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Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

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 Dysrhythmias01:29

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.
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

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...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias01:25

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...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Atrial fibrillation in the elderly.

Teerapat Nantsupawat1, Kenneth Nugent, Arintaya Phrommintikul

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.

Drugs & Aging
|May 28, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) management in older adults requires careful stroke risk assessment using CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. Lenient rate control is preferred, with dronedarone as an option for rhythm control in select patients.

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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation
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Published on: February 26, 2013

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
08:56

Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: September 24, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in older adults, significantly increasing stroke risk.
  • Anticoagulant use for stroke prevention in the elderly is challenging due to age-related increases in both stroke and bleeding risks.
  • Current guidelines recommend CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current strategies for stroke prevention in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.
  • To discuss the role of anticoagulation and risk assessment scores in this population.
  • To evaluate rate versus rhythm control and the use of newer antiarrhythmic drugs like dronedarone.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of guidelines and studies on atrial fibrillation management in the elderly.
  • Analysis of risk stratification scores (CHA₂DS₂-VASc, HAS-BLED) for stroke and bleeding.
  • Comparison of rate control versus rhythm control strategies and antiarrhythmic drug profiles.

Main Results:

  • Anticoagulation is recommended based on CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores, with specific guidelines for scores of 1 or higher.
  • Aspirin is no longer recommended for AF thromboprophylaxis.
  • Lenient rate control is generally preferred in elderly patients due to fewer adverse effects and hospitalizations.
  • Dronedarone may be considered for rhythm control in paroxysmal AF without heart failure, offering a better side effect profile than amiodarone.

Conclusions:

  • Stroke prevention in elderly AF patients necessitates individualized risk assessment and tailored therapeutic strategies.
  • Rate control is often favored, but rhythm control with agents like dronedarone can be beneficial in specific patient subsets.
  • Careful consideration of drug efficacy, safety, and patient comorbidities is crucial for optimal AF management in older adults.