Tachycardia

Sébastien Krul, MD, Louise Olde Nordkamp, MD, Jonas de Jong, MD

This website is currently being developed and in a testing phase. Content is incomplete and may be incorrect.

Introduction

Figure 1. Classification of tachyarrhythmias.[1]

Differentiation between supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) and ventricular tachycardias (VT) can be challenging, especially in acute emergency settings. SVT's are rhythm disturbances in the atria or AV-nodal ring or rhythm disorders in which these structures are involved. Supraventricular arrhythmias are relatively common and rarely life-threatening. VT's are rhythm disorders that only involve the ventricles. It can both take place in the myocardial tissue and the conduction system tissue.

Supra-ventricular tachycardia

Atrial arrhythmias

The following arrhyhmias arise in the atrium. Dependent on the refractory period of the AV-node the ventricles follow the atrial contraction. However, at higher atrial rates the AV-node starts to block conduction from atrium to ventricle.[2, 3]

Sinus Tachycardia

Pathophysiology:

When the sinus node fires with a frequency between 100-180bpm, the term sinustachycardia is used. The maximum heart rate a person can achieve during exercise can be calculated by subtracting the age in years from 210. Usually it is a physiological reaction to stress (exercise, inflammation, stress). External factors can increase the heart rate like coffee and alcohol or drugs.[4] The term inappropriate sinus tachycardia is a persistent increase in resting heart rate or sinus rate unrelated to or an exaggerated response to stress.[5]

Clinical diagnosis:

A sinus tachycardia usually has a gradual start and ending. Diagnosis on the ECG can be made by the morphology of the P-wave. The P-wave has the same morphology during sinus tachycardia as during normal sinus rhythm.[6, 7] An inappropriate sinus tachycardia is diagnosed by when the sinus tachycardia is persistent (therefore non-paroxysmal) and no trigger can be identified.

Management:

No treatment is indicated, usually the sinustachycardia will pass when the external trigger is removed. If patients have persistent complaints, the trigger cannot be removed or in case of a inappropriate sinus tachycardia a beta-blocker can be administered. Patients with a contra-indication for beta-blockers can use nondihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers.

Atrial Tachycardia

Pathophysiology:

Atrial tachycardia (AT) is a tachycardia resulting from fast firing in an ectopic focus or micro-reentry circuit in the atria.[8] It has a frequency of above the 100bpm. In some patients the tachycardia has multiple foci (multifocal atrial tachycardia). This results in different P-wave morphologies on the ECG during the arrhythmia. Atrial tachycardia can be caused by all the mechanisms of arrhythmia formation. Patient after earlier surgery or catheter ablation usually present with macro-reentry AT located around functional or anatomical sides of block. The atrial flutter is a type of AT, but due to its unique mechanism it is discussed separately.

Clinical diagnosis:

ATs have a wide range clinical presentation. They can occur in paroxysms or can be the permanent underlying rhythm. Complaints of palpitation and a fast regular heart rate are common and as a result of the tachycardia complaints of dizziness, dyspnoea and syncope can be experienced. Focal AT that with a progressive increase at onset and decrease before termination are likely based on abnormal automaticity. Digoxine intoxication is a common cause for ATs. On the ECG an atrial tachycardia can be detected through the P-wave morphology. The P-wave has an other morphology depending on the foci of the atrial tachycardia. A ECG in resting condition of sinus rhythm can help distinguish different morphologies and help in localization of the source of the atrial tachycardia. Vagal maneuvers or administration of adenosine can block the AV-conduction and reveal firing from the atrium, thereby clearly identifying the atrial source of the tachycardia. Some ATs are sensitive to adenosine and will terminate after administration of adenosine. However sometimes only a electrophysiological study can differentiate between the different SVT and localize the precise location or circuit of the AT.[6, 7, 9]

Management:

Vagal maneuvers or adenosine can be effective in terminating focal AT.[10] If AT persist and is drug-resistant DC cardioversion can be indicated. Recurrent episodes of AT can be prevented with anti-arrhythmic medication, for instance with beta-blockers or calcium antagonists. However not all AT are sensitive to medication and success rate of medication is usually low. If these drugs are unsuccessful Class Ic in combination with AV-nodal-blocking agents or Class III drugs can be tried.[11] The treatment of choice for symptomatic AT is catheter ablation. In an experienced center up to 90% of the AT can be ablated. Multifocal atrial tachyardia is difficult therapy is usually directed at the management of underlying disease.[12, 13]

Figure 2. The different atrial arrhythmias. Note the differences in P wave morphology or absence of P-waves in case of atrial fibrillation.[1]

Atrial Flutter

Pathophysiology:

Atrial flutter (AFT) is the most common type of atrial tachycardia. The typical atrial flutter is dependent of the cavotricuspid isthmus.[8] The isthmus between the caval vein and tricuspid is an area of slow conduction. Due to this slow conduction counterclockwise re-entry around the tricuspid annulus can exist. This re-entry produces a typical arrhythmia with activates the atria at a frequency between 250-350 beats per minute. If the re-entry circuit moves counterclockwise a typical AFT is produced. If the re-entry circuit moves clockwise, a atypical AFT is seen. The causes and risk are comparable with atrial fibrillation.

Clinical diagnosis:

An AFT is usually paroxysmal, with a sudden onset, and is diagnosed on the ECG by it typical sawtooth pattern and atrial frequency. Patients experience complaints of palpitations, dyspneu, fatigue or chest pain. An AFT has a frequency of 300 bpm, which conducts to the ventricles in 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 manner. The P-wave morphology has a sawtooth like appearance and in a typical AFT has a negative vector in the inferior leads. The first part of the P-wave is fast, the second path slow. In a atypical AFT the inferior leads have a positive vector. Atrial fibrillation is a common finding in patients with an atrial flutter (up to 35%).

Management:

In a acute episode a patient with an AFT requires cardioversion. This can be achieved with anti-arrhythmic drugs or electrical cardioversion. Vagal maneuvers increase the AV-block on the ECG and demonstrate the AFT more clearly. Anti-arrhythmic drugs are modestly effective in the acute setting (ibutilide or dofetilide), but have the risk of pro-arrhythmic effects.[14, 15, 16] DC cardioversion is an effective methods to cardiovert AFT, especially in patients with heart failure or hemodynamic instability. AFT is amendable to catheter ablation and this is the treatment of choice in AFT. Targeted ablation of the area between the inferior vena cava and the tircuspid annulus can block the re-entry circuit. This is a very successful procedure, with few complications in the hands of an experienced electrophysiologist.[17, 18, 19] If patients are not eligible for ablation, anti-arrhythmic drugs class IC or III can be started. However they are of limited efficacy and class IC drugs not be administered without AV-nodal slowing agent because of atrial slowing can result in 1:1 AV conduction. Patients with AFT require anti-coagulation as in atrial fibrillation according to the CHADSVASc score.[20, 21]

Atrial Fibrillation

Pathophysiology:

The pathophysiology of AF is complex and incompletely understood.[22] In most patients the trigger of AF results from extra beats in from the pulmonary veins.[23] This is due to myocardial sleeves growing into the pulmonary veins, which are triggered to fire extra beats due a variety of modulators (e.i. the autonomic nerve system).[24] These triggers can trigger the atria into forming multiple self-perpetuating re-entry circuits. These multiple wavelets, are self-perpetuating circuits than constantly change an move through the atria. The ability of the atria to sustain AF is dependable on atrial structural changes (fibrosis/inflammation). AF induces electromechanical changes in the atrium. These changes make it easier for AF to perpetuate; AF begets AF.[25] Due to the fast and rapid activation of the atria, there is no functional mechanical activity left. This results in the most feared complication of AF, namely forming of blood clots (with for instance stroke as a result). The atrial standstill does not effectively pump blood to the ventricle, and blood can coagulate the left atrium or left atrial appendage.[26] The strokes resulting from AF are often more severe than other causes of stroke. Another complication of AF is a tachycardiomyopathy. Due to the constant chaotic activity in the atria, the AV-node can conduct these signals at high rate. The result is a irregular fast ventricular activation. These fast activation of the ventricle can lead to a (reversible) dilated cardiomyopathy.[27]

