Initial management of cardiac arrhythmias

Diagnosis of acute arrhythmias requires recognition and interpretation of important electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, and knowledge of Australian resuscitation guidelines.

This article aims to provide a guide for general practitioners in managing patients who present with acute arrhythmias in the rural or regional setting.

Rural GPs need to be familiar with acute management of bradycardias, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, despite the fact that they may deal with these problems infrequently. A good local or regional network will help determine which patients can be treated locally, versus the need to refer to a hospital emergency department or outpatient setting. This might include a colleague reviewing an ECG sent by fax or email. Coronary care and emergency staff, both medical and nursing, have the expertise to participate collaboratively in such a network.