Current Concepts and Management Strategies in Atrial Flutter:

Tachyarrhythmias and Bradyarrhythmias: Differential Diagnosis and Initial Management in the Primary Care Office

Tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias are often seen in the outpatient setting. Patients can present minimally symptomatic or in extremis. Accurate diagnosis of the rhythm, plus a detailed clinical history, are critical for best management and optimal outcome. A 12-lead electrocardiogram is the cornerstone for diagnosis. Practitioners must identify patients who need immediate transport to an emergency department versus those who can safely wait for an outpatient specialty referral. This article reviews how to accurately diagnose and differentiate the most common tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias, the associated symptoms, and important concepts for the initial steps in the office management of such arrhythmias.

[Cardiac arrhythmias: Diagnosis and management]

Cardiac arrhythmias, with, on top of the list, atrial fibrillation, are frequent conditions and any physician might have to get involved at any stage of patient care (from diagnosis to treatment), without always having the opportunity to immediately refer to the cardiologist. The aim of this review is to present a summary of pathophysiology, clinical and electrocardiographic presentations, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the main cardiac arrhythmias. Supra-ventricular tachycardias (atrial fibrillation and flutter, atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardias) and ventricular tachycardias will be consecutively presented and discussed.