Cardio Flashcards
What is acute pericarditis?
Inflammation of the pericardium
Causes Acute Pericarditis
Idiopathic
OR
Secondary to :
(Common)
> VIRUSES - Coxsackie, flu, EBV, mumps, varicella, HMV
> BACTERIA - pneumoniae, rheum fever, TB, staphs, strep
(Rarer)
> FUNGI
> Myocardial infarction - Dressler’s
> Drugs - hydraline, penicillin
Also : Uraemia, Rheum Arthritis, SLE, traume, surgery, malignancy
Signs / Symptoms Acute Pericarditis
Central pain
Worse upon inspiration / when supine
Relief when sitting up
Pain is severe, sharp
Radiates to arm - trapezius ridge
Pericardial friction rub
Hiccups (phrenic involvement)
Sometimes fever
NOT crushing pain
Ix Acute Pericarditis
ECG - saddle shaped ST segment elevation - GS!!!!!!
PR depression
PeRicardiTiS
(can be normal though)
Bloods - FBC, ESR, U&E, cardiac enzymes (troponin may be ↑), Viral serology, blood cultures
CXR - will show cardiomegaly if pleural effusion
Tx Acute Pericarditis
Treat cause!
NSAIDs w/ gastric protection (PPI)
(Corticosteroids if resistant to NSAIDs)
Colchicine
Limited by nausea & diarrhoea
Reduces recurrence
Consider colchicine before steroids/immunosuppressants if relapse/continuation doesn’t occur
(bc steroids cause reoccurrence)
Rest until symptoms resolve
(Pericardiocentesis IF effusion/tamponade)
DDx Acute Pericarditis
Pneumonia
Pleurisy
Pulmonary embolus
MI
Aortic dissection
GORD
What is the mechanism of colchicine when used to treat acute pericarditis?
Inhibits migrations of neutrophils to site of inflammation to reduce risk of occurrence
Complications of acute pericarditis
Pericardial effusion
Cardiac tamponade
Chronic constrictive pericarditis
What is Pericardial Effusion?
Fluid in pericardium
Cause Pericardial Effusion
Causes of Acute pericarditis
(happens after)
Signs / Symptoms Pericardial Effusion
Effusion obscures apex beat ∴ heart sounds are soft
Dyspnoea
↑ JVP
Tx Pericardial effusion
Treat cause!
Most resolve spontaneously
If effusion recurs, excision of pericardial segment allows fluid to be absorbed through pleural and mediastinal lymphatics
What is constrictive pericarditis?
Heart is in a rigid pericardium
Signs / Symptoms Constrictive Pericarditis
RHF Sx -
o Jugular venous distension
o Oedema
o Hepatomegaly
o Ascites
↑ JVP - paradoxically w/ inspiration = Kussmaul’s sign
Diffuse apex beat
Quiet heart sounds
Diastolic pericardial knock
S3
Pulsus paradoxus
AF
Causes Constrictive Pericarditis
Often unknown
TB
After ANY type of pericarditis
Can happen after intracardial haemorrhage (during surgery)
MUST be distinguished from restrictive cardiomyopathy
Ix Constrictive Pericarditis
CXR - small/normal heart +/- pericardial calcification
CT/MRI - diagnostic !!!! shows pericardial thickening and calcification
Rules out myopathies
Echo - cardiac catheterisation
Tx Constrictive Pericarditis
Surgery - excision of pericardium
What is Beck’s Triad?
- ↑ JVP
- ↓ BP
- Small, quiet heart
What is Cardiac Tamponade?
MEDICAL EMERGENCY!
When pericardial fluid raises intra-cardiac pressure
∴ ↓ ventricular filling
& ↓ Cardiac filling
Causes Cardiac Tamponade
ANY pericarditis
Aortic dissection
Haemodialysis
Warfarin
Transseptal Puncture (cardiac catherisation)
Signs / Symptoms Cardiac Tamponade
↑Pulse
↓ BP
PULSUS PARADOXUS
Beck’s triad
Kussmaul’s sign
Muffled S1&2
Ix Cardiac Tamponade
CXR - big globular heart
ECG - low voltage QRS
ECHO - GS!!!!
Echo-free zone around heart (>2cm or >1cm if acute)
+/- diastolic collapse of RA + RV
Tx Cardiac Tamponade
URGENT drainage! - pericardiocentesis
Send fluid for culture
When should CCBs be avoided?
HEART FAILURE !!!!!!!!!!!! (except amlodopine)
What is the WHO classification of Hypertension?
140/90 mmHg on at least 2 separate classifications
Risk factors of HTN
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Family history
Smoking
Old age
Low birthweight
Male
Afro-Caribbean
Poor diet - high cholesterol
Causes of HTN
1°- Essential HTN (95%)
2°causes - (5%)
> Renal (MC 2°) - CKD, Glomeronephritis, PAN, polycystic kidneys, systemic sclerosis etc
> Endocrine - Phaechromocytoma, Conn’s, Cushing’s
> ALSO : Pregnancy, Coarctation of aorta, Pre-eclampsia @ 3rd trimester, Drugs (the Pill, NSAIDs, vasopressin)
Signs / Symptoms HTN
Asymptomatic
Sometimes headaches but not much more than general population
Ix HTN
If 140/90 mmHg, confirm w/ :
> 24hr ambulatory BP monitor (ABPM)
> Multiple home BP measurements (HBPM)
–
ALSO : test for end-organ damage w/ :
> Urinalysis (kidneys) - protein, creatinine:albumin ratio, haematuria
ECG/Echo (LV hypertrophy)
Fundoscopy (HTN retinopathy)
Bloods - serum creatinine, eGFR, BG (DM)
Clinical history (MI, stroke)
–
ALSO : exclude 2° causes w/ :
> U&E (e.g. ↓K+ in Conn’s, ↑ Ca2+ in Hyperparathyroidism)
–
Measure sitting AND standing BP if :
Type 2 Diabetes
> 80 years
Symptoms of postural hypotension
How does ABPM compare to clinical BP?
ABPM is always lower
Should always “add” 12/7 to “convert” to clinical if need to make decisions for Tx
When do you/do you not treat HTN?
If ≥ 160/100 mmHg, always treat
If end-organ damage, always treat
If ≥ 140/90, treat IF high risk of cardiac disease (Qrisk2 score)
–
Bear in mind, most adults over 50 will always benefit with HTN treatment no matter their BP
but idk that’s what the book says but i think its bc of money, we obvs can’t give everyone stuff
? idk
BP Goal for HTN treatment
< 140/90 (clinical)
< 135/80 (ABPM/HBPM)
Reduce slowly! Rapid reduction can be fatal !!
Tx HTN
Lifestyle changes -
Stop smoking, low fat diet & high consumption of fruit and veg, ↓Alcohol, ↓ Salt intake, ↑ Exercise, If obese - lose weight
Drugs -
Most drugs take 4-8 weeks to work properly, so be patient
Also, take multiple BP measurements before adding more
DIAGRAM !!!!!! LEARN!!!!!!!!
What is Malignant HTN?
Rapid rise in BP, causes vascular damage
Urgent care required!
Systolic > 200
Diastolic > 130
Risk factors Malignant HTN
More common in young & black people
Signs / Symptoms Malignant HTN
Headaches
Visual disturbances
