Cardio Flashcards
How does a first degree AV block present (clinically and ECG)
Consistent prolongation of the PR interval (>0.2 seconds), due to delayed AV node conduction. No dropped QRS complexes. Regular rhythm, every P wave present. Usually asymptomatic and not progress to higher class of AV blocks
How does a second degree, Mobitz type I, AV block present? (clinically and ECG)
- progressive prolongation of PR interval until atrial impulse is not conducted. Regular pattern, irregular rhythm. All P waves present, not all QRS. Usually benign
How does a second degree, Mobitz type II, AV block present? (clinically and ECG)
- irregular. More P wavs than QRS. Intermittently dropped QRS waves, with no progressive elongation of PR interval before
- pathological
- can experience syncope, regular irregular pulse
What AV blocks are benign and which require rapid treatment?
- 1st degree and mobitz type 1: normally benign. May have slight increased risk of AF
- Mobitz type 2 and third degree: require immediate treatment
How does a third degree, AV block present? (clinically and ECG)
- ECG: no electrical communication between atria and ventricles. Variable rhythm. P wave presence, but no association with QRS
- palpitations, syncope, shortness of breath
How does AF present on an ECG and clinical?
- ECG: irregular rhythm, no p wave, variable ventricular rate, thinner QRS
- clinical: tachycardia, irregular HR. Reduced exercise tolerance and heart failure. Dyspnoea, angina, palpitations, dizziness.
- SYNCOPE = RARE
What is the aetiology and mnemonic for AF?
PIRATES
- P: pulmonary, post operative, pericarditis
- I: idiopathic, IHD
- R: rheumatic heart disease
- A: alcohol, anaemia
- T: thyroid disease
- E: elevated BP (HTN)
- S: sepsis, sleep apnoea
What is the treatment for AF?
Beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers are first-line agents for rate control in AF. These drugs can be administered either intravenously or orally.
What is the ECG presentation for atrial flutter?
- narrow complex tachycardia
- regular atrial activity
- flutter waves
- regular QRS
- regularly irregular pulse
What is atrial flutter?
Supraventricular tachycardia caused by a re-entry circuit to RA. AV node can’t keep up, so blocks some impulses
What is long QT syndrome?
Represents time taken from ventricular repolarisation to repolarisation. Inversely proportional to heart rate. Shorter when faster. Abnormally prolonged can risk ventricular fibrillation
What is Wolf Parkinson White syndrome? How does it present on ECG?
Pre excitation syndrome. Combination of congenital accessory pathway and episodes of tachyarrhythmia. Impulses bypass AV node vis the accessory pathway.
- ECG: short PR interval, delta wave (slow slurring rise of QRS), QRS prolonged
- form of supra ventricular tachycardia
What are the four forms of supraventricular tachycardia and what pathophysiology do they all have in common?
- AF, atrial flutter, wolf parkinson white syndrome, PVST
- all tachycardia that originate above the level fo the bundle of His
What is a fusion beat (and what is is also known as?
- Dressler’s beat
- when P wave starts during VT
What view of the heart do leads I, aVL and V5-V6 give, and if there is ST elevation in these leads, where is the MI located?
lateral views. Left circumflex
What view of the heart do leads II, III and aVF give, and if there is ST elevation in these leads, where is the MI located?
inferior view. Right coronary artery
What view of the heart do leads V1-V4 give, and if there is ST elevation in these leads, where is the MI located?
anterior/sepal view. Left anterior descending artery
What marker is used for HF?
B-type natriuretic peptide. Due to ventricle stretch
What is the most common cause of right axis deviation? What leads would be most positive and negative?
- right ventricular hypertrophy
- III = most positive
- I = most negative
What is the most common cause of left axis deviation? What leads would be most positive and negative?
- electrical conduction issues
- I is most positive
What is the treatment for SVT?
- young: Valsalva manoeuver: stimulates vagus nerve
- amiodarone: broad complex tachycardia
What time period does one large square represent on ECG?