Clinical diagnosis:

AF is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia in Western society. Patients can experience complaints from palpitations, dyspnuea and dizziness. It is characterized by the absence of clear P-waves on the surface ECG and an irregular ventricular ventricular rate. On physical examination an irregular pulse can be felt, however this is not diagnostic of AF as other causes can cause an irregular pulse (atrial or ventricular extra systoles).The cardiac output is reduced due to lack of atrial kick. Furthermore due to the higher ventricular rate the heart has not enough time to completely fill with blood. The development of AF is associated with different diseases for instance hypertension, mitral valve disease, thyroid disease and diabetes.[28] AF usually starts with short single isolated episodes of AF which are self terminating. Progressively over time these episodes are of longer duration and occur more frequently. These episodes progress to persistent AF, which last longer than 7 days or can only be terminated by cardioversion. In the end AF is permanent en AF is not possible or duration of sinus rhythm is short.[29] Episodes of AF can be symptomatic, but patients can experience no symptoms during AF. However it is important to note that the risk of complications of AF are unrelated to the duration of the episodes. [30] AF is classified according to the clinical presentation of AF:[31]

• Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Episodes AF lasting shorter than 7 days and terminating spontaneously usually within 48 hours.
• Persistent atrial fibrillation: Episodes of AF not terminating spontaneously or lasting longer than 7 days or requires cardioversion
• Long standing persistent atrial fibrillation: Persistent AF for more than one year.
• Permanent atrial fibrillation: Accepted AF, no strategies of rhythm control are pursued.

CHA2DS2VASc score to estimate stroke risk
	Risk Factor	Points
C:	Congestive heart failure	[1 point]
H:	Hypertension	[1 point]
A:	Age>75years	[2 point]
D:	Diabetes	[1 point]
S:	Stroke/Embolism	[2 points]
V:	Vascular Disease	[1 point]
A:	Age>65years	[1 point]
Sc:	Female Sex	[1 point]

Management:

Acute Management:

The acute management of AF depends on the presentation of the patient. In stable patients with little complaints, rate control can be initiated with beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine Ca-antagonists and digoxine. If the patient has recent onset of AF, is highly symptomatic or hemodynamicly compromised, cardioversion is indicated. Cardioversion can be performed medically or with electricity. Most effective drug is flecainide, although this drug is contra-indicated in patients with structural heart disease.[32] Another option is Ibutilide, but this is mostly used to terminate atrial flutter, and has a small risk of ventricular arrhythmias.[16] In patients with severe structural heart disease amiodarone can be given.[33] Electrical cardioversion can achieved by a DC shock after sedation of the patient. If the AF persist for longer than >48 hours or the start of the episode is not clear, anti-coagulation should be initiated before (medical or electrical) cardioversion. Three weeks of anti-coagulation is advised before cardioversion and it should be continued after cardioversion for 4 weeks to minimize thromboembolic risk.

Long-Term Management:

The management of AF consist of several key targets. Firstly, any underlying potential reversible cause of AF should be treated. Secondly, care should be taken to prevent the complications of AF. This means that adequate oral-anticoagulation should be initiated and rate control should be started to reduce heart rate. Thirdly, symptoms should be treated with medical or invasive therapy. There are two strategies to reduce symptoms of AF. Rate control is a strategy were a reduction of ventricular heart rate is the main goal. In rhythm control the aim is to maintain sinus rhythm and prevent recurrences of AF.[31, 34]

• Rate control: In atrial fibrillation the ventricle can have a fast irregular rate that can lead to complaints of palpitations and a tachycardiomyopathy. One of the strategies in managing atrial fibrillation is to control ventricular rate <110bpm.[35, 36] In patients with persistent complaints or with heart failure a resting heart rate of <80 is advised. In this strategy no attempt is made to achieve sinus rhythm. This is the only treatment option in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Due to the fast irregular ventricular rate a dilated tachycardiomyopathy can develop and proper rate control can revert these ventricular changes. Rate control can be achieved with beta-blockers, non-dihydropyridine Ca-antagonists. Digoxine can be added to rate control, however a recent study showed an increase in mortality in patients using digoxine.[37]
  • Invasive treatment:
    • His-Ablation with pacemaker implantation: Patients with accepted atrial fibrillation and complaints of a fast irregular ventricular frequency who do not tolerate medication can be helped with a targeted His bundle ablation with catheter ablation to induce complete AV-block. A implanted pacemaker can take over the ventricular firing frequency independent of the atrium. A pacemaker might be indicated if rate control leads to a iatrogenic bradycardia.
• Rhythm control: In rhythm control all efforts are made to achieve and maintain sinus rhythm. This can be done with anti-arrhythmic drugs. Most effective are the Class IC and III anti-arrhythmic drugs.[38] Overall rhythm control is difficult and anti-arrhythmic drugs might have (pro-arrhythmic) side effects, if patients have contra-indications.[39, 40] Therefore prescription of these drugs should occur with caution. If patiens experience serious side effects of anti-arrhythmic drugs or have a low frequency of AF episoded an one month treatment with anti-arrhythmic drugs after cardioversion can prevent the majority of recurrences.[41] Amiodarone is unsuitable for short-term treatment due to its pharmacological properties.[42]
  • Invasive treatment:[43]
    • Catheter ablation: Medical therapy is not always sufficient to maintain sinus rhythm. In the last decade of 20th century it was discovered that atrial fibrillation is triggered from the pulmonary veins and that selective ablation of these trigger sites can reduce atrial fibrillation recurrence.[44] As this technique evolved it is now common to ablate an area around the pulmonary veins to isolate them from the atrial tissue. The left atrium is approached through the inter-atrial septum and with the use of imaging and electrocardiographic signals a 3D map is made to navigate the atria. The pulmonary vein isolation can be performed with multiple energy sources (cryo-cooling, radiofrequent energy). This is a complex procedure, that depending on the technique used has a minor chance of (severe) complications, primarily caused by damage of the surrounding structures. The success rate of the procedure varies on the experience of the operator and is 57-71% after one or more procedures.[45, 46] Catheter ablation is suitable for patients with a with drug-refratory rhythm control strategy.[47] Certain selected patients with heart failure might benefit from catheter ablation, although success are lower.[48, 49]
    • Surgical treatment: Surgery is a more invasive, but effective modality to treat atrial fibrillation. The classical cut and sew Maze procedure is a open chest procedure that requires extra-corporeal circulation. In this procedure the atrium is cut and sewn again to compartmentalize the atrium en therefore prevent the atrium maintaining atrial fibrillation.[50, 51] In recent years a less invasive procedure has developed to treat atrial fibrillation. This minimal invasive surgery is performed through thoractomy or thoracoscopy and is performed on a beating heart.[52] A pulmonary vein isolation is performed with a clamp and if patients have persistent atrial fibrillation additional left atrial lesions are made on the atrium to compartmentalize the atrium. Finally the left atrial appendage is removed to reduce the occurrence of stroke. This procedure has a success rate of 68% after one year.[53, 54, 55] Recently hybrid surgical procedures have been described that combine the minimal invasive thoracoscopic surgery with (epicardial or endocardial) elektrophysiological measurement. Patients with a large left atrium (diameter>45mm) or a failed catheter ablation are eligible for AF surgery.[56, 57]

Studies have shown no benefit of rhyhtm control over rate control, thus the selection of strategy is mainly dependent of patient and atrial fibrillation characteristics.[35, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63] Patients with AF and heart failure have limited medical options of rate control, as most anti-arrhythmic drugs are contra-indicated, and no benefit of rate vs rhythm control was detected in studies.[64, 65] This means that, since rate control is easier to achieve, rate control should be the initial strategy in all patients, especially in old patient and patients with no or few symptoms of atrial fibrillation. The target heart rate to achieve in rest is <110 beats per minute.[66] In patients with persistent complaints of atrial fibrillation rhythm control can be initiated on top of rate control. Young patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and no underlying heart disease might benefit from early (invasive) rhythm control to halt progression of the disease.[67] However, independent of the treatment strategy, proper anti-coagulation is important and necessary in patients with risk factors.[31, 34]

• Anticoagluation treatment: Proper anti-coagulation is important in patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the occurrence of stroke.[26] In patient with atrial fibrillation the indication of anti-coagulation is based on certain risk-factors a patients has. A score is created to facilitate this decision making. The CHADS₂VASc2 score incorporates these risk factors. A patient has no indication for anti-coagulation if there is a low-risk of thromoembolic complications.[68, 69] These patients are defined as males or females <65 years old with no other risk factors. This translates is a CHADSVASc score of 0, or a CHADSVASc score of 1, where 1 point is based on the female sex. In all other cases anti-coagulation with coumarins or other new anticoagulation drugs (dabigatran, rivaroxiban, apixaban)[70, 71, 72] is indicated if no strong bleeding-risk exist. It is important to note that anti-coagulation is independent of the underlying rhythm.

