An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm due to a disruption in normal electrical conduction. Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia. Main classification of arrhythmias Classification Description Examples Bradyarrhythmias HR < 60 bpm Supraventricular: atrial fibrillation, atriventricular nodal reentrant…
Sudden cardiac death is unexpected death from cardiac causes in persons without symptoms of heart disease or within one hour of the onset of symptoms. It frequently occurs in the morning hours and evening as the adrenergic system kicks in…
Wellen’s syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by biphasic or deep inversion of T waves in V2 – V3, in a patient with chest pain that has resolved. It is seen in critical stenosis of the left anterior descending artery…
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium. Inflammation may cause severe, acute heart failure, which may require organ support or an emergency heart transplant in fulminant cases. The majority of cases are caused by viruses. It often occurs with pericarditis (myopericarditis).…
Overview Encountering an added sound while auscultating the chest can be exciting and confusing. You need to determine: Once you have ascertained the above then try to describe the murmur as done below: Extra cardiac sounds don’t follow the predictable…
Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness due to global cerebral hypoperfusion that occurs with rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. This definition excludes other causes of loss of consciousness, such as epilepsy. Reflex syncope is the most…
Syncope is defined as a transient, self-limited loss of consciousness with an inability to maintain postural tone that is followed by spontaneous recovery. Occurs as a consequence of global cerebral hypoperfusion.
Overview Chest pain is the most frequent complaint in the emergency department, and the most common cause is reflux. Nevertheless, approach these patients with an index of suspicion (especially if older) As with any complaint of pain, you need to…
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterised by hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, resulting in thickened ventricular walls and reduced volume of the lumen. It may lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, since the heart can contract properly, but its ability to relax…
Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by decreased contractility, thickened ventricular walls, and increased luminal volume. It may lead to heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.