Cardiovascular Critical Care I

Patient Case (Continued)

J.M.’s ECG results reveal no acute evidence of ST segment changes. However, the resident is still consider-

ing a diagnosis of ACS, given the patient’s shortness of breath and mild troponin elevation. Which statement

would be most accurate regarding the potential for other potential diagnoses?

J.M. has been experiencing intermittent bradycardia on telemetry. The team has consulted the cardiac elec-

trophysiology team. In the meantime, which statement most accurately reflects whether any other underlying

correctable/contributing causes can be addressed?

Abnormal impulse formation

Altered automaticity

Abnormal automaticity

Triggered activity—early or delayed

Reentry

Conduction block

Pathophysiology of Heart Disease 2011:xiv; BMJ 2002;324:662-5; BMJ 2002;324:415-8)

Etiologies of heart block (Box 3)

Box 3. Causes of Bradyarrhythmias

CAD = coronary artery disease.