Cardiac Emergencies Flashcards
Superior / Inferior Vena Cava
(CO2 blood)
A large vein carrying deoxygenated blood into the heart.
There are two in humans, the inferior vena cava (carrying blood from the lower body), and the superior vena cava (carrying blood from the head, arms, and upper body).
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) is a group of symptoms that happen when something blocks or compresses your superior vena cava. It's often associated with cancer, but may involve an infection, blood clot or implanted medical device. Severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in children.
Right Atrium
(CO2 blood)
One of two superior chambers of the heart which receives blood low in oxygen from the body, and then empties the blood into the Right Ventricle via the Tricuspid Valve.
Right Atrial Enlargement means your heart has an abnormally large right atrium, typically caused by high blood pressure and/or elevated blood volume. This usually means you have an issue with your heart or lungs that are causing all of this.
Tricuspid Valve
Controls the flow of blood from your heart’s Right Atrium (top chamber) to the Right Ventricle (bottom chamber).
Tricuspid Regurgitation, or Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation, occurs when the valve's flaps (cusps or leaflets) do not close properly.
Right Ventricle
(CO2 blood)
Pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs through the Pulmonary Valve via the Pulmonary Artery.
In the lungs, the blood then gets a “resupply” of oxygen.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia / Cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is a rare familial disorder that may cause Ventricular Tachycardia and sudden cardiac death in young, apparently healthy individuals.
The clinical hallmark of the disease is Ventricular Arrhythmias, arising predominantly from the right ventricle.
Pulmonary Valve
Controls the flow of blood from your heart’s Right Ventricle (bottom chamber) to the Pulmonary Artery (to the lungs).
Pulmonary Valve Disease (PVD) is a condition in which the lung (pulmonary) valve — located between your heart’s lower right chamber (Right Ventricle) and the artery that delivers blood to the lungs (Pulmonary Artery) — doesn’t work properly.
The condition can interrupt blood flow from your heart to your lungs.
Pulmonary Artery
(CO2 blood)
The artery carrying deoxygenated blood from the Right Ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
Pulmonary Hypertension (PHT) is a type of high blood pressure that affects arteries in the lungs, and in the right side of the heart.
Pulmonary Vein
(O2 blood)
The vein which carries oxygen-rich blood from your lungs to your heart, and delivers it into the Left Ventricle.
Pulmonary Vein Stenosis (PVS) is a rare and serious condition in which there is a blockage in the blood vessels that bring blood from the lungs back to the heart.
This blockage is caused by an abnormal thickening of the walls of the veins.
Left Atrium
(O2 blood)
One of two superior chambers of the heart which receives blood rich in oxygen from the lungs, and then empties the blood into the Left Ventricle via the Mitral (Bicuspid) Valve.
Left Atrial Enlargement means your heart has an abnormally large right atrium, typically caused by high blood pressure and/or elevated blood volume.
This usually means you have an issue with your heart or lungs that are causing all of this.
Mitral Valve
(Bicuspid)
Controls the flow of blood from your heart’s Left Atrium (top chamber) to the Left Ventricle (bottom chamber).
Mitral Valve Regurgitation (MVR) is a condition in which the heart’s Mitral Valve doesn’t close tightly, which allows blood to flow backward in the heart.
Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, lightheadedness, and a rapid, fluttering heartbeat.
Some people may not need treatment, but more severe cases may require medications, such as diuretics and blood thinners, or surgery.
Left Ventricle
(O2 blood)
Pumps blood rich in oxygen to the Left Atrium through the Aortic Valve via the Aorta artery.
Left ventricular hypertrophy is a thickening of the wall of the heart’s main pumping chamber.
This thickening may result in the elevation of pressure within the heart and sometimes poor pumping action.
The most common cause is high blood pressure.
Aortic Valve
Controls the flow of blood from your heart’s Left Ventricle (bottom chamber) to the Aorta.
Aortic Valve Disease (AVD), is a valve disease in which the valve between the lower left heart chamber (Left Ventricle) and the main artery to the body (Aorta) doesn’t work properly.
The Aortic Valve helps keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart.
Acute Myocardial Infarction
(AMI / Heart Attack)
Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is myocardial necrosis resulting from acute obstruction of a coronary artery (heart attack).
Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without dyspnea, nausea, and/or diaphoresis.
Diagnosis is by electrocardiography (ECG) and the presence or absence of serologic markers.
Assessment Findings:
— Dyspnea
— Nausea / Vomiting
— Diaphoresis
— Pulmonary Edema (PE)
— Stridor
Treatments:
— Reassure the patient
— Supplemental O2
— Nitroglycerin / Baby ASA 160-325 mg
— Hospitalized Angioplasty / Stents
— Transport patient in position of comfort
— Do not let the patient exert themselves
Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris — or simply Angina — is chest pain or discomfort that keeps coming back.
It happens when some part of your heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen and can be a symptom of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without dyspnea, nausea, and/or diaphoresis.
Diagnosis is by electrocardiography (ECG) and the presence or absence of serologic markers.
Assessment Findings:
— Dyspnea
— Nausea / Vomiting
— Diaphoresis
— Pulmonary Edema (PE)
— Stridor
Treatments:
— Reassure the patient
— Supplemental O2
— Nitroglycerin / Baby ASA 160-325 mg
— Hospitalized Angioplasty / Stents
— Transport patient in position of comfort
— Do not let the patient exert themselves
Ventricular Fibrillation
(V-Fib)
Ventricular Fibrillation, also known as Monomorphic Ventricular Arrhythmia, is a type of irregular heart rhythm or cardiac spasm.
