RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias in military personnel
JF Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
JO J R Army Med Corps
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 244
OP 252
DO 10.1136/jramc-2015-000494
VO 161
IS 3
A1 Bonnie N Posselt
A1 A T Cox
A1 J D'Arcy
A1 M Rooms
A1 M Saba
YR 2015
UL http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/161/3/244.abstract
AB Although rare, sudden cardiac death does occur in British military personnel. In the majority of cases, the cause is considered to be a malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmia, which can be precipitated by a number of underlying pathologies. Conversely, a tachyarrhythmia may have a more benign and treatable cause, yet the initial clinical symptoms may be similar, making differentiation difficult. This is an overview of the mechanisms underlying the initiation and propagation of arrhythmias and the various pathological conditions that predispose to arrhythmia genesis, classified according to which parts of the heart are involved: atrial tachyarrhythmias, atrial and ventricular, as well as those affecting the ventricles alone. It encompasses atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardias and ventricular tachycardias, including the more commonly encountered inherited primary electrical diseases, also known as the channelopathies. The clinical features, investigation and management strategies are outlined. The occupational impact—in serving military personnel and potential recruits—is described, with explanations relating to the different conditions and their specific implication on continued military service.