The Medical clinics of North America
-
Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia with significant sequela. The goals of treating atrial fibrillation are rate control, prevention of thromboembolism, and maintenance of sinus rhythm. The epidemiology and pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation is reviewed, as well as strategies and recommendations for achieving therapeutic goals. The authors also review investigational therapeutic options using nonpharmacologic modalities.
-
Med. Clin. North Am. · Mar 2001
ReviewPolymorphic ventricular tachycardia, long Q-T syndrome, and torsades de pointes.
PMVT is an uncommon arrhythmia with multiple causes. Classification and management are based on the Q-T interval. ⋯ Evaluation of these patients should include a thorough history and physical examination and an assessment for underlying heart disease and known [figure: see text] eliciting factors. Long-term management must be tailored to the individual and the underlying cause and should be conducted by an experienced cardiac electrophysiologist.