During Ventricular Fibrillation, the lower heart chambers contract in a very rapid and uncoordinated manner. As a result, the heart doesn’t pump blood to the rest of the body.
Assessment Findings:
— Unconscious / Unresponsive
— Apnea
— Diaphoresis
— Shortness of Breath / Dizziness
Treatments:
— Immediate CPR / AED
— Supplemental O2
— Rapidly transport patient in the supine position
Ventricular Tachycardia
(V-Tach)
Ventricular Tachycardia is a type of irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) or cardiac spasm.
It occurs when the lower chamber of the heart beats too fast to pump well and the body doesn’t receive enough oxygenated blood.
Assessment Findings:
— Unconscious / Unresponsive
— Apnea
— Diaphoresis
— Shortness of Breath / Dizziness
Treatments:
— Immediate CPR / AED
— Supplemental O2
— Rapidly transport patient in the supine position
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart failure — sometimes known as congestive heart failure — occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should.
When this happens, blood often backs up and fluid can build up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
Assessment Findings:
— Anxiety / Restlessness
— Dyspnea (especially when lying down)
— Tachycardia / Tachypnea
— Increased blood pressure
— Jugular Vein Distention
— Pedal Edema (feet swelling)
— Rales
Treatments:
— Assistive ventilation as needed
— High-flow Supplemental O2
— CPAP / BVM
— Consider Nitroglycerin
— Transport patient in the position of comfort
— Do not let the patient exert themselves
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic shock, also known as cardiac shock, happens when your heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.
This is a life-threatening emergency but is treatable if diagnosed right away.
Phases of Cardiogenic Shock:
— At risk (A): Heart disease / failure, AMI
— Beginning (B): Low BP or heart rate.
— Classic (C): Requires medicine or devices
— Deteriorating (D): Not response to meds
— Extremis (E): Cardiac arrest, CPR / AED
Assessment Findings:
— Anxiety/restlessness
— Pallor / Cool / Diaphoretic skin
— Tachycardia
— Dyspnea
— Blood pressure <90 systolic
— Rales
Treatments:
— Assistive ventilation as needed
— Supplemental O2
— Transport patient in the position of comfort
— Do not let the patient exert themselves
— Maintain perfusion
Myocardial Ischemia
Myocardial Ischemia (MCI) occurs when blood flow to your heart is reduced, preventing the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen.
The reduced blood flow is usually the result of a partial or complete blockage of your heart’s arteries (Coronary Arteries).
Assessment Findings:
— Sharp pain (neck, jaw, arms, shoulders) — Diaphoresis / Fatigue — Tachycardia — Dyspnea — High blood pressure — Rales / Cardiac murmurs
Treatments:
— Immediate CPR / AED (as needed) — Assistive ventilation as needed — Supplemental O2 (monitored) — Hospitalized Carotid Endarterectomy — Transport patient in the supine position — Maintain perfusion
Transient Ischemic Attack
(TIA)
A brief stroke-like attack that, despite resolving within minutes to hours, still requires immediate medical attention to distinguish from an actual stroke.
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) may be a warning sign of a future stroke.
Assessment Findings:
— Sharp pain (neck, jaw, arms, shoulders)
— Hemiparesis / Fatigue
— Bradycardia
— Dysphagia / Dysphasia
— Dyspnea
— Low blood pressure
— Rales / Cardiac murmurs
Treatments:
— Immediate CPR / AED (as needed)
— Assistive ventilation as needed
— Supplemental O2 (monitored)
— Hospitalized Carotid Endarterectomy
— Transport patient in the supine position
— Maintain perfusion
Atherosclerosis
A disease causing the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls which interferes with the dilation/constriction of said vessel walls.
Plaques may rupture causing Acute Occlusion(s) of the artery by clot.
Assessment Findings:
— Commonly asymptomatic — Erectile Dysfunction — History of Myocardial Infarction (MI) — History of TIA / Stroke — Poor wound healing — High BP / Cholesterol / Fat
Treatments:
— Reassure the patient — Supplemental O2 — Nitroglycerin / Baby ASA 160-325 mg — Hospitalized Angioplasty / Stents — Transport patient in position of comfort — Do not let the patient exert themselves
Aortic Dissection
A tear in the inner layer of the large blood vessel branching off the heart (Aorta).
An Aortic Dissection is a medical emergency in which the inner layer of the large blood vessel branching off the heart (Aorta) tears.
It’s most common in men in their 60s and 70s.
Assessment Findings:
— Acute Sharp Chest / Back Pain — Radiating Neck / Abdominal Pain — Unconsciousness — Bradypnea — Dizziness / Syncope — Low Blood Pressure — Nausea / Vomiting
Treatments:
— Reassure the patient — Supplemental O2 — Nitroglycerin / Baby ASA 160-325 mg — Hospitalized Angioplasty / Stents — Hospitalized Beta Blockers — Transport patient in position of comfort — Do not let the patient exert themselves
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
(AAA)
An enlargement of the Aorta, the main blood vessel that delivers blood to the body, at the level of the abdomen.
An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) can be life-threatening if it bursts, and are most common in older men and smokers.
Assessment Findings:
— Acute Sharp Chest / Back Pain — Radiating Neck / Abdominal Pain — Unconsciousness — Bradypnea — Dizziness / Syncope — Low Blood Pressure — Nausea / Vomiting
Treatments:
— Reassure the patient — Supplemental O2 — 0.4mg Nitroglycerin (1 tablet / 1 spray) — 160-325 mg (2-4 baby Aspirin) — Hospitalized Angioplasty / Stents — Hospitalized Beta Blockers — Transport patient in position of comfort — Do not let the patient exert themselves
