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Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmia management involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating pharmacological treatments, medical procedures, surgical interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.Pharmacological ManagementAntiarrhythmic Drugs:Class I (Sodium Channel Blockers): This class includes quinidine and procainamide, which reduce the speed of impulse conduction in the heart, stabilize the cardiac membrane, and control arrhythmias. Quinidine and procainamide are Class IA agents that prolong the...

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias V: Evaluating Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that range from benign to life-threatening. A thorough evaluation is crucial for appropriate management and involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.Medical HistorySymptoms: Collect detailed information on palpitations, dizziness, syncope, chest pain, and fatigue. Note their onset, frequency, and triggers.Previous Cardiac Issues: Document any history of heart...

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Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

Atrial fibrillation in athletes.

G Mascia¹, L Perrotta, G Galanti

¹Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. giuseppe_mascia@virgilio.it

International Journal of Sports Medicine

|October 9, 2012

Summary

Endurance athletes have an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart rhythm disorder. This review covers AF causes, symptoms, and management in athletes, including sport eligibility.

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Area of Science:

Cardiology
Sports Medicine
Exercise Physiology

Background:

Long-term endurance sports participation is linked to a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Potential mechanisms include inflammation, cardiac structural changes, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and neurohormonal factors.
Atrial fibrillation can cause symptoms like palpitations and reduced exercise capacity, impacting athletic eligibility.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the mechanisms, clinical presentation, and management strategies for atrial fibrillation in competitive athletes.
To discuss criteria for determining eligibility and disqualification from sports participation for athletes with AF.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies investigating atrial fibrillation in athletes.
Analysis of proposed etiological factors and pathophysiological mechanisms.
Evaluation of current treatment options, including pharmacotherapy and catheter ablation.

Main Results:

Several factors contribute to AF development in athletes, including inflammation and cardiac remodeling.
Drug therapy data is limited; catheter ablation is emerging as a viable option for paroxysmal AF in young athletes.
Sport eligibility decisions require individualized assessment, not automatic disqualification.

Conclusions:

Atrial fibrillation is a significant concern for endurance athletes, with multifactorial causes.
Management requires a tailored approach, considering ablation for specific athlete populations.
Clear guidelines are needed for sport participation eligibility in athletes with atrial fibrillation.