Cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

After studying this chapter, you should be able to: Understand the fundamental properties of excitability and refractoriness. Know basic conduction system anatomy. Develop a basic understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms, with particular attention to reentry, which is responsible for most clinically relevant arrhythmias. Develop a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of common bradycardic and tachycardic rhythms. Understand the impact, evaluation, and treatment options of arrhythmias occurring during several common clinical syndromes (long QT syndrome and acute myocardial infarction). © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.