Arrhythmias cause irregular hearts beats in ways that can be life-threatening but there are a number of different types of arrhythmias that require different interventions. To determine the facts, this paper reviews the relevant literature to provide the etiology and pathogenesis, prevalence, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnostic pathways and optimal therapeutic approaches for paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and Brady arrhythmias, followed by a summary of the research and important findings concerning these three disease states in the conclusion.
Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia
Etiology & Pathogenesis. This type of arrhythmia can occur in individuals who have normal hearts as well as in people who have structurally abnormal hearts including those with congenital heart disease, especially following surgical repair of valvular or congenital heart disease (Budzikowski & Rottman 2015).
Common causes of the arrhythmia, risk factors, definition of rhythm via EKG findings. Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia (PAT) is caused by irregular firing of the electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers which then affects the electrical signals transmitted from the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node (Overview of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia 2016). As a result, the heart rate is accelerated which adversely affects the normal blood-pumping processes of the heart and the normal flow of oxygen and blood (Overview of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia 2016).
Prevalence/Incidence. In the United States, there are approximately 89,000 new cases of PAT each year and about 570,000 individuals suffer from the condition (Orejarena & Vidailletpersons 1998). This population is comprised of two subgroups: (a) those with PAT as well as (b) those who also suffer from other cardiovascular disease conditions (Orejarena & Vidailletpersons 1998).
Clinical Signs & Symptoms. The majority of PAT sufferers do not experience any discernible clinical signs or symptoms; however, in some cases, PAT sufferers may experience any of the follows:
Lightheadedness;
Dizziness;
Heart palpitations;
Angina; and,
Breathlessness (Overview of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia 2016).
In addition, but more rarely, PAT can also cause unconsciousness and/or cardiac arrest (Overview of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia 2016).
Diagnostic Pathways. In most cases, an electrocardiogram (ECG) test is used to diagnose PAT (Overview of Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia 2016).
Short-term vs. Long-term Therapeutic approach: medicinal vs. interventional therapy routes. Although the majority of individuals who experience a PAT will not require any medicinal or interventional therapy, for those who suffer from frequently recurring or severe episodes...
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