A primary care approach to cardiac arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmias may present in a variety of ways in the primary care setting. They may or may not be accompanied by related symptoms. Rhythm disturbances span the continuum of posing no risk to the patient to being life-threatening. The importance of a thorough history and physical examination to detect the presence of cardiovascular disease or related factors cannot be overemphasized. An ECG is essential for the accurate identification of cardiac arrhythmias. Evaluation and management of cardiac rhythm disturbances often requires collaboration with medical practitioners and possible specialist referral. The primary care nurse practitioner must be able to recognize the important red flags in clinical practice such as cardiac syncope, ischemia, or failure. Finally, an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic measures used for arrhythmia evaluation and management will facilitate appropriate patient education, counseling, and follow-up.