Cardiovascular
Cardiac Arrhythmias in the ICU
Classification, risk factors, and management principles for tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias in the surgical ICU, including heart block types and antiarrhythmic drug classes.
On this page
On this page
Cardiac arrhythmias: Tachyarrhythmias (> 100 bpm) or Bradyarrhythmias (< 60 bpm). Caused by abnormal impulse initiation or conduction.
Primary management goal: assure hemodynamic stability.
Tachyarrhythmias
Supraventricular:* SVT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, junctional tachycardiaSection
Tachyarrhythmias
Supraventricular:* SVT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, junctional tachycardia- Supraventricular:* SVT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, junctional tachycardia
- Ventricular:* VT, VF
Bradyarrhythmias
Causes: SA node dysfunction, AV conduction problems, increased ICP, post-cardiac intervention.Section
Bradyarrhythmias
Causes: SA node dysfunction, AV conduction problems, increased ICP, post-cardiac intervention.Causes: SA node dysfunction, AV conduction problems, increased ICP, post-cardiac intervention.
Heart Block Classification
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 1st Degree | Prolonged PR; all impulses conduct |
| 2nd Degree — Mobitz I | Progressive PR lengthening until beat dropped |
| 2nd Degree — Mobitz II | Intermittent beats dropped without PR lengthening |
| 3rd Degree (Complete) | No conduction — requires pacemaker |
Antiarrhythmic Drug Classes
Class • Mechanism • Class ISection
Antiarrhythmic Drug Classes
Class • Mechanism • Class I| Class | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Class I | Sodium Channel Blockers (lidocaine, procainamide) |
| Class II | Beta blockers |
| Class III | Potassium Channel Blockers (amiodarone, sotalol) |
| Class IV | Calcium Channel Blockers (diltiazem, verapamil) |
- Adapted from SurgCritCare. org for structured display and mobile use. Verify against current institutional policies and attending guidance.*