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Related Concept Videos

Increased pulse rate01:17

Increased pulse rate

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...
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias01:28

Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
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...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias01:28

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 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.

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Incessant tachycardias

C Wren1

  • 1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.

European Heart Journal
|August 26, 1998
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Rare incessant tachycardias, including permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia and congenital His bundle tachycardia, often require treatment. Radiofrequency ablation or drug therapy can improve left ventricular function and manage these heart rhythm disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias

Background:

  • Incessant tachycardias with normal QRS duration are rare, often diagnosed in infancy or childhood.
  • These arrhythmias can lead to heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction.
  • Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) and congenital His bundle tachycardia (CHBT) are key examples.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics and management of rare incessant tachycardias.
  • To compare the efficacy of drug therapy versus radiofrequency ablation for these conditions.
  • To highlight treatment outcomes on left ventricular function.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on incessant tachycardias.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and treatment modalities.
  • Evaluation of long-term outcomes and impact on cardiac function.

Main Results:

  • Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is an orthodromic atrioventricular re-entry tachycardia; drug control is possible, but radiofrequency ablation offers better long-term results.
  • Congenital His bundle tachycardia (CHBT) is an automatic arrhythmia with ventriculo-atrial dissociation; high risk of AV block with ablation makes long-term drug treatment often preferable.
  • Atrial ectopic tachycardia (AET) is an automatic arrhythmia; drug suppression is possible, but radiofrequency ablation offers a potential cure.
  • All three arrhythmias may persist long-term, with Class IC or III drugs being most effective.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of incessant tachycardias involves either rate control or arrhythmia suppression.
  • Treatment strategies should aim to improve or normalize left ventricular function.
  • Both drug therapy and radiofrequency ablation play crucial roles, with the choice depending on the specific arrhythmia and patient factors.