QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia that can occur in the heart.

On ECG, there is an absence of p-waves - the atria are not working properly, and an irregularly irregular rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation is also a classic cause of syncope (fainting), shortness of breath, palpitations and dizziness.

These are all signs and symptoms that our patient is reporting - therefore, her most likely diagnosis is atrial fibrillation.
10001952
a
Atrial fibrillation
QuestionChoice
A non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is an occlusion of a cardiac vessel that occurs without ST elevation on the ECG. You would still expect to see p-waves, however.
10001953
b
Non ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction
QuestionChoice
Mobitz I Heart Block is a type of secondary heart block. It can be seen on an ECG as a progressive prolongation of the PR interval until a P wave is no longer followed by a QRS complex.

This condition can cause a patient to feel faint, have shortness of breath and have chest pain.
10001956
e
Mobitz I Heart Block
QuestionChoice
Unstable angina is a condition that occurs when someone experiences chest pain, associated with cardiac ischaemia, at rest.

However, what differentiates unstable angina from a STEMI is that there is no ST-elevation on the ECG. There may be ST depression, but you would still see p-waves.

Unstable angina can be differentiated from a Non-ST-elevated myocardial infection (NSTEMI) through a troponin blood test - troponin levels are elevated in an NSTEMI.
10001954
c
Unstable Angina
QuestionChoice
In an ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), you would expect to see an elevated ST segment on the ECG.

A myocardial infarction is unlikely to occur in this patient demographic - risk factors for a STEMI include smoking, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
10001955
d
ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction
Concept
Chapter
2693
3714
Atrial fibrillation
Topic
134
Cardiology
12937
A 20-year-old female presents to the Emergency Department with a 6-day history of shortness of breath, dizziness and palpitations.

An ECG is performed, showing an irregularly irregular heartbeat, with an absence of p-waves.

Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
a