AV node arrhythmias

This section covers the arrhythmias in which the AV node is critical in maintaining the arrhythmia. Most of these arrhythmias share the common characteristic that AV-node blocking or delaying manoeuvres or medication (adenosine) can terminate the arrhythmia.[2, 3]

AV junctional tachycardia

An AV junctional tachycardia is a tachycardia resulting from regular frequent firing (110-250 bpm) of the AV-node. It has the characteristics of a small QRS with a retrograde or no P-wave. The P-wave is not always visible because it can be hidden in the QRS complex. If it is visible it is negative in the inferior leads and narrow, suggesting an AV-nodal origin. The small QRS is not preceded by a p-wave as atrium and ventricle are both activated from the AV-node. For management of this arrhythmia variable success is achieved with anti-arrhythmic drugs.

Atrioventricular Nodal Reciprocating Tachycardia (AVNRT)

Figure 3. The mechanism of AV-nodal re-entry.[1]

Pathophysiology:

AVNRT is a regular arrhythmia relying on the dual AV-physiology for its maintenance. The AV-node usually has two pathways in these patients; a fast pathway with fast conduction times and a slow pathway which conducts slowly. The fast pathway has a longer refractory period than the slow pathway. Due to these characteristics re-entry formation is possible. Normally the impulse from the atria is conducted through the fast pathway to the ventricle. The impulse also travels through the slow pathway, but reaches tissue still in the refractory period at the end of the AV-node (as the fast pathway has already conducted the impulse and activated this part of the AV-node). When an extra premature atrial contraction occurs it encounters a refractory fast-pathway (which has a longer refractory period). It enters the slow pathway and when it reaches the end of this pathway it can conduct to the (now restored) end of the AV-node to the ventricles and back into the fast pathway. The result is a ventricular activation with a retrograde P-wave. If the slow pathway is restored when the impulse reaches the beginning (atrial side) of the fast pathway, the impulse can re-enter the slow-pathway and a re-entry mechanism is established. This is the mechanism of a typical AVNRT, which is found in 90% of the patient with an AVNRT. Two other forms of AVNRT exist that take a different route through the AV-node. Firstly there is an atypical AVNRT in which the impulse travels through the fast pathway and returns through the slow pathway. The result of this AVNRT is a retrograde P-wave which appears far from the QRS complex. Finally there is a rare AVNRT which in patients with two slow pathways. The impulse enters en re-enters through a slow pathway.[6, 73, 74]

Clinical diagnosis:

It is a fast regular small complex tachycardia with a frequency of 180-250 bpm. It is more common in women than in men (3:1) and has a sudden onset. Palpitation are experienced due to the fast regular heartbeat. The Frog sign can be observed; neck vein pulsations which occur due to simultaneous contraction of the atria and ventricles. The atria cannot empty into the ventricles and therefore expulse their contents into the venous circulation. A typical AVNRT can be diagnosed on the ECG by a RP distance of 100ms. The P wave is sometimes hidden in the QRS complex or appears directly after the QRS complex. An atypical AVNRT has a retrograde P appearing far away from the QRS, as it has to travel through the slow pathway. A registration of the onset can often be quite helpful in establishing the diagnosis AVNRT.[6, 9]

Management:

Termination of acute episodes is possible by vagal maneuvers (blowing on the wrist, carotid sinus massage) or medication (adenosine, verapamil, diltiazem).[75] If vagal maneuvers or medication fail ECV can be performed. Catheter ablation can be the treatment of first choice in AVNRT. Electrophysiological studies can demonstrate dual AV-node physiology and evoke the arrhythmia in these patients. Selective ablation of the slow pathway has a high success rate (up to 98%) and the risk of inducing AV-block is low (<0,5%).[76] Long term medical therapy can be initiated in patients not suitable for catheter ablation, or who do not desire a catheter ablation. Calcium channel blocker, beta-blockers and digoxin are used as first option or in a pill in the pocket approach.[77] Other options are class IC or class III anti-arrhythmic drugs.

AV Re-entry Tachycardia (AVRT)

Figure 4. An example of orthodrome AVRT and antidrome AVRT. Note the differences in the direction of the arrhythmia.[1]

Pathophysiology:

AVRT are tachycardias with a re-entry circuit comprising the entire heart. The atria, AV-node, ventricles and an extra bundle are the essential parts of this circuit. The pre-requisite for an AVRT is the existence of an extra bundle between the atrium and the ventricle. This bundle can bypass the AV-node and connect directly to the His bundle, ventricular myocardium or one of the fascicles. Bundles have variety of anatomical locations and can even run epicardially.[78, 79] The conduction direction of these bundles can be anterograde (atrium-ventricle), retrograde (ventricle-atrium) or bidirectional. Some of the bundles exhibit AV-nodal like conduction properties, these are also known as Maheim bundles. If a bundle can conduct anterograde at a high rate (a refractory period of <260ms), then a risk of VF exists if the patients develops AF due to fast conduction of fibrillatory activity. Depending on the conduction characteristics of the bundle and the direction of conduction two different AVRT circuits can manifest:

• Orthodrome AV re-entry tachycardia: The impulse travels through the normal conduction system in the standard direction and returns to the atria via the accessory bundle.
• Antidrome AV re-entry tachycardia: The impulse travels antrograde through the accessory bundle and activates the ventricles. The impulse returns through the normal conduction system to the atria.

Clinical diagnosis:

If an accessory bundle excites the ventricle earlier than normal AV-conduction, thus has antegrade conduction properties, and can activate the ventricles, pre-excitation is visible on the ECG. This is a can be visible on the ECG by a shortened PQ interval and a widened QRS complex of >120ms due to slurring of the QRS complex (delta wave). This is also called the Wolf-Parkison-White symptom and can occur intermittently. If a patient has pre-excitation and complaints of arrhythmia caused by an AVRT the combination of these two is called the Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome.[80] Some patient have an AVRT, but no traces of pre-excitation. The bundle is then called a concealed bundle. Patients can be asymptomatic if they only have pre-exitation and this ECG pattern is commonly an incidental finding.[6, 9] When an arrhythmia develops using the accessory bundle, both types of AVRT can develop depending on the conduction characteristics of the bundle:

• Orthodrome AV re-entry tachycardia: There is a P-wave (other morphology than sinus rhythm) followed by small QRS-complex
• Antidrome AV re-entry tachycardia: This is a broad-complex tachycardia, where the broad QRS complex is followed by a retrograde P-wave originating from the AV-node.

Management:

The circuit of the arrhythmia uses the AV node, therefore vagal maneuvers are able to terminate the AVRT. However adenosine should be used with care, as it may induce AF and cause 1:1 conduction.[81] Anti-arrhythmic drugs (Class IC, II, III, IV) can be useful to prevent paroxysms of arrhythmia, and a pill-in-the-pocket approach can be used for patients with infrequent episodes.[77] Catheter ablation can target the accessory pathway and destroy the bundle. The success of the procedure is dependent on the location of the bundle as not all anatomical positions are easily targeted with ablation.[82, 83] It is controversial if patients with an asymptomatic WPW ECG pattern and no co-morbidities should have an ablation. To determine the risk of 1:1 conduction, an exercise test can be performed to determine the response of the accessory bundle to an increased atria rate. If the pre-exitations persists an electrophysiological procedure can be performed to assess the conduction properties of the accessory bundle. While the characteristics of the bundle predict the risk for an event, the life-style and\or profession of the patient can influence the decision for ablation.[84, 85, 86]

Ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardias (VT's) are rhythm disturbances that arise in the ventricles.

