cardiac

1. Cardiac Anatomy

7. Conduction system of the heart. By permission from Cunningham JG, Textbook of Veterinary Physiology, Saunders, 2002

12. Bipolar Limb Leads

13. Unipolar or Augmented Leads

14. Horizontal or Chest leads (also unipolar)

15. 12 lead ECG

18. Multiple foci (areas) send out impulses which cause the atria to fibrillate . Picture courtesy of the Heart Rhythm Society. www.hrsonline.org .

20. Types of Atrial Fibrillation Paroxysmal A Fib. Episodes of A Fib that end spontaneously are called paroxysmal A Fib. The irregular heart rhythm may last for a few seconds, minutes, hours or longer before the heart resumes a normal rhythm on its own. Persistent A Fib. With this condition, the irregular heart rhythm continues indefinitely unless it is treated. Permanent A Fib. In this situation, normal rhythm cannot be restored. **The sooner its treated, the higher the chance that it can be corrected!

24. Risks associated with A-Fib: Related to decrease in Cardiac Output * Stroke * Heart Failure (30% of C.O. is provided by the Atrial) Related to “Electrical Remodeling” *Damage to heart muscle (alteration in diastolic phase of the atria)