A&Q Heart Defects Flashcards
What is the definition of congenital heart defects (CHDs)?
Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart or great vessels that are present at birth.
Name the four components of Tetralogy of Fallot.
The four components are:
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
- Pulmonary Stenosis
- Right Ventricular Hypertrophy
- Overriding Aorta
What causes Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)?
Patent Ductus Arteriosus occurs when the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth.
List three genetic or environmental factors that can cause congenital heart defects.
- Genetic factors like chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome).
- Maternal infections (e.g., rubella).
- Maternal diabetes or exposure to teratogens such as drugs and alcohol.
What is the primary diagnostic tool for congenital heart defects?
Echocardiography is the primary diagnostic tool for congenital heart defects.
Which congenital heart defect is characterized by the reversal of the positions of the pulmonary artery and the aorta?
Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA).
What is the treatment method for a large Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)?
Surgical closure is the treatment for a large VSD, especially if it causes significant left-to-right shunting and heart failure.
What are two common clinical features of cyanotic congenital heart defects?
- Cyanosis
- Respiratory distress
What acquired heart defect results from untreated group A streptococcal pharyngitis?
Rheumatic Heart Disease.
What is the primary etiology of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
CAD is primarily caused by lifestyle factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
How is infective endocarditis diagnosed?
Infective endocarditis is diagnosed using echocardiography (to detect vegetations) and blood cultures (to identify causative organisms).
What is the surgical treatment for severe coronary artery disease?
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).
What is the hallmark murmur of aortic stenosis?
A systolic ejection murmur that radiates to the carotids.
Which diagnostic tool is key for evaluating valve function in acquired heart defects?
Echocardiography is the key diagnostic tool for evaluating valve function.
What is a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) used for?
An LVAD is used as a bridge to heart transplant or as destination therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure.