History

Symptoms can arise in every ventricular tachycardia, depending on the heart rate, the presence of underlying heart disease and the degree of systolic and diastolic heart failure.

Various symptoms are:

• Palpitations
• Abnormal chest sensation
• Dyspnea
• Angina
• Presyncope (lightheadedness, weakness, diaphoresis)
• Syncope
• Cardiogenic shock

The patient’s age and previous medical history are essential. The chance that a wide complex tachycardia in a 70 year old man with previous myocardial infarction is a VT (vs. SVT with aberrancy) is >90%. Additional information about drug use is mandatory. Toxic levels of digoxin and cocain can lead to VT's. Also additional information about family history of sudden cardiac death is helpful, as it is a strong predictor of susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Physical Examination

Although the diagnosis of VT is generally made by a 12 lead ECG, the following physical symptoms may be present:

• Decreased or variable amplitude of the carotid or peripheral pulses. This is related to the intermittent periods of atrial and ventricular synchronization, which transiently augment cardiac output.
• Cannon A waves on the jugular venous pulse in the neck. These represent intermittant retrograde propulsion of blood into the jugular veins during right atrial contraction against a closed AV valve. This is evidence of AV dissociation.
• Variable intensity of the first heart sound (although this is difficult with a rapid heart rate).
• Variable splitting of the first and second heart sounds, and intermittent presence of a third and/or fourth heart sound.

Diagnostic Evaluation

• Exercise testing: Exercise testing is recommended in adult patients with ventricular tachycardias who are now in sinus rhythm to detect coronary heart disease. It is meant to provoke ischemic changes or ventricular arrhythmias.
• Ambulatory (Holter) ECG: Ambulatory ECG is necessary if the diagnosis needs to be clarified, by detecting arrhythmias, QT-interval changes, T-wave alternans (TWA) or ST-segment changes.
• Echocardiography, Cardiac CT, MRI: Echocardiography is recommended in patients with ventricular tachycardias who are suspected of having structural heart disease. If echocardiography does not provide accurate assessment of the left and right ventricular function and/or structural changes, cardiac CT or MRI can be done.
• Exercise testing with an image modality (echocardiography or nuclear perfusion): Some patients with ventricular arrhythmias have an intermediate probability of coronary heart disease, but their ECG is less reliable (because of digoxin use, LVH, greater than 1mm ST-segment depression at rest, WPW syndrome or LBBB). For detecting silent ischemia in these patients exercise testing with an image modality can be done. If patients are unable to perform exercise, a pharmacological stress test with an imaging modality can be done.
• Coronary angiography: Coronary angiography can diagnose or exclude the presence of significant obstructive coronary heart disease in patients with ventricular arrhythmias who have an intermediate or greater probability of having coronary heart disease.
• Electrophysiological testing: Electrophysiological testing can be performed to guide and assess the efficacy of VT ablation in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. It can also be done to clarify the mechanism of broad complex tachycardias in patients with coronary heart disease.

Overview of ventricular tachycardias

An overview of ventricular tachycardias, follow the Approach to the Wide Complex Tachycardia

	example	regularity	atrial frequency	ventricular frequency	origin (SVT/VT)	p-wave	effect of adenosine
Wide complex (QRS>0.12)
Ventricular Tachycardia	File:Vt small.svg	regular (mostly)	60-100 bpm	110-250 bpm	ventricle (VT)	AV-dissociation	no rate reduction (sometimes accelerates)
Ventricular Fibrillation	File:Vf small.svg	irregular	60-100 bpm	400-600 bpm	ventricle (VT)	AV-dissociation	none
Ventricular Flutter	File:Vflutt small.svg	regular	60-100 bpm	150-300 bpm	ventricle (VT)	AV-dissociation	none
Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm	File:Aivr small.svg	regular (mostly)	60-100 bpm	50-110 bpm	ventricle (VT)	AV-dissociation	no rate reduction (sometimes accelerates)
Torsade de Pointes	File:Tdp small.svg	regular		150-300 bpm	ventricle (VT)	AV-dissociation	no rate reduction (sometimes accelerates)
Bundle-branch re-entrant tachycardia*		regular	60-100 bpm	150-300 bpm	ventricles (VT)	AV-dissociation	no rate reduction
* Bundle-branch re-entrant tachycardia is extremely rare

Ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is defined as a sequence of three or more ventricular beats. The rate is often 110-250 bpm. Ventricular tachycardias often origin around old scar tissue in the heart, e.g. after myocardial infarction. Also electrolyte disturbances and ischemia can cause ventricular tachycardias. The cardiac output is often strongly reduced during VT resulting in hypotension and loss of consciousness. VT is a medical emergency as it can deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation and thus mechanical cardiac arrest.

Definitions

• Non-sustained VT: Three or more ventricular beats with a maximal duration of 30 seconds.
• Sustained VT: A VT of more than 30 seconds duration (or less if treated by electrocardioversion within 30 seconds).
• Monomorphic VT: All ventricular beats have the same configuration.
• Polymorphic VT: The ventricular beats have a changing configuration. The heart rate is 100-333 bpm.
• Biphasic VT: A ventricular tachycardia with a QRS complex that alternates from beat to beat. Associated with digoxin intoxication and long QT syndrome.

Localisation of the origin of a ventricular tachycardia

Determination of the location (or exit site) where a ventricular tachycardia originated can be helpful in understanding the cause of the VT and is very helpful when planning an ablation procedure to treat a ventricular tachycardia. The location can be determined with the QRS morphology:

• RBBB/LBBB morphology:
  • RBBB: origin in the left ventricle
  • LBBB: origin in the right ventricle

• Inferior/superior axis (lead II, III and aVF):
  • Inferior axis (positive in lead II, III and aVF): origin superior wall
  • Superior axis (negative in lead II, III and aVF): origin inferior wall

• Basal/apical (lead V5-V6):
  • Positive concordance in V5-6: basal origin
  • Negative concordance in V5-6: apical origin

Differential diagnosis

(Non)sustained VT may be idiopathic, but occurs most frequently in patients with underlying structural heart disease of various types including:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) with prior myocardial infarction (is the most frequent cause in developed countries)
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Aortic stenosis
• Complex congenital heart disease
• Cardiac sarcoidosis
• Arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy/dysplasia

Treatment

Hemodynamical instability:

• Electrocardioversion

Haemodynamical stability in a regular monomorphic broadcomplex tachycardia (systolic blood pressure >100 mmHg):

• Pharmacological treatment can be considered with Procaïnamide or Amiodaron

Ventricular flutter

Ventricular flutter is a ventricular tachycardia that occurs at a very rapid rate (often around 300 bpm) and results from re-entry. The QRS complexes are regular and usually monomorphic and show a typical sinusoidal pattern. During ventricular flutter the ventricles depolarize in a circular pattern at a high rate, which prevents good function. Most often this results in a minimal cardiac output and subsequent ischemia. Often deteriorates into ventricular fibrillation.

Treatment

Electrocardioversion is the only treatment for ventricular flutter.

Ventricular fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is identified by the complete absence of properly formed QRS complexes. Instead of uniform activation of the ventricular myocardium, there are uncoördinated series of very rapid, ineffective contractions of the ventricle caused by many chaotic electrical impulses. In recent onset VF the electrical activity is of higher amplitude at rates greater than 320 bpm, which manifest random changes in morphology, width and height. It appears as a completely chaotic rhythm. If VF continues, the fibrillatory waves become fine and can resemble asystole in these cases.

