lecture 12 - antiarrhythmics

Question 1

What are the 2 types of arrhythmia, based on their cause?

Answer 1

1.) defects in impulse generation at SA node
2.) Defect in impulse conduction

Question 2

What is heart block?

Answer 2

Loss of SA control of cardiac contraction because of impaired conduction from the SA node to ventricles through ischaemic or refractory tissue.

Question 3

What are the 2 aims of pharmacological treatment of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 3

1.) rate/rhythm treatment
2.) embolic complication prevention

Question 4

What drugs/ drug classes can be used for rate control in AF treatment?

Answer 4

Beta-blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Digoxin

Question 5

What are the non-pharmacological treatments for AF?

Answer 5

catheter ablation, pacemakers, surgery

Question 6

What guidelines are used to calculate stroke risk in patients with AF?

Answer 6

CHA2DS2-VASC score

Question 7

What drugs can be used for supra-ventricular and ventricular arrhythmias?

Answer 7

Metoprolol, amiodarone

Question 8

What drugs can only be used for supra-ventricular arrhythmias?

Answer 8

Diltiazem, digoxin

Question 9

What is the main anti-arrhythmic property of Beta-blockers?

Answer 9

Rate control

Question 10

What is the action of digoxin?

Answer 10

Increases force of contraction of heart, but slows its rate

Question 11

What is the function drug class of digoxin?

Answer 11

Positive inotrope