6. Valves, Malformations, Endocarditis and Arrhythmias Flashcards
What valves can valve disease affect
Any of the four
Most common valves affected and why (2)
Left side valves
Work at highest pressure
Aetiology of valve disease (4)
Congenital abnormality
MI
Rheumatic fever
Dilation of aortic root (aneurysm formation, syphilis)
Valve disease investigations
Ultrasound of heart chambers and valves
Valve disease treatment
Replacement valve - mechanical or porcine
Pros/cons of mechanical heart valves (2)
Last longer
Require immunosuppressants
Complication of replacement heart valve
Development of endocarditis
Examples of congenital heart defects (4)
Atrial septal defects
Ventricular septal defects
Patent ductus arteriosus
Great vessel malformations
Definition of cyanosis
Bluish/purplish discolouration of skin/mucous membranes
Cause of cyanosis
Tissue near skin surface having low oxygen saturation
Types of central cyanosis and distinguishing features (2)
Central - around core, lips, tongue
Peripheral - extremities or fingers
Causes of cyanosis (2)
Central - congenital heart disease
Peripheral - cold environment
Diagnosis of cyanosis
5g/dl or more deoxygenated Hb in blood
Cyanosis symptoms (2)
Bluish/purple lips, gums, skin, mucous membranes
Finger clubbing
Cause of infective endocarditis
Microbial colonisation of thrombi on endocardial surface
Symptoms and signs of IE (7)
Fever Heart murmur Embolic phenomena Skin manifestations (petechiae/splinter haemorrhage) Splenomegaly Septic complications Mycotic (infective) aneurysm
Effects of IE (2)
Prolonged antibiotic treatment
Cardiac valve damage
Types of cardiac arrhythmias (2) and examples (4)
Tachy - fast - AF, VT
Brady - slow - heart block, drug induced
Treatment of Brady-arrhythmias
Pacemakers
Ventricular fibrillation definition
Heart quivers instead of pumping due to disorganised electrical activity in ventricles
VF causes (4)
MI
Electrocution
Long AT syndrome
Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome
VF results (3) and treatment
Cardiac arrest
Loss of consciousness
No pulse
Defibrillation
Asystole definition (2)
Absence of ventricular contractions lasting longer than the max time sustainable for life (2s humans)
Usually irreversible
AF definition
Abnormal heart rhythm characterised by rapid and irregular beating of atria
AF symptoms (6)
Often none Palpitations Fainting Light-headedness SoB Chest pain
AF leads to increased risk of (3)
HF
Dementia
CVA