Treatment

VF is lethal if the patient is not treated immediately. It gives rise to a mechanical standstill of the heart, because there is no pump function. Electrocardioversion is the only treatment for ventricular fibrillation.

Accelerated idio-ventricular rhythm

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) is a relatively benign form of ventricular tachycardia. It is (mostly) a regular repetitive ventricular rhythm rate around 60-120 bpm, but mostly 80-100. It is the result of an enhanced ectopic ventricular rhythm, which is faster than normal intrinsic ventricular escape rhythm (<40 bpm), but slower than ventricular tachycardia (over 100-120 bpm). It often occurs during reperfusion after a myocardial infarction. AIVR is not a predictive marker for early VF; however, recent debate has started whether among patients with successful coronary intervention, AIVR is a sign of ventricular dysfunction and therefore a slightly worse prognosis. AIVR can also occur in infants. By definition, AIVR is a ventricular rhythm of no more than 20% faster than the sinus rate and occuring in the absence of other heart disease. This arrhythmia typically resolves spontaneously during the first months of life (in contrast to an infant with incessant VT which can be due to discrete myocardial tumors or congenital cardiomyopathy).

Treatment

AIVR is generally a transient, self-limiting rhythm and resolves as sinus rate surpasses the rate of AIVR. It rarely causes hemodynamic instability and rarely requires treatment.

Torsades de Pointes

Torsade de Pointes, preceded by bigemini.

Torsades de pointes (TdP) is a ventricular tachycardia associated with a prolonged QTc interval on the resting ECG. The ECG during TdP is characterized by twisting of the peaks of the QRS complexes around the isoelectric line during the arrhythmia (changing axis). Torsade de pointes is typically initiated by a short-long-short interval. A ventricle extrasystole (first beat: short) is followed by a compensatory pause. The following beat (second beat: long) has a longer QT interval. If the next beat follows shortly thereafter (third beat: short), there is a good chance that this third beat falls within the QT interval, resulting in the R on T phenomenon and subsequent Torsades de pointes.

See the chapter on LQTS for a list of medication and genes that can cause QT prolongation and TdP.

Treatment

Electrocardioversion is the first treatment for an unconcious patient with incessant TdP.

Additional treatments are:

• Withdrawal of any offending drugs and correction of electrolyte abnormalities (potassium repletion up to 4.5 to 5 mmol/liter, the goal should be to make the patient slightly hyperkalemic).
• Acute and long-term cardiac pacing in patients with TdP presenting with heart block, symptomatic bradycardia or recurrent pause-dependent TdP
• Intravenous magnesium sulfate can be helpful to cardiovert TdP in the acute phase in patients with few TdP episodes. If recurrence occurs a continues infusion may be beneficial.
• Beta blockers combined with cardiac pacing as acute therapy for patients with TdP and sinus bradycardia. This prevents extrasystoles and thereby short-long-short sequences.
• Isoproterenol as temporary treatment in patients with recurrent pause-dependent TdP who do not have congenital long QT syndrome.

Differentiation between SVT and VT

To differentiate between supraventricular tachycardias and ventricular tachycardias a 12 lead ECG is the cornerstone of the diagnostic process. At first, the physician has to make a differentiation between a small or broad complex tachycardia.

Definitions

• Narrow complex tachycardia: QRS duration < 120 ms.

A narrow complex tachycardia is most likely to be a SVT. However, also a septal VT or His-tachycardia can appear as a narrow complex tachycardia.

• Wide complex tachycardia: QRS duration > 120 ms.

A wide complex tachycardia can be due to a SVT with aberration, pre-exited tachycardia (eg antidrome re-entry tachycardia) or VT.

Differentiation

These are the flow charts of a small and wide complex tachycardia to differentiate between the different rhythms:

Treatment

• Haemodynamical instable (systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg):
  • Electrical cardioversion (with anesthesia when concious)

• Haemodynamically stable regular narrow complex tachycardia:
  • Carotid massage (after palpation and ausculatation of carotid arteries for exclusion of carotid occlusion/stenosis)
  • Vasalva manoeuvre
  • Adenosine bolus (if patient is not asthmatic or having COPD)
  • Verapamil (if patient is not having systolic heart failure)
  • Beta-blocker (if patient is not having systolic heart failure)

References

2. Blomström-Lundqvist C, Scheinman MM, Aliot EM, Alpert JS, Calkins H, Camm AJ, Campbell WB, Haines DE, Kuck KH, Lerman BB, Miller DD, Shaeffer CW Jr, Stevenson WG, Tomaselli GF, Antman EM, Smith SC Jr, Alpert JS, Faxon DP, Fuster V, Gibbons RJ, Gregoratos G, Hiratzka LF, Hunt SA, Jacobs AK, Russell RO Jr, Priori SG, Blanc JJ, Budaj A, Burgos EF, Cowie M, Deckers JW, Garcia MA, Klein WW, Lekakis J, Lindahl B, Mazzotta G, Morais JC, Oto A, Smiseth O, Trappe HJ, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, and European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines. Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Supraventricular Arrhythmias. ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular arrhythmias--executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the European Society of Cardiology Committee for Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Supraventricular Arrhythmias). Circulation. 2003 Oct 14;108(15):1871-909. DOI:10.1161/01.CIR.0000091380.04100.84 |
3. ISBN:9780199566990
4. Ghuran A, van Der Wieken LR, and Nolan J. Cardiovascular complications of recreational drugs. BMJ. 2001 Sep 1;323(7311):464-6. DOI:10.1136/bmj.323.7311.464 |
5. Cossú SF and Steinberg JS. Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias involving the sinus node: clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 1998 Jul-Aug;41(1):51-63. DOI:10.1016/s0033-0620(98)80022-4 |
6. ISBN:9789031313983

