HEART PHYSIOLOGY

(ARRYTHMIAS)
BY DR. MUDASSAR ALI ROOMI (MBBS, M. PHIL)

ARRYTHMIAS
NORMOTROPIC ARRYTHMIAS SINUS TACHYCARDIA SINUS BRADYCARDIA SINUS ARRYTHMIAS ECTOPIC ARRYTHMIAS HEART BLOCKS:
SA nodal BLOCKS AV nodal BLOCKS(1st,2nd, 3rd degree).

EXTRASYSTOLE ( atrial, AV
nodal and ventricular).

PAROXYSMAL TACHYCARDIA ( atrial, AV nodal, ventricular ).

OTHERS ( atrial flutter, atrial

fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation).

Premature Contractions
Definition: A premature contraction is a contraction of the heart before the time that normal contraction would have been expected. Synonyms: extrasystole, premature beat, or ectopic beat. Depending upon the site of ectopic impulse, we divide the extrasystoles into three types i.e.
1. 2. 3. Atrial extrasystole Junctional/AV nodal extrasystole Ventricular extrasystole

Causes of Premature Contractions:

(1)Local areas of ischemia (2) small calcified plaques at different points in the heart, which press against the adjacent cardiac muscle so that some of the fibers are irritated; (3) toxic irritation of the A-V node, Purkinje system, or myocardium caused by drugs, nicotine, or caffeine.

Premature Atrial Contractions

ectopic origin of the beat is in the atria near the A-V node The P wave of this beat occurred too soon in the heart cycle; the P-R interval is shortened. compensatory pause? Pulse Deficit? Premature atrial contractions occur frequently in otherwise healthy people. Indeed, they often occur in athletes whose hearts are in very healthy condition. CAUSE: Mild toxic conditions resulting from such factors as smoking, lack of sleep, ingestion of too much coffee, alcoholism, and use of various drugs can also initiate such contractions.

A-V Nodal or A-V Bundle Premature Contractions

The P wave is missing from the ECG. the P wave is superimposed onto the QRS-T complex A-V nodal premature contractions have the same significance and causes as atrial premature contractions.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

1. The QRS complex is usually considerably prolonged. 2. The QRS complex has a high voltage 3. After almost all PVCs, the T wave has an electrical potential polarity exactly opposite to that of the QRS complex,

PAROXYSMAL TACHYCARDIA
Definition: there is paroxysms of tachycardia, they appear suddenly and may remain for sometime. Types:
Supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs)
ATRIAL AV NODAL

Ventricular tachycardias

Atrial Paroxysmal Tachycardia

An ectopic focus in the atria start discharging at a rate of 100 150 impulses. Heart follows these depolarizations.

Paroxysmal means a series of rapid heart beats suddenly start and then suddenly stop.
ECG Findings: P wave is inverted and is partially superimposed on the T wave of previous heartbeat.

Can be stopped with:

a vagal reflex or quinidine or procainimide

AV NODAL/ JUNCTIONAL TACHYCARDIA

an ectopic focus in AV node or junctional tissue discharges impulses at a rate of 100 -150 /minute. Heart follows these discharges. There is no P wave, just only QRS complexes at a fast rate. Supra ventricular tachycardias (SVTs) can be controlled by vagal stimulation done by carotid massage or by occulocaridac reflex. (when firm pressure is applied over the eye ball there is slowing of heart rate. Afferent pathway for occulocardiac reflex is along the trigeminal nerve, then from the vasomotor centre impulses are sent to heart rate.

Ventricular Paroxysmal Tachycardia

Its a serious condition and it indicates considerable myocardial damage. In many cases V. tachycardia results into ventricular fibrillation. Factors which lead this tachycardia into ventricular fibrillation are:
shortened refractory period of ventricular muscle longer pathway that the impulse has to travel slow velocity of conduction of cardiac impulse

Treatment: Quinidine increases refractory period of cardiac muscle and can eliminate the problem