arrhythmias after myocardial infarction
Last reviewed 01/2018
Arrhythmias after a myocardial infarction are probably the principal cause of sudden cardiac death caused by ischaemic heart disease.
Their prompt and accurate management is the subject of courses such as advanced cardiac life support.
In addition to the original infarctive insult, arrhythmias occur as a result of:
- reperfusion
- streptokinase
- toxic metabolites
- irritable myocardium
- metabolic - K or Mg imbalances
- iatrogenic - drugs or lines