7. http://en.ecgpedia.org

8. Saoudi N, Cosío F, Waldo A, Chen SA, Iesaka Y, Lesh M, Saksena S, Salerno J, Schoels W, and Working Group of Arrhythmias of the European of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. A classification of atrial flutter and regular atrial tachycardia according to electrophysiological mechanisms and anatomical bases; a Statement from a Joint Expert Group from The Working Group of Arrhythmias of the European Society of Cardiology and the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Eur Heart J. 2001 Jul;22(14):1162-82. DOI:10.1053/euhj.2001.2658 |
9. ISBN:9781416002598
10. Markowitz SM, Stein KM, Mittal S, Slotwiner DJ, and Lerman BB. Differential effects of adenosine on focal and macroreentrant atrial tachycardia. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 1999 Apr;10(4):489-502. DOI:10.1111/j.1540-8167.1999.tb00705.x |
11. Chen SA, Chiang CE, Yang CJ, Cheng CC, Wu TJ, Wang SP, Chiang BN, and Chang MS. Sustained atrial tachycardia in adult patients. Electrophysiological characteristics, pharmacological response, possible mechanisms, and effects of radiofrequency ablation. Circulation. 1994 Sep;90(3):1262-78. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.90.3.1262 |
12. Chen SA, Tai CT, Chiang CE, Ding YA, and Chang MS. Focal atrial tachycardia: reanalysis of the clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics and prediction of successful radiofrequency ablation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 1998 Apr;9(4):355-65. DOI:10.1111/j.1540-8167.1998.tb00924.x |
13. Anguera I, Brugada J, Roba M, Mont L, Aguinaga L, Geelen P, and Brugada P. Outcomes after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia. Am J Cardiol. 2001 Apr 1;87(7):886-90. DOI:10.1016/s0002-9149(00)01531-9 |
16. Stambler BS, Wood MA, and Ellenbogen KA. Antiarrhythmic actions of intravenous ibutilide compared with procainamide during human atrial flutter and fibrillation: electrophysiological determinants of enhanced conversion efficacy. Circulation. 1997 Dec 16;96(12):4298-306. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.96.12.4298 |
22. Schotten U, Verheule S, Kirchhof P, and Goette A. Pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation: a translational appraisal. Physiol Rev. 2011 Jan;91(1):265-325. DOI:10.1152/physrev.00031.2009 |
24. Patterson E, Po SS, Scherlag BJ, and Lazzara R. Triggered firing in pulmonary veins initiated by in vitro autonomic nerve stimulation. Heart Rhythm. 2005 Jun;2(6):624-31. DOI:10.1016/j.hrthm.2005.02.012 |
25. Wijffels MC, Kirchhof CJ, Dorland R, and Allessie MA. Atrial fibrillation begets atrial fibrillation. A study in awake chronically instrumented goats. Circulation. 1995 Oct 1;92(7):1954-68. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.92.7.1954 |
26. Watson T, Shantsila E, and Lip GY. Mechanisms of thrombogenesis in atrial fibrillation: Virchow's triad revisited. Lancet. 2009 Jan 10;373(9658):155-66. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60040-4 |
27. Packer DL, Bardy GH, Worley SJ, Smith MS, Cobb FR, Coleman RE, Gallagher JJ, and German LD. Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy: a reversible form of left ventricular dysfunction. Am J Cardiol. 1986 Mar 1;57(8):563-70. DOI:10.1016/0002-9149(86)90836-2 |
28. Nieuwlaat R, Capucci A, Camm AJ, Olsson SB, Andresen D, Davies DW, Cobbe S, Breithardt G, Le Heuzey JY, Prins MH, Lévy S, Crijns HJ, and European Heart Survey Investigators. Atrial fibrillation management: a prospective survey in ESC member countries: the Euro Heart Survey on Atrial Fibrillation. Eur Heart J. 2005 Nov;26(22):2422-34. DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehi505 |
29. Jahangir A, Lee V, Friedman PA, Trusty JM, Hodge DO, Kopecky SL, Packer DL, Hammill SC, Shen WK, and Gersh BJ. Long-term progression and outcomes with aging in patients with lone atrial fibrillation: a 30-year follow-up study. Circulation. 2007 Jun 19;115(24):3050-6. DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.106.644484 |
30. Friberg L, Hammar N, and Rosenqvist M. Stroke in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: report from the Stockholm Cohort of Atrial Fibrillation. Eur Heart J. 2010 Apr;31(8):967-75. DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehn599 |
31. European Heart Rhythm Association, European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Camm AJ, Kirchhof P, Lip GY, Schotten U, Savelieva I, Ernst S, Van Gelder IC, Al-Attar N, Hindricks G, Prendergast B, Heidbuchel H, Alfieri O, Angelini A, Atar D, Colonna P, De Caterina R, De Sutter J, Goette A, Gorenek B, Heldal M, Hohloser SH, Kolh P, Le Heuzey JY, Ponikowski P, and Rutten FH. Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation: the Task Force for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Eur Heart J. 2010 Oct;31(19):2369-429. DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehq278 |
32. Martínez-Marcos FJ, García-Garmendia JL, Ortega-Carpio A, Fernández-Gómez JM, Santos JM, and Camacho C. Comparison of intravenous flecainide, propafenone, and amiodarone for conversion of acute atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm. Am J Cardiol. 2000 Nov 1;86(9):950-3. DOI:10.1016/s0002-9149(00)01128-0 |
33. Chevalier P, Durand-Dubief A, Burri H, Cucherat M, Kirkorian G, and Touboul P. Amiodarone versus placebo and class Ic drugs for cardioversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003 Jan 15;41(2):255-62. DOI:10.1016/s0735-1097(02)02705-5 |
34. Camm AJ, Lip GY, De Caterina R, Savelieva I, Atar D, Hohnloser SH, Hindricks G, Kirchhof P, and ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG). 2012 focused update of the ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation: an update of the 2010 ESC Guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation. Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association. Eur Heart J. 2012 Nov;33(21):2719-47. DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehs253 |
35. Van Gelder IC, Hagens VE, Bosker HA, Kingma JH, Kamp O, Kingma T, Said SA, Darmanata JI, Timmermans AJ, Tijssen JG, Crijns HJ, and Rate Control versus Electrical Cardioversion for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Study Group. A comparison of rate control and rhythm control in patients with recurrent persistent atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2002 Dec 5;347(23):1834-40. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa021375 |
35. Van Gelder IC, Groenveld HF, Crijns HJ, Tuininga YS, Tijssen JG, Alings AM, Hillege HL, Bergsma-Kadijk JA, Cornel JH, Kamp O, Tukkie R, Bosker HA, Van Veldhuisen DJ, Van den Berg MP, and RACE II Investigators. Lenient versus strict rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2010 Apr 15;362(15):1363-73. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa1001337 |
36. Groenveld HF, Crijns HJ, Van den Berg MP, Van Sonderen E, Alings AM, Tijssen JG, Hillege HL, Tuininga YS, Van Veldhuisen DJ, Ranchor AV, Van Gelder IC, and RACE II Investigators. The effect of rate control on quality of life in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation: data from the RACE II (Rate Control Efficacy in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation II) study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Oct 18;58(17):1795-803. DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2011.06.055 |
37. Whitbeck MG, Charnigo RJ, Khairy P, Ziada K, Bailey AL, Zegarra MM, Shah J, Morales G, Macaulay T, Sorrell VL, Campbell CL, Gurley J, Anaya P, Nasr H, Bai R, Di Biase L, Booth DC, Jondeau G, Natale A, Roy D, Smyth S, Moliterno DJ, and Elayi CS. Increased mortality among patients taking digoxin--analysis from the AFFIRM study. Eur Heart J. 2013 May;34(20):1481-8. DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehs348 |
38. Lafuente-Lafuente C, Longas-Tejero MA, Bergmann JF, and Belmin J. Antiarrhythmics for maintaining sinus rhythm after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 May 16(5):CD005049. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD005049.pub3 |
39. Echt DS, Liebson PR, Mitchell LB, Peters RW, Obias-Manno D, Barker AH, Arensberg D, Baker A, Friedman L, and Greene HL. Mortality and morbidity in patients receiving encainide, flecainide, or placebo. The Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. N Engl J Med. 1991 Mar 21;324(12):781-8. DOI:10.1056/NEJM199103213241201 |
40. Roy D, Talajic M, Dorian P, Connolly S, Eisenberg MJ, Green M, Kus T, Lambert J, Dubuc M, Gagné P, Nattel S, and Thibault B. Amiodarone to prevent recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Canadian Trial of Atrial Fibrillation Investigators. N Engl J Med. 2000 Mar 30;342(13):913-20. DOI:10.1056/NEJM200003303421302 |
