Presentation by Mary Burns Prine, MA

Arrhythmia Basics

Normal Heart Behavior

• Heart Rate between 60 –

80

• Begins with electrical

signal in upper right part of

heart (sinus node)

• Sinus node is heart’s

pacemaker

Heart’s electrical system

Electrical impulse begins at sinus node. Impulse stimulates the

heartbeat through the heart.

Two features of arrhythmias• Site of origin

– Atria

– Atrioventricular node (AV node)

– Ventricles

• Affect on heart rate

– Too slow heart rate

(bradycardia)

– Too fast heart rate

(tachycardia)

Common types of Arrhythmia

• Atrial Fibrillation

• Ventricular tachycardia

• Ventricular Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation

• Common! About 1 in 4 over 40 years old

• Atria quiver (fibrillate) chaotically instead

of rhythmically

• Blood not circulated efficiently

• Symptoms: weakness, shortness of

breath, lightheadedness, palpitations &

chest pain

• CAN LEAD TO BLOOD CLOTS!

Atrial Fibrillation

Ventricular Tachycardia & Ventricular Fibrillation

• More serious

• Caused by abnormal electrical signals from

ventricles

• Can develop during heart attack or months after

from damaged heart

Ventricular Tachycardia

Tachycardia: Heart rate over 100 bpm. Can cause

palpitations, light headedness, dizziness, weakness,

fainting and drop in blood pressure. Can survive for

hours without treatment BUT can progress to Ventricular

fibrillation which is fatal.

Ventricular Fibrillation

• Ventricles twitch rapidly & chaotically,

unable to pump blood

• Can lead to death if not treated within a

few moments

Symptoms of Ventricular Fibrillation

Loss of consciousness or fainting is the most common sign

of ventricular fibrillation.

Early ventricular fibrillation symptoms (may start up to

an hour before ventricular fibrillation & fainting):

– Chest pain

– Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

– Dizziness

– Nausea

– Shortness of breath

Treating Fibrillation

• CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

• Use Automated External Defibrillator if

available (AED) OR

• Begin chest compressions (100/minute)