Atrial Fibrillation
Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation
What is Shortness of Breath, Fatigue, Dizziness, Heart Palpitations
I demonstrate a heart rate of 250-350 beats per minute. On a monitor, I resemble a very scary animal
What is a flutter rhythm
When low, I am a common cause of premature ventricular contractions as I impair normal electrical conduction. I need to be between 3.5-5.
What is potassium
I can help clients with SVT. I involve taking air in through the nose and mouth, but when blowing it out, the nose and mouth remain closed.
What is the Valsalva maneuver
I am usually a compensatory mechanism for other pathologies, like fever, hypoxia, or hypovolemia.
What is sinus tachycardia
I quiver instead of beating effectively due to (Blank)
What are chaotic, rapid electrical signals
I am minimally invasive, target the right atrium, and will create small wounds in the heart to block abnormal electric signals
What is catheter ablation
I increase substances like adrenaline, block adenosine receptors, and approximately 1 in 4 Americans are addicted to me
What is caffeine
I am shortened in the case of SVT. This shortening causes a decrease in blood flow to the brain, causing syncope.
What is diastole.
I am used for unstable bradycardia. I work by blocking the parasympathetic system.
What is atropine.
I am commonly used for the management of atrial fibrillation. I reduce the formation of embolus, a common side effect of quivering heart chambers, thereby decreasing risk of stroke.
What is an anticoagulant
I slow down electrical conduction through the atrioventricular node, which lowers heart rate and improves cardiac function
What is a beta blocker
While I look normal, I am sporadically disrupted. When disrupted, you will observe a wide, odd complex.
What is PVC rhythm.
I am rapid acting and have a short half life, meaning I must be pushed quickly. I slow conduction in the AV node, but can cause symptoms like flushing and dyspnea.
What is adenosine
Endothelial damage, venous stasis, and hypercoagulability
What is Virchow's Triad
I am a procedure used in the case of atrial fibrillation. I require the use of anticoagulants at least 48 hours prior to being done and I am highly effective.
What is cardioversion
I occur if atrial flutter is left untreated. I can cause confusion, vision changes, and severe headaches as a result of impaired circulation to the brain.
What is stroke
I am essential for regulating ion channels, like sodium, and when low, I can lead to PVCs by increasing ventricular excitability.
What is magnesium
I trigger SVTs by altering the heart's electrical system through things like dehydration or increased adrenaline. I usually trigger SVTs when consumed excessively.
What is alcohol
I am a hallmark symptom of Peripheral Artery Disease and causes pain in the legs with activity.
What is intermittent claudication
I demonstrate the heart beating rapidly, without a discernible pattern, often causing heart rate to be 100-160+ beats per min
What is AFIB rhythm
I am a low molecular weight heparin that can be used to prevent blood clots. I can be used for patients bridging to long term anticoagulants.
What is enoxaparin (lovenox)
I am the priority action when treating PVCs. Before the action is done, labs need to be assessed
What is electrolyte repletion
I only last a few seconds after using adenosine. Although expected, I can alarm patients and cause a "sense of impending doom".
What is asystole.
Unlike my counterpart, I am caused by ischemia. I am deep, painful, and have "punched out" edges.
What are arterial ulcers.