Cardiac Assessment Flashcards
What are ABP and VPB?
ABP - atrial premature beats; VPB - ventricular premature beats
These are types of arrhythmias initiated by ectopic foci outside the SA node.
What is supraventricular tachycardia?
A rapid heart rate originating above the ventricles, can involve focal or reentrant mechanisms
It can result from repetitive firing of an ectopic pacemaker and has three types: atrial tachycardia, AV reentry tachycardia, and bypass mediated tachycardia.
What characterizes Wolf-Parkinson White syndrome?
Symptomatic arrhythmia due to an accessory pathway linking atria and ventricles, bypassing the AV node
Features include a short P-R interval, delta wave, and wide QRS.
What defines ventricular tachycardia?
Three or more VPBs at a rate of 100 or greater
It can be due to focal or reentry mechanisms and usually requires cardioversion.
What is Long QT Syndrome?
A disorder from mutations in cardiac ion channels leading to prolonged QT interval
It can be inherited or acquired, with acquired cases often due to electrolyte abnormalities or TCA medications.
What are the characteristics of atrial fibrillation?
Most common arrhythmia preoperatively, irregular R-R intervals, no distinctive P waves
Associated with decreased cardiac output and increased risk of embolism.
What is a first-degree conduction block?
Slowing of conduction between atria and ventricles, with no completely blocked impulse
It is characterized by a prolonged PR interval.
Describe a second-degree conduction block.
Intermittent failure of supraventricular impulses with some P waves not followed by QRS
There are two types: Type 1 (progressive lengthening of PR interval) and Type 2 (intermittently blocked P waves).
What is a third-degree conduction block?
Complete failure of supraventricular impulses to reach the ventricles
Atria and ventricles are paced separately and usually requires a pacemaker.
What distinguishes right bundle branch block (RBBB)?
Can be an isolated anomaly, three times more common than left BBB
May occur in chronic conditions affecting the right side of the heart.
What is the incidence of left bundle branch block (LBBB)?
Incidental in 2.5% of the population and more likely to be associated with underlying heart disease
It can lead to systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
What is the incidence of congenital heart disease?
6 per 1000 incidence
Most often seen in females as males tend to not survive.
What is involved in preoperative cardiac testing?
Can include EKG, stress test, echo, heart catheterization, and myocardial biopsy
It is case-dependent and driven by comorbidities.
What should be considered for patients with heart transplants?
Do not stop immunosuppressive agents
These agents have multiple side effects and interactions, including increased risk of infection.
What is pulmonary hypertension defined as?
Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) > 25 mmHg at rest
Diagnosis is typically done via right heart catheterization.
What are the causes of peripheral artery disease?
Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, autoimmune diseases
Atherosclerosis is a common underlying cause.
What are cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED)?
Devices used to manage arrhythmias, typically including a pulse generator and leads
They can include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).
What are considerations for ICDs during surgery?
Monopolar cautery can impact defibrillators, while bipolar usually has minimal impact
Must know the magnet response for the specific unit.
Fill in the blank: Atrial fibrillation is associated with an increased risk of _______.
thrombosis
