Question 1

what are the cardiac rhythm changes following respiratory arrest just limited to bradycardia and asystole?

Accepted Answer

VT and VF: Add ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation to the list.

Question 2

would my two-lead event monitor pick up ischemia in normal rhythm (ie be able to identity if pain episodes are cardiac), or just rhythm abnormalities?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely : Even monitors are meant to pickup arrhythmia (heart electric rhythm abnormality). Ischemia would best be detected by an ecg.

Question 3

are there meds that can cause false cardiac enzyme readings on blood tests?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely.this is a: Test with high specificity.

Question 4

so i have st elevation early repol. cardiologist says completely normal, im 42. im reading that it can cause sudden cardiac death. which is it? normal or dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Early repolarization: For peace of mind you could consult an electrphysiologist. There are different patterns of st segment elevations that are more concerning than others. St elevations in the inferior and lateral leads are considered potentially more serious but still low risk.  St elevations in the precordial leads that are concave up and with normal T waves are felt to be benign. Discuss this with your cardiologist

Question 5

why is ventricular fibrillation the most common rhythm of cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Why not: Basically we are talking about cardiac arrest.  This means the heart ceases to pump.  The two options are asystole or no heart beats or ventricular fibrillation...Rapid chaotic ineffective quivering of the heart.  Vf is a common consequence of heart attacks.  It is also a common consequence of enlarged weakened heart (cardiomyopathy).  Two common causes of death.

Question 6

do you know if ventricular fibrillation is the most common rhythm during cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

No.: The initial rhythm causing a cardiac arrest is most usually monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (62%), followed by bradycardia (17%), then polymorphic VT (13%) and finally primary vf (8%).  Most of these rhythms will eventually degenerate into vf, however.

Question 7

for cardiac patients, will you recommend a portable handheld ecg ekg monitor, and is one single channel enough or should get 3 channel rhythm leads? thank you.

Accepted Answer

No, I do not: Continuous self-monitoring of a heart rhythm is not helpful for any heart condition and is likely to be harmful by way of causing anxiety about the rhythm.  For certain severe and unfixable arrhythmias, a pacemaker or implanted defibrillator would be recommended by a cardiologist, but a patient should never be monitoring his or her own ECG strip.

Question 8

i swear, i felt my heart stop before i passed out. i'm quite familiar with rapid heart rhythm, but not with such a cardiac arrest? what is that?

Accepted Answer

Heart beat: Patients who have episodes of syncope should have an evaluation by a cardiologist.  Tests that are usually performed in addition to blood testing include an echocardiogram and a holter monitor test.

Question 9

what is the most common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults?

Accepted Answer

Several: But ventricular fibrillation is common, 
and ventricular tachycardia, or cardiac asystole may occur.

Question 10

ecg findings: sinus rhythm (65 bpm), non-specific ivcd, stt wave changes of early repolization pattern, clinical correlation required. is it normal or am i at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

: ECG abnormalities that you describe are not necessarily of concern regarding the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. ECG with non- specific abnormalities have to be correlated with your clinical findings before a judgement is made about risk of cardiac arrest. Have a cardiologist clinically evaluate you, look at the ECG and then answer your questions. Tests do not replace clinical assessment.

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Doctor answers about:

Reading cardiac rhythm strips

A member asked:

What are the cardiac rhythm changes following respiratory arrest just limited to bradycardia and asystole?

A member asked:

Would my two-lead event monitor pick up ischemia in normal rhythm (ie be able to identity if pain episodes are cardiac), or just rhythm abnormalities?

A member asked:

Are there meds that can cause false cardiac enzyme readings on blood tests?

A member asked:

So i have st elevation early repol. cardiologist says completely normal, im 42. im reading that it can cause sudden cardiac death. which is it? normal or dangerous?

A member asked:

Why is ventricular fibrillation the most common rhythm of cardiac arrest?

A member asked:

Do you know if ventricular fibrillation is the most common rhythm during cardiac arrest?

A member asked:

For cardiac patients, will you recommend a portable handheld ecg ekg monitor, and is one single channel enough or should get 3 channel rhythm leads? thank you.

A member asked:

I swear, i felt my heart stop before i passed out. i'm quite familiar with rapid heart rhythm, but not with such a cardiac arrest? what is that?

A member asked:

What is the most common abnormal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest in adults?

A member asked:

Ecg findings: sinus rhythm (65 bpm), non-specific ivcd, stt wave changes of early repolization pattern, clinical correlation required. is it normal or am i at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?

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