Cardiac Electrical Physiology and Arrhythmias

📋 Course Outline

1. Conduction Pathway
2. Cardiac Action Potential
3. Refractory Periods
4. Excitation–Contraction Coupling
5. SA Node Pacemaker
6. ECG Waves and Intervals
7. ECG Vector Principles
8. Cardiac Axis Deviations
9. Arrhythmias and Causes
10. Channelopathies and QT Prolongation
11. Hyperkalaemia Effects

📖 1. Conduction Pathway

🔑 Key Concepts & Definitions

• Conduction Pathway: The sequence of electrical activation in the heart, ensuring coordinated contraction.
• SA Node (Sinoatrial Node): The heart's natural pacemaker that initiates electrical impulses, setting the rhythm.
• Atrial Conduction: Spread of electrical activity through the atria, leading to atrial contraction.
• AV Node (Atrioventricular Node): Delays conduction to allow atrial contraction before ventricles contract.
• Bundle of His: The pathway transmitting impulses from AV node to bundle branches.
• Bundle Branches: Right and left pathways that conduct impulses to respective ventricles.
• Purkinje Fibers: Network of fibers that rapidly distribute impulses throughout the ventricles, causing synchronized contraction.

📝 Essential Points