42. Ahmed S, Rienstra M, Crijns HJ, Links TP, Wiesfeld AC, Hillege HL, Bosker HA, Lok DJ, Van Veldhuisen DJ, Van Gelder IC, and CONVERT Investigators. Continuous vs episodic prophylactic treatment with amiodarone for the prevention of atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2008 Oct 15;300(15):1784-92. DOI:10.1001/jama.300.15.1784 |
43. Calkins H, Kuck KH, Cappato R, Brugada J, Camm AJ, Chen SA, Crijns HJ, Damiano RJ Jr, Davies DW, DiMarco J, Edgerton J, Ellenbogen K, Ezekowitz MD, Haines DE, Haissaguerre M, Hindricks G, Iesaka Y, Jackman W, Jalife J, Jais P, Kalman J, Keane D, Kim YH, Kirchhof P, Klein G, Kottkamp H, Kumagai K, Lindsay BD, Mansour M, Marchlinski FE, McCarthy PM, Mont JL, Morady F, Nademanee K, Nakagawa H, Natale A, Nattel S, Packer DL, Pappone C, Prystowsky E, Raviele A, Reddy V, Ruskin JN, Shemin RJ, Tsao HM, Wilber D, and Heart Rhythm Society Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. 2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design: a report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. Developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS); and in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Endorsed by the governing bodies of the American College of Cardiology Foundation, the American Heart Association, the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Heart Rhythm. 2012 Apr;9(4):632-696.e21. DOI:10.1016/j.hrthm.2011.12.016 |
44. Haïssaguerre M, Jaïs P, Shah DC, Takahashi A, Hocini M, Quiniou G, Garrigue S, Le Mouroux A, Le Métayer P, and Clémenty J. Spontaneous initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating in the pulmonary veins. N Engl J Med. 1998 Sep 3;339(10):659-66. DOI:10.1056/NEJM199809033391003 |
45. Calkins H, Reynolds MR, Spector P, Sondhi M, Xu Y, Martin A, Williams CJ, and Sledge I. Treatment of atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs or radiofrequency ablation: two systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2009 Aug;2(4):349-61. DOI:10.1161/CIRCEP.108.824789 |
46. Calkins H, Reynolds MR, Spector P, Sondhi M, Xu Y, Martin A, Williams CJ, and Sledge I. Treatment of atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs or radiofrequency ablation: two systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2009 Aug;2(4):349-61. DOI:10.1161/CIRCEP.108.824789 |
47. Cosedis Nielsen J, Johannessen A, Raatikainen P, Hindricks G, Walfridsson H, Kongstad O, Pehrson S, Englund A, Hartikainen J, Mortensen LS, and Hansen PS. Radiofrequency ablation as initial therapy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2012 Oct 25;367(17):1587-95. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa1113566 |
48. Khan MN, Jaïs P, Cummings J, Di Biase L, Sanders P, Martin DO, Kautzner J, Hao S, Themistoclakis S, Fanelli R, Potenza D, Massaro R, Wazni O, Schweikert R, Saliba W, Wang P, Al-Ahmad A, Beheiry S, Santarelli P, Starling RC, Dello Russo A, Pelargonio G, Brachmann J, Schibgilla V, Bonso A, Casella M, Raviele A, Haïssaguerre M, Natale A, and PABA-CHF Investigators. Pulmonary-vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2008 Oct 23;359(17):1778-85. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa0708234 |
49. Hsu LF, Jaïs P, Sanders P, Garrigue S, Hocini M, Sacher F, Takahashi Y, Rotter M, Pasquié JL, Scavée C, Bordachar P, Clémenty J, and Haïssaguerre M. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in congestive heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2004 Dec 2;351(23):2373-83. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa041018 |
56. Krul SP, Driessen AH, Zwinderman AH, van Boven WJ, Wilde AA, de Bakker JM, and de Groot JR. Navigating the mini-maze: systematic review of the first results and progress of minimally-invasive surgery in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol. 2013 Jun 5;166(1):132-40. DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.10.011 |
57. Pison L, La Meir M, van Opstal J, Blaauw Y, Maessen J, and Crijns HJ. Hybrid thoracoscopic surgical and transvenous catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2012 Jul 3;60(1):54-61. DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2011.12.055 |
58. Carlsson J, Miketic S, Windeler J, Cuneo A, Haun S, Micus S, Walter S, Tebbe U, and STAF Investigators. Randomized trial of rate-control versus rhythm-control in persistent atrial fibrillation: the Strategies of Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (STAF) study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003 May 21;41(10):1690-6. DOI:10.1016/s0735-1097(03)00332-2 |
59. Hohnloser SH, Kuck KH, and Lilienthal J. Rhythm or rate control in atrial fibrillation--Pharmacological Intervention in Atrial Fibrillation (PIAF): a randomised trial. Lancet. 2000 Nov 25;356(9244):1789-94. DOI:10.1016/s0140-6736(00)03230-x |
60. Opolski G, Torbicki A, Kosior DA, Szulc M, Wozakowska-Kaplon B, Kolodziej P, Achremczyk P, and Investigators of the Polish How to Treat Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Study. Rate control vs rhythm control in patients with nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation: the results of the Polish How to Treat Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (HOT CAFE) Study. Chest. 2004 Aug;126(2):476-86. DOI:10.1378/chest.126.2.476 |
61. Wyse DG, Waldo AL, DiMarco JP, Domanski MJ, Rosenberg Y, Schron EB, Kellen JC, Greene HL, Mickel MC, Dalquist JE, Corley SD, and Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) Investigators. A comparison of rate control and rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2002 Dec 5;347(23):1825-33. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa021328 |
62. Ogawa S, Yamashita T, Yamazaki T, Aizawa Y, Atarashi H, Inoue H, Ohe T, Ohtsu H, Okumura K, Katoh T, Kamakura S, Kumagai K, Kurachi Y, Kodama I, Koretsune Y, Saikawa T, Sakurai M, Sugi K, Tabuchi T, Nakaya H, Nakayama T, Hirai M, Fukatani M, Mitamura H, and J-RHYTHM Investigators. Optimal treatment strategy for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: J-RHYTHM Study. Circ J. 2009 Feb;73(2):242-8. DOI:10.1253/circj.cj-08-0608 |
63. Ionescu-Ittu R, Abrahamowicz M, Jackevicius CA, Essebag V, Eisenberg MJ, Wynant W, Richard H, and Pilote L. Comparative effectiveness of rhythm control vs rate control drug treatment effect on mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation. Arch Intern Med. 2012 Jul 9;172(13):997-1004. DOI:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.2266 |
67. Camm AJ, Breithardt G, Crijns H, Dorian P, Kowey P, Le Heuzey JY, Merioua I, Pedrazzini L, Prystowsky EN, Schwartz PJ, Torp-Pedersen C, and Weintraub W. Real-life observations of clinical outcomes with rhythm- and rate-control therapies for atrial fibrillation RECORDAF (Registry on Cardiac Rhythm Disorders Assessing the Control of Atrial Fibrillation). J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Jul 26;58(5):493-501. DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2011.03.034 |
70. Connolly SJ, Ezekowitz MD, Yusuf S, Eikelboom J, Oldgren J, Parekh A, Pogue J, Reilly PA, Themeles E, Varrone J, Wang S, Alings M, Xavier D, Zhu J, Diaz R, Lewis BS, Darius H, Diener HC, Joyner CD, Wallentin L, and RE-LY Steering Committee and Investigators. Dabigatran versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2009 Sep 17;361(12):1139-51. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa0905561 |
71. Patel MR, Mahaffey KW, Garg J, Pan G, Singer DE, Hacke W, Breithardt G, Halperin JL, Hankey GJ, Piccini JP, Becker RC, Nessel CC, Paolini JF, Berkowitz SD, Fox KA, Califf RM, and ROCKET AF Investigators. Rivaroxaban versus warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2011 Sep 8;365(10):883-91. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa1009638 |
72. Granger CB, Alexander JH, McMurray JJ, Lopes RD, Hylek EM, Hanna M, Al-Khalidi HR, Ansell J, Atar D, Avezum A, Bahit MC, Diaz R, Easton JD, Ezekowitz JA, Flaker G, Garcia D, Geraldes M, Gersh BJ, Golitsyn S, Goto S, Hermosillo AG, Hohnloser SH, Horowitz J, Mohan P, Jansky P, Lewis BS, Lopez-Sendon JL, Pais P, Parkhomenko A, Verheugt FW, Zhu J, Wallentin L, and ARISTOTLE Committees and Investigators. Apixaban versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2011 Sep 15;365(11):981-92. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa1107039 |
74. Wu J and Zipes DP. Mechanisms underlying atrioventricular nodal conduction and the reentrant circuit of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia using optical mapping. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2002 Aug;13(8):831-4. DOI:10.1046/j.1540-8167.2002.00831.x |
