Reference no: EM133703979

Question

Explain in simple terms The common dysrhythmias can be divided into two major groups: supraventricular dysrhythmias and ventricular dysrhythmias. In general, ventricular dysrhythmias are more dangerous than supraventricular dysrhythmias. With either type, intervention is required only if the dysrhythmia interferes with effective ventricular pumping. Treatment often proceeds in two phases: (1) termination of the dysrhythmia (with electrical countershock, drugs, or both), followed by (2) long-term suppression with drugs. Dysrhythmias can also be treated with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or by destroying small areas of cardiac tissue using radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation. It is important to appreciate that drug therapy of dysrhythmias is highly empiric (i.e., based largely on the response of the patient and not on scientific principles). In practice, this means that even after a dysrhythmia has been identified, we cannot predict with certainty just which drugs will be effective. Frequently, trials with several drugs are required before control of rhythm is achieved. In the discussion that follows, only first-choice drugs are considered.