Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
10:08
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy As a Chronic Heart Failure Model in Swine
Published on: February 17, 2018
13.7K
A young man with irregularly irregular narrow complex tachycardia.
Michael Kwok1, Pieter Storm de Klerk1, Braden Vogt1
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, RI, USA.
Journal of Electrocardiology
|August 13, 2021
Summary
Pulmonary vein atrial tachycardia (PVAT), a rare heart rhythm disorder, can be mistaken for atrial fibrillation. This case highlights a young patient whose PVAT required ablation after medications failed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
Background:
- Pulmonary vein atrial tachycardia (PVAT) is an uncommon arrhythmia, representing 3% of all atrial tachycardia cases.
- Rapid PVAT can be challenging to distinguish from atrial fibrillation on an electrocardiogram.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old patient presented with refractory PVAT.
- Pharmacological interventions were ineffective in terminating the arrhythmia.
Findings:
- The patient's PVAT persisted despite medical management.
- Catheter ablation was successfully employed to terminate the refractory PVAT.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing PVAT, even when it mimics other arrhythmias.
- Catheter ablation is a viable and effective treatment for pharmacologically refractory PVAT.
- Early consideration of ablation may be beneficial for select PVAT patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias
181
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...
181
01:29Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
1.6K
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...
1.6K
01:17Increased pulse rate
810
Tachycardia is a condition marked by an abnormally fast or irregular heart rate, surpassing the typical resting rate. In adults, tachycardia is characterized by a pulse rate ranging from 100 to 180 beats per minute. The increased heart rate can result in inadequate blood flow to various body parts, ultimately diminishing the oxygen supply to organs and tissues.
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
Many factors can elevate the risk of developing tachycardia. These include advanced age, a family history of arrhythmias, and an...
810
01:28Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias
237
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...
237
01:18Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
213
Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
213
01:30Pulse rhythm
1.0K
Pulse rhythm refers to the pattern of pulsations within specific intervals, offering valuable insights into the regularity or irregularity of the heart's beats as observed through the pattern of pulsation within specific intervals. A regular pulse exhibits a consistent heart rate with uniform waveforms and pulsation force, variations of which can be classified as normal, weak, or bounding.
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
Conversely, an irregular pulse pattern is termed dysrhythmia, stemming from disruptions in cardiac...
1.0K