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Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
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Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers

Class III antiarrhythmic drugs are a group of medications that can prolong action potentials in the heart. They achieve this by blocking potassium channels or enhancing inward currents from sodium channels. However, these drugs have a unique property of "reverse use-dependence," which is most pronounced at slower heart rates and can lead to torsades de pointes—a specific type of arrhythmia. However, it is essential to note that excessive QT interval prolongation—a measure of the heart's...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers01:24

Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class II Agents as β-Adrenergic Blockers

Adrenergic stimulation generally impacts cardiac rate and rhythm. Specifically, stimulation of the β-adrenoceptors triggers an increase in intracellular calcium ion influx and pacemaker currents, which may cause arrhythmias. Catecholamines like adrenaline also demonstrate β2-adrenoceptor-mediated hypokalemia, impacting cardiac action potential and disrupting the normal cardiac rhythm. Class II antiarrhythmic drugs are β-adrenoceptor antagonists or β-blockers, which indirectly block calcium...
Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action01:28

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents
10:53

Isolation of Human Atrial Myocytes for Simultaneous Measurements of Ca2+ Transients and Membrane Currents

Published on: July 3, 2013

Adenosine-induced complete heart block: not so transient.

Martyn G Harvey1, Shameem Safih, Muir Wallace

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. harveym@waikatodhb.govt.nz

Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA
|November 21, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Adenosine can cause heart block, but a rare case involved prolonged, severe heart block after treatment for atrial flutter. This required intubation and temporary pacing, highlighting potential risks with combination therapy.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Adenosine is a key treatment for supraventricular tachycardias and a diagnostic tool for irregular heart rhythms.
  • Common side effects include transient atrioventricular blockade and bradyarrhythmias.

Observation:

  • A patient with atrial flutter received combination therapy with metoprolol and diltiazem.
  • Adenosine was administered to this patient.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced prolonged complete heart block.
  • This severe bradyarrhythmia necessitated intubation and temporary cardiac pacing.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for severe cardiac adverse events with adenosine, especially in patients on concurrent negative chronotropic medications.
  • Clinicians should be vigilant for prolonged heart block following adenosine administration in complex cardiac cases.