About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Tachyarrhythmia on ECG
Introduction
Tachyarrhythmia refers to an abnormally fast heart rhythm caused by irregular electrical activity in the heart. It can lead to symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, or even life-threatening complications.
Types of Tachyarrhythmia
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) – Originates in the atria or AV node.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AF) – Chaotic atrial activity with irregular ventricular response.
- Atrial Flutter – Rapid, organized atrial contractions creating a "sawtooth" pattern on ECG.
- Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) – Rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles; can be life-threatening.
- Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) – Disorganized ventricular activity leading to cardiac arrest.
ECG Features of Tachyarrhythmia
- Heart Rate: >100 bpm.
- Rhythm: Regular (VT, SVT, Flutter) or irregular (AF, VF).
- QRS Complex: Narrow (<120ms, usually supraventricular) or wide (>120ms, likely ventricular origin).
- P waves: Present (sinus tachycardia, flutter) or absent (AF, VF).
- PR Interval: Shortened or indiscernible in certain tachyarrhythmias.
Management
- SVT: Vagal maneuvers, adenosine, beta-blockers, or catheter ablation.
- AF: Rate control (beta-blockers, CCBs), rhythm control (antiarrhythmics), anticoagulation if needed.
- VT/VF: Immediate defibrillation in unstable cases, amiodarone or lidocaine for stabilization.
Conclusion
Accurate ECG interpretation is crucial in diagnosing and managing tachyarrhythmias. Always seek medical attention if experiencing palpitations or symptoms suggestive of an abnormal heart rhythm.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for the Management of Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/prevention--treatment-of-arrhythmia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14557344/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Supraventricular Tachycardia
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/5/655/5556821
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504425/
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/09/10/12/36/2019-ESC-Guidelines-for-Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
3. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Atrial Fibrillation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Atrial-Fibrillation
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/5/373/5899003
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3314/7738779
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860505/
4. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/AHA/Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Guidelines on Ventricular Arrhythmias
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000549
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29097320/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2017-ahaacchrs-guideline-management-patients-ventricular-arrhythmias-and-prevention-sudden-cardiac
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405500X22010945
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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