Bradyarrhythmias Explained for the Cardiac Electrophysiology Pro
Bradyarrhythmia:
Depressed Automaticity
There are TWO mechanisms of bradyarrhythmias that can turn your sweet patient into a zombie.
Failure of impulse generation
Failure of impulse propagation
Failure of impulse generation is due to insufficient generation of intrinsic signals by the
SA node.
Failure of Impulse Generation
An insufficient number of electrical impulses by the SA node is the failure of impulse generation and is the most common cause of bradyarrhythmia. Sick sinus syndrome is an example of failure of impulse generation.
Examples of Failure of Impulse Generation:
Sinus bradycardiaSinus pauses
Sick sinus syndrome
Failure of Impulse Propagation
Failure of impulse propagation is caused by delay or block of an electrical impulse through the SA or AV Node.
Examples of Failure of Impulse Propagation:
Sinoatrial exit block
First-degree heart block
Second-degree heart block
Mobitz Type I
Mobitz Type II
Third-degree heart block
When the SA node does produce a sufficient heart rate, bradycardia may still exist as a product of the failure of impulse propagation. This occurs when the electrical impulse fails to conduct, usually through the SA or AV node, known as heart block.
Mechanism of Bradyarrhythmia:
Dependent on the degree of delay or conduction block
To appreciate impulse failure, let’s start with the basics of anatomical and functional pathophysiology associated with bradycardia.
SINUS NODE - failure of impulses generated by the SA node
INTRA-ATRIAL TRACTS - impaired signal propagation
AV NODE - abnormal conduction velocities and refractory periods - impairing conduction
HIS BUNDLE - abnormal conduction velocities and refractory periods - impairing conduction
Q. How do you diagnose failure of impulse generation?
A. Look at the starting line!
ASSESSMENT: SA Node
This can be helpful in patients with suspected sick sinus syndrome (SSS) or inappropriate sinus bradycardia. Some of the key findings would be prolonged SNRT > 1500ms and would be diagnostic in patients with symptoms suggestive of bradycardia:
Syncope
Lightheadedness
This would also be a diagnostic finding in symptomatic patients with suspected sinus node dysfunction. Keep in mind that an EP Study assessment of sinus node function may be considered when the diagnosis remains uncertain after noninvasive evaluations.
Conduction Assessment Pacing Protocols Revealed: The Zombie Heart Part II
Sinus Node Recovery Time (SNRT)
Corrected Sinus Node Recovery Time (CSNRT)
Autonomic Testing
Sinoatrial Conduction Time (SACT)
Failure of impulse propagation can occur anywhere along the conduction system. From the AV Node down to the fascicles. As failure occurs further down the line, more zombie-like behavior may be seen. These can be very slow heart rates as the backup pacemaker cells have to take over.
Self-paced online course.
Intro to Device Implant: From Brady to Box!
Course includes:
Arrhythmias: BRADY
Device: INDICATIONS
Device: NBG CODES & TIMING
Scrub Instrumentation: DEVICE IMPLANT
Even though impulse generation is the leading culprit in brady arrhythmias, the failure may fall farther down the chain of command. In other words, someone is running the show, but the message is not being delivered in a timely manner or at all.
For more on bradyarrhythmias see The Zombie Heart Part II next month!
For more from the author, Jen Busch, BSN, CEPS read her last blog, Smooth Start in the EP Lab Control Room!
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About the ExPert!
Jennifer Busch, BSN, CEPS, IBHRE Ambassador is the
Sr. Manager of Professional Development - CV at
CHART Healthcare Academy.
Jen has been a nurse over 15 years. She is a CHART Certified Coach, a gifted CHART Facilitator, and actually enjoys complex VT ablations.