Question

Question time :)
If a patient has a delayed repolarization of the ventricles in the heart, what effect do you think there will be on the heart function?

Answer 1

I actually dont know the answer for this.
well, maybe I ;m just a little bit confusing , anyone wanna clear my confusion?

There must be a irregular heart pattern, any other effects will there be?

Answer 2

I think you're right. Since we're assuming the atria are functioning properly, they'll be continuing to pump their blood - so perhaps you could have a bit of backflow? Exercise will of course, be difficult as well.

Answer 3

I agree that there will be reduced cardiac output. If you're into ECG traces then you might see a flattened or reduced T wave and possibly a U wave. I have attached a link which might come in useful if you end up studying ECGs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECG

A potential cause of delayed depolarisation might be hypokalemia if this helps.

Answer 4

^Great answer!

Answer 5

thx both!

Answer 6

You could do worse than read up on arrhythmias, which are by definition cardiac problems resulting from disturbances in electric conduction. I'm surprised no one has added that word yet. I would be interested in @exuras 's input on this one.

Answer 7

It is without a doubt arrhythmia as blues pointed out, this is a type of arrhythmia which has two subgroups one is caused by depolarisation issues, one by repolarisation issues.
I don't think i need to explain how those two are dependant on eachother to you.