Diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias

Abstract

The preceding is intended as a guide to facilitate the recognition, interpretation, and management of vasodepressor syncope and pediatric cardiac arrhythmias. Drug dosages not provided in the text are readily available elsewhere. There are several important "take home messages" provided here, gleaned from this chapter--the "do nots." Do not (1) use digoxin chronically in overt WPW syndrome, (2) miss the diagnosis of long QT syndrome, (3) diagnose "SVT with aberration"--rule out VT first, (4) use sinus-suppressant drugs in patients with sick sinus syndrome without an implanted pacemaker, (5) use IV verapamil to convert SVT in patients less than 1 year old, with congestive heart failure or on beta-blockers, or (6) use ocular pressure to convert SVT.