1 - Introduction to Clinical Physiology Flashcards
Why would a 115/90mmHg blood pressure be considered unusual?
Low pulse pressure
Pulse pressure
The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure
Implications of a low pulse pressure
Either excessive arterial compliance or decreased stroke volume
Factors determining pulse pressure
Stroke volume (amount of blood ejected form the heart), arterial compliance)
Steps in examining angina patient 1) 2) 3) 4)
1) Take blood pressure 2) Examine carotid waveform with fingers 3) Feel left ventricular impulse 4) Listen to heartbeat with stethoscope
Where do you feel left ventricular pressure?
On mid-clavicular line
Types of left ventricular pressures 1) 2) 3)
1) Normal 2) Volume overload 3) Pressure overload
How does a normal left ventricular impulse feel?
Forceful, sustained, localised
Implications of a left ventricular impulse feeling too weak
Pressure overload in left ventricle. Implies blockage downstream
What does a heart murmur imply?
Turbulent blood flow
What can be inferred from the patient’s carotid pressure vs left ventricular pressure?
There is a blockage between the left ventricle and the aorta/carotid.
Need to think of a place between the LV and aorta.
The most likely is a stenosis (block) of the aortic valve.