Arrhythmia Treatment

Question 1

Describe the acute treatment of AF.

Answer 1

ACUTE:

1. Oxygen and immediate cardioversion
2. LMWH to anticoagulate
3. Diltiazem, verapamil or metoprolol
4. Digoxin and amiodarone

Question 2

Describe the chronic treatment of AF.

Answer 2

CHRONIC:

1. Anticoagulate with warfarin
2. Beta blocker/calcium channel blocker
3. Digoxin if all else fails (NOT with Diltiazem or verapamil)
4. Cardiovert with flecainide or IV amiodarone

Question 3

How should asystole and pulseless electrical activity be treated?

Answer 3

IV adrenaline/epinephrine

Question 4

How should 1st degree heart block be treated?

Answer 4

No treatment, just check up

Question 5

How should 2nd/complete heart block be treated?

Answer 5

Atropine

Pacing

Question 6

How should atrial ectopic beats be treated?

Answer 6

Not usually necessary unless severe/causing other problems, then give beta blockers

Question 7

How should atrial flutter be treated?

Answer 7

Cardioversion (if patient has had atrial flutter for more than 1-2 days, anticoagulate for 3 weeks prior to cardioversion)

Question 8

How do you treat sustained VT?

Answer 8

DC cardioversion if emergency

Lignocaine + Amiodarone if not

Question 9

How do you treat VT if the patient has a normal heart?

Answer 9

beta blockers

Question 10

How do you treat VF?

Answer 10

defribrillation urgently

ICDs should be fitted to survivors

Question 11

How should Brugada Syndrome be treated?

Answer 11

ICD