Contents

#### **Preface XI**



Preface

Cardiac arrhythmia is a very complex disorder that could change both quality and quantity of life. In this book titled *Cardiac Arrhythmias*, authors from different geographical regions contributed to the advancement of this field of cardiac arrhythmias. This book is divided into two sections—atrial and nonatrial arrhythmias. In atrial arrhythmias, authors have de‐ scribed various aspects including genetics, clinical aspects, and surgical management of at‐ rial fibrillation. Similarly, in nonatrial arrhythmias, authors described new patterns of ECG including Breijo pattern. Common clinical scenarios like drug-induced arrhythmias will be very helpful for the readers. Our authors have also worked diligently to provide practical tips to the readers to prevent life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias induced by central venous catheterization. In the past few decades, there is a rapid development of new mapping and ablation techniques. In this book, we have excellent review chapters describing the clinical approach, mapping techniques, troubleshooting, and ablation methods for atrial arrhyth‐ mias and ventricular arrhythmias. These chapters are supported with excellent ECGs, elec‐ trograms, fluoroscopic pictures, and 3D electro-anatomic mapping images. These chapters are written by experienced and acclaimed experts in their field and hence will provide a comprehensive and authoritative review in those respective topics. I am very confident that these articles will be used as reference articles by the clinicians whether they are trainees,

This work was possible mainly because of the diligent and meticulous work of the authors. I sincerely thank them for all their sincere effort to spread the knowledge. I am deeply indebt‐ ed to Mr. Julian Virag, Author Service Manager at IntechOpen, for his continuous support. He put out many fires and facilitated timely publication of this book. I am also very thankful for the editorial assistance provided by the IntechOpen team. May the fruits of our labor, including the publishing team and contributors, serve the field of cardiac arrhythmias.

This book is dedicated to my mother Jana, the source of my inspiration and for being the ever-dependable platform, and to my son Shawn, who fills my life with joy and happiness

**Umashankar Lakshmanadoss MD, CCDS, FHRS**

Cardiac Electrophysiologist Ballad CVA Heart Institute Kingsport, TN, USA

and gives me the confidence that every generation is better than the previous one.

physicians, advanced care providers, or anyone involved in patient care.

Chapter 10 **Drug Abuse-Induced Cardiac Arrhythmias: Mechanisms and Management 177** Sana Ouali, Omar Guermazi, Fatma Guermazi, Manel Ben Halima, Selim Boudiche, Nadim Khedher, Fathia Meghaieth, Abdeljalil Farhati, Noureddine Larbi and Mohamed Sami Mourali