0.2 seconds
How long is the average PR interval?
120-200 m/s
How long should QRS complex be?
<110m/s
What is the J point?
Point between QRS and ST segment
What murmur is heard in mitral stenosis? Where is it heard? Does it radiate?
Diastolic.
Apex.
No radiation
What murmur is heard in mitral regurg? Where is it heard? Does it radiate?
- pan systolic murmur
- heard at the apex
- radiates to the axilla
What murmur is heard in aortic stenosis? Where is it heard? Does it radiate?
- ejection systolic (crescendo-decrescendo)
- heart at 2nd line intercostal space, sternal edge
- radiates to the carotid artery
What murmur is heard in aortic regurg? Where is it heard? Does it radiate?
- early diastolic
- heard at left sternal edge, 4th intercostal space
- no radiation
What does aortic stenosis cause, and consequently what is the clinical presentation?
- decreased cardiac output, due to obstruction of the left ventricular outflow
- decreased CO leads to syncope on exertion, dyspnoea on exertion, angina
- LV hypertrophy seen on ECG
What symptoms are seen with mitral regurgitation?
fatigue, oedema, dyspnoea on exertion
What is the preload?
stretching of myocytes before contraction. Relates to ventricular filling
What is afterload?
amount of resistance needed to open aortic valve and push blood out
What are the four compensatory mechanisms of the heart in heart failure?
- RAAS system activation
- natriuretic peptides release
- ventricular dilation
- activation of the sympathetic nervous system
What are common causes of heart failure in the developing world?
HTN, IHD, dilated cardiomyopathy
What is the pharmacological reatment for heart failure?
- Vasodilation: ACE-I (excrete salt and water, which increases cardiac output and reduces afterload). Beta blocker (blocks chronically activated sympathetic system. Decreases arteriolar constriction)
- Diuretics: get rid of renal overload
- Digoxin: rhythm control in HF and AF
What biomarkers are used in MI Dx?
- increased CK (creatinine kinase)
- increased troponin I and T (released from myocardium)
What is seen on a ECG for a MI?
- ST elevation: peaked T waves, T wave inversion
- new LBBB
- pathological Q waves
- can also see ST depression in NSTEMI
When is O2 indicated in an MI?
When oxygen sats are <94%
What are the CXR findings in heart failure?
ABCDE
- alveolar odema
- Kerley B lines (represent interstitial oedema)
- cardiomegaly
- dilation of upper lobe vessels
- effusions
What is CHAD2 used for?
Risk of MI with AF
What us QRISK3?
risk of developing a heart attack/stroke in the next 10 years
What does JVP provide information on?
right atrium filling/pressures
What is Prinzmetal’s angina? What causes it? What us seen on an ECG?
- at rest, coronary artery spasm.
- causes: stress, vasoconstriction, cocaine
- ST elevation on ECG
What is Decubitus angina?
- angina when lying down, due to increased strain on the heart
How does GTN spray work?
- vasodilation of venous return
- decreases preload and dilates coronary arteries
What is the general aetiology of heart block?
- cardiomyopathy, fibrosis of conducting tissue, coronary artery disease
What symptoms are seen in mitral stenosis?
Pink frothy sputum, malar flush due to increased CO2
What valve is most commonly affected by rheumatic heart disease?
Mitral valve: stenosis.
What causes rheumatic heart disease?
Group A streptococcus
What vavular heart disease do Marfan’s and Ehler’s Danlos relate to?
mitral regurg
When might a third heart sound be heard?
mitral regurg
When are symptoms seen with aortic stenosis?
When the valve is 1/4 of what is should be
What is the most commony cause of aortic stenosis?
Calcification of the aortic valve with age
Which valvular heart disease might have an associated Austin Flint Murmur?
Aortic Regurg. Fluttering of cusps due to blood flow stream
What are the four features of Fallot’s tetralogy?
ventricular septal defect, pulmonary valve stenosis, RV hypertrophy, overriding aorta
What is the direction of the shunt in Fallot’s tetralogy?
right to left