Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
07:56
A Model of Long-Term Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rat Hearts
Published on: February 17, 2023
1.4K
Ventricular fibrillation due to coronary vasospasm
Syed Yaseen Naqvi1, Alan Hanley, James Crowley
1Department of Cardiology, UCHG, Galway, Ireland.
BMJ Case Reports
|February 5, 2014
Summary
A woman experienced sudden cardiac arrest due to coronary artery spasm, a condition not initially identified. Prompt treatment with a stent and defibrillator resolved her life-threatening arrhythmia.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a critical medical emergency.
- Coronary artery spasm can present with diverse symptoms, including chest pain and arrhythmias.
- Identifying the underlying cause of SCA is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman presented with sudden collapse and ventricular fibrillation.
- Initial coronary angiography revealed non-obstructive coronary artery disease.
- Recurrent chest pain and ECG changes suggested transient ischemia.
Findings:
- A repeat coronary angiogram demonstrated severe right coronary artery spasm.
- The spasm was associated with chest pain and ST-elevation, confirming vasospastic angina.
- The patient required a drug-eluting stent and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
Implications:
- Coronary artery spasm should be considered in cases of unexplained sudden cardiac arrest and ischemic symptoms.
- Vasospastic angina can lead to severe cardiovascular events, including ventricular arrhythmias.
- Timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention, such as stenting and ICD implantation, are vital for patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
5.3K
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...
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
5.3K
01:25ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
1.2K
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...
1.2K
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
735
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...
735
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
709
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...
709
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
620
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
620
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
943
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
943