Cardiac Arrhythmias and Electrocardiography Quiz

Sinus rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm and a heart rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute.

The P wave represents the depolarization of the atria, initiating atrial contraction.

The PR interval on an ECG represents the delay between atrial depolarization (P wave) and ventricular depolarization (QRS complex), reflecting conduction through the AV node.

Loss of consciousness is a common symptom of ventricular fibrillation, as it leads to inadequate blood flow to the brain due to ineffective ventricular contractions.

Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular electrical activity in the atria, leading to an irregular heart rate.

The QT interval on an ECG is used to assess the time taken for ventricular depolarization and repolarization, primarily indicating ventricular repolarization time.

Hypertension is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation, contributing to changes in atrial structure and function.

Lead V1 to V6 are commonly used for diagnosing myocardial infarction, as they provide different views of the heart's electrical activity from various angles.

Amiodarone is a medication commonly used to treat ventricular tachycardia, exerting its antiarrhythmic effects by prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period.

Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by chaotic, irregular electrical activity in the ventricles, leading to ineffective pumping of blood.

The primary goal of treating ventricular fibrillation is to restore normal sinus rhythm, thereby improving cardiac output and preventing further deterioration.

Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is associated with a prolonged QT interval on an ECG, increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, such as torsades de pointes.

Quinidine, a medication used to treat certain arrhythmias, can precipitate torsades de pointes, a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, particularly in patients with prolonged QT intervals.

Increased R wave amplitude in leads V5 and V6 on an ECG is indicative of left ventricular hypertrophy, reflecting increased electrical activity due to thickening of the left ventricular wall.