Arrhythmia basics
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Transcript of Arrhythmia basics
Presentation by Mary Burns Prine, MA
Arrhythmia Basics
Normal Heart Behavior
• Heart Rate between 60 –
80
• Begins with electrical
signal in upper right part of
heart (sinus node)
• Sinus node is heart’s
pacemaker
Heart’s electrical system
Electrical impulse begins at sinus node. Impulse stimulates the
heartbeat through the heart.
Two features of arrhythmias• Site of origin
– Atria
– Atrioventricular node (AV node)
– Ventricles
• Affect on heart rate
– Too slow heart rate
(bradycardia)
– Too fast heart rate
(tachycardia)
Common types of Arrhythmia
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Ventricular Fibrillation
Atrial Fibrillation
• Common! About 1 in 4 over 40 years old
• Atria quiver (fibrillate) chaotically instead
of rhythmically
• Blood not circulated efficiently
• Symptoms: weakness, shortness of
breath, lightheadedness, palpitations &
chest pain
• CAN LEAD TO BLOOD CLOTS!
Atrial Fibrillation
Ventricular Tachycardia & Ventricular Fibrillation
• More serious
• Caused by abnormal electrical signals from
ventricles
• Can develop during heart attack or months after
from damaged heart
Ventricular Tachycardia
Tachycardia: Heart rate over 100 bpm. Can cause
palpitations, light headedness, dizziness, weakness,
fainting and drop in blood pressure. Can survive for
hours without treatment BUT can progress to Ventricular
fibrillation which is fatal.
Ventricular Fibrillation
• Ventricles twitch rapidly & chaotically,
unable to pump blood
• Can lead to death if not treated within a
few moments
Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation
Loss of consciousness or fainting is the most common sign
of ventricular fibrillation.
Early ventricular fibrillation symptoms (may start up to
an hour before ventricular fibrillation & fainting):
– Chest pain
– Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
– Dizziness
– Nausea
– Shortness of breath
Treating Fibrillation
• CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
• Use Automated External Defibrillator if
available (AED) OR
• Begin chest compressions (100/minute)