Definition: A type of arrhythmia where every other heartbeat is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC).

  • Implications: May lead to symptoms such as palpitations and can indicate underlying heart conditions.

Atrial Flutter

  • Atrial Flutter is another form of atrial arrhythmia characterized by a rapid contraction of the atria.

  • It is often identified by a distinct "sawtooth" pattern seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

PAC (Premature Atrial Contractions)

  • Definition: Extra heartbeats that begin in the atria and disrupt the regular heart rhythm.

  • Often considered benign, but frequent PACs can lead to more serious arrhythmias.

JER (Junctional Escape Rhythm)

  • A rhythm originating from the junction between the atria and ventricles.

  • Typically occurs when the primary pacemaker of the heart (the sinoatrial node) fails to initiate a heartbeat.

V-Tach (Ventricular Tachycardia)

  • A fast heart rate originating from the ventricles.

  • Can be life-threatening if sustained, and may require immediate medical intervention.

PJC (Premature Junctional Contraction)

  • An early heartbeat originating from the junctional area of the heart.

  • May lead to a feeling of a skipped heartbeat; generally benign.

Torsade de Pointes

  • A specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia characterized by a twisting pattern on the ECG.

  • Can be associated with prolonged QT interval, often resulting from electrolyte imbalances or specific medications.

Accelerated Ventricular Rhythm

  • A ventricular rhythm that is faster than normal but does not reach the rate of ventricular tachycardia.

  • May indicate underlying heart disease or can occur post myocardial infarction.

SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)

  • A rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles (in the atria or AV node).

  • Symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

PVC (Premature Ventricular Contractions)

  • Extra heartbeats that begin in the ventricles, disrupting the normal heart rhythm.

  • Can occur in healthy individuals but may indicate heart disease in others.

V-Fib (Ventricular Fibrillation)

  • An erratic and chaotic heart rhythm that prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively.

  • Requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to sudden cardiac death.

AVR (Atrial/Ventricular Rhythm)

  • This may refer to rhythms involving both atrial and ventricular activity, essential for understanding arrhythmia classifications.

Multifocal PVCs with R on T

  • A complex arrhythmia where PVCs occur in multiple locations and can precipitate dangerous arrhythmias like V-Tach.

Run of PVCs equivalent to a short burst of V-Tach

  • A situation where several PVCs occur in succession, resembling a brief episode of V-Tach, which can be alarming and may require intervention.