Cardiac Conditions DETAILED

Question 1

Explain the cardiac cycle

Answer 1

Pressure changes that cause the blood to flow into different chambers of the heart.
Systole = ventricular contraction = increased pressure
Diastole - ventricular relaxation = relaxed pressure
Single cycle = one heartbeat

Question 2

Characteristics of stable Angina

Answer 2

This is when O2 demands of myocardial cells become
greater than that supplied by occluded coronary artery. O2 delivery does not meet needs of myocardial cells.
Usually during moderate exercise

Predictable

Resolves with rest.

Resolves with use of nitroglycerine

Question 3

Characteristics of unstable Angina

Answer 3

Usually due to formation of a clot at the site of ruptured plaque in a coronary artery causing narrowing and impedes blood flow to heart.

Unpredictable

Can occur at rest.

Increases severity/length/frequency.

Associated with atherosclerotic plaque rupture.

Strong predictor for MI

Medication required: Antithrombotic

Question 4

What is a Myocardial Infarction?

Answer 4

Blockage of blood flow within a coronary artery

Causes ischaemia which leads to myocyte necrosis. They CANNOT repair themselves.

Areas surrounding can also experience necrosis affecting systolic (phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood from the chambers into the arteries) function.

Question 5

Symptoms of an MI?

Answer 5

Prolonged pain, tightness/pressure, or discomfort in the chest (angina), shoulder, arm, neck, jaw and/or back

Onset is typically sudden and severe.

Pain/discomfort does not subside or respond to rest and/or medications.

Diaphoresis

Pallor

Nausea/vomiting

Feeling anxious

Shortness of breath or dyspnoea

Extreme fatigue (more common in females)

Question 6

Explain what congestive heart failure is?

Answer 6

Heart unable to pump blood effectively.
Fluid buildup in lungs, abdomen, legs.
Causes: coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, valve disorders.
Symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, coughing, wheezing.
Treatment: medications, lifestyle changes, surgery, heart transplant.

Question 7

Explain left sided heart failure in more detail?

Answer 7

Left-sided heart failure means the left side of the heart isn’t pumping blood well, so it backs up into the lungs. This can make it hard to breathe, cause coughing, and make you feel tired. It’s like a traffic jam in the heart, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. Treatment aims to help the heart pump better and relieve symptoms