75. Akhtar M, Jazayeri MR, Sra J, Blanck Z, Deshpande S, and Dhala A. Atrioventricular nodal reentry. Clinical, electrophysiological, and therapeutic considerations. Circulation. 1993 Jul;88(1):282-95. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.88.1.282 |
76. Clague JR, Dagres N, Kottkamp H, Breithardt G, and Borggrefe M. Targeting the slow pathway for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: initial results and long-term follow-up in 379 consecutive patients. Eur Heart J. 2001 Jan;22(1):82-8. DOI:10.1053/euhj.2000.2124 |
77. Alboni P, Tomasi C, Menozzi C, Bottoni N, Paparella N, Fucà G, Brignole M, and Cappato R. Efficacy and safety of out-of-hospital self-administered single-dose oral drug treatment in the management of infrequent, well-tolerated paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2001 Feb;37(2):548-53. DOI:10.1016/s0735-1097(00)01128-1 |
78. Becker AE, Anderson RH, Durrer D, and Wellens HJ. The anatomical substrates of wolff-parkinson-white syndrome. A clinicopathologic correlation in seven patients. Circulation. 1978 May;57(5):870-9. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.57.5.870 |
79. Cosío FG, Anderson RH, Kuck KH, Becker A, Borggrefe M, Campbell RW, Gaita F, Guiraudon GM, Haïssaguerre M, Rufilanchas JJ, Thiene G, Wellens HJ, Langberg J, Benditt DG, Bharati S, Klein G, Marchlinski F, and Saksena S. Living anatomy of the atrioventricular junctions. A guide to electrophysiologic mapping. A Consensus Statement from the Cardiac Nomenclature Study Group, Working Group of Arrhythmias, European Society of Cardiology, and the Task Force on Cardiac Nomenclature from NASPE. Circulation. 1999 Aug 3;100(5):e31-7. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.100.5.e31 |
80. Wolff L, Parkinson J, and White PD. Bundle-branch block with short P-R interval in healthy young people prone to paroxysmal tachycardia. 1930. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2006 Oct;11(4):340-53. DOI:10.1111/j.1542-474X.2006.00127.x |
81. Tebbenjohanns J, Pfeiffer D, Schumacher B, Jung W, Manz M, and Lüderitz B. Intravenous adenosine during atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia: induction of atrial fibrillation with rapid conduction over an accessory pathway. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 1995 Apr;18(4 Pt 1):743-6. DOI:10.1111/j.1540-8159.1995.tb04673.x |
87. Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), American Heart Association (AHA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Canadian Heart Rhythm Society (CHRS), Cohen MI, Triedman JK, Cannon BC, Davis AM, Drago F, Janousek J, Klein GJ, Law IH, Morady FJ, Paul T, Perry JC, Sanatani S, and Tanel RE. PACES/HRS expert consensus statement on the management of the asymptomatic young patient with a Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW, ventricular preexcitation) electrocardiographic pattern: developed in partnership between the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS). Endorsed by the governing bodies of PACES, HRS, the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Canadian Heart Rhythm Society (CHRS). Heart Rhythm. 2012 Jun;9(6):1006-24. DOI:10.1016/j.hrthm.2012.03.050 |
88. Roden DM. Drug-induced prolongation of the QT interval. N Engl J Med. 2004 Mar 4;350(10):1013-22. DOI:10.1056/NEJMra032426 |
89. Cox JL, Schuessler RB, D'Agostino HJ Jr, Stone CM, Chang BC, Cain ME, Corr PB, and Boineau JP. The surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. III. Development of a definitive surgical procedure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1991 Apr;101(4):569-83.
90. Cox JL. The surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. IV. Surgical technique. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1991 Apr;101(4):584-92.
91. Wolf RK, Schneeberger EW, Osterday R, Miller D, Merrill W, Flege JB Jr, and Gillinov AM. Video-assisted bilateral pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial appendage exclusion for atrial fibrillation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2005 Sep;130(3):797-802. DOI:10.1016/j.jtcvs.2005.03.041 |
92. Boersma LV, Castella M, van Boven W, Berruezo A, Yilmaz A, Nadal M, Sandoval E, Calvo N, Brugada J, Kelder J, Wijffels M, and Mont L. Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation versus surgical ablation treatment (FAST): a 2-center randomized clinical trial. Circulation. 2012 Jan 3;125(1):23-30. DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.074047 |
93. de Groot JR, Driessen AH, Van Boven WJ, Krul SP, Linnenbank AC, Jackman WM, and De Bakker JM. Epicardial confirmation of conduction block during thoracoscopic surgery for atrial fibrillation--a hybrid surgical-electrophysiological approach. Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol. 2012 Jul;21(4):293-301. DOI:10.3109/13645706.2011.615329 |
94. La Meir M, Gelsomino S, Lucà F, Pison L, Colella A, Lorusso R, Crudeli E, Gensini GF, Crijns HG, and Maessen J. Minimal invasive surgery for atrial fibrillation: an updated review. Europace. 2013 Feb;15(2):170-82. DOI:10.1093/europace/eus216 |
95. Lip GY, Frison L, Halperin JL, and Lane DA. Identifying patients at high risk for stroke despite anticoagulation: a comparison of contemporary stroke risk stratification schemes in an anticoagulated atrial fibrillation cohort. Stroke. 2010 Dec;41(12):2731-8. DOI:10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.590257 |
96. Lip GY, Nieuwlaat R, Pisters R, Lane DA, and Crijns HJ. Refining clinical risk stratification for predicting stroke and thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation using a novel risk factor-based approach: the euro heart survey on atrial fibrillation. Chest. 2010 Feb;137(2):263-72. DOI:10.1378/chest.09-1584 |
97. Heeringa J, van der Kuip DA, Hofman A, Kors JA, van Herpen G, Stricker BH, Stijnen T, Lip GY, and Witteman JC. Prevalence, incidence and lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation: the Rotterdam study. Eur Heart J. 2006 Apr;27(8):949-53. DOI:10.1093/eurheartj/ehi825 |
98. Shelton RJ, Clark AL, Goode K, Rigby AS, Houghton T, Kaye GC, and Cleland JG. A randomised, controlled study of rate versus rhythm control in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and heart failure: (CAFE-II Study). Heart. 2009 Jun;95(11):924-30. DOI:10.1136/hrt.2008.158931 |
99. Roy D, Talajic M, Nattel S, Wyse DG, Dorian P, Lee KL, Bourassa MG, Arnold JM, Buxton AE, Camm AJ, Connolly SJ, Dubuc M, Ducharme A, Guerra PG, Hohnloser SH, Lambert J, Le Heuzey JY, O'Hara G, Pedersen OD, Rouleau JL, Singh BN, Stevenson LW, Stevenson WG, Thibault B, Waldo AL, and Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure Investigators. Rhythm control versus rate control for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. N Engl J Med. 2008 Jun 19;358(25):2667-77. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa0708789 |
100. Kirchhof P, Andresen D, Bosch R, Borggrefe M, Meinertz T, Parade U, Ravens U, Samol A, Steinbeck G, Treszl A, Wegscheider K, and Breithardt G. Short-term versus long-term antiarrhythmic drug treatment after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (Flec-SL): a prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint assessment trial. Lancet. 2012 Jul 21;380(9838):238-46. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60570-4 |
101. Pappone C, Santinelli V, Rosanio S, Vicedomini G, Nardi S, Pappone A, Tortoriello V, Manguso F, Mazzone P, Gulletta S, Oreto G, and Alfieri O. Usefulness of invasive electrophysiologic testing to stratify the risk of arrhythmic events in asymptomatic patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White pattern: results from a large prospective long-term follow-up study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2003 Jan 15;41(2):239-44. DOI:10.1016/s0735-1097(02)02706-7 |
102. Priori SG, Aliot E, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Bossaert L, Breithardt G, Brugada P, Camm AJ, Cappato R, Cobbe SM, Di Mario C, Maron BJ, McKenna WJ, Pedersen AK, Ravens U, Schwartz PJ, Trusz-Gluza M, Vardas P, Wellens HJ, and Zipes DP. Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J. 2001 Aug;22(16):1374-450. DOI:10.1053/euhj.2001.2824 |
103. Jackman WM, Wang XZ, Friday KJ, Roman CA, Moulton KP, Beckman KJ, McClelland JH, Twidale N, Hazlitt HA, and Prior MI. Catheter ablation of accessory atrioventricular pathways (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome) by radiofrequency current. N Engl J Med. 1991 Jun 6;324(23):1605-11. DOI:10.1056/NEJM199106063242301 |
104. Mazgalev TN, Ho SY, and Anderson RH. Anatomic-electrophysiological correlations concerning the pathways for atrioventricular conduction. Circulation. 2001 Jun 5;103(22):2660-7. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.103.22.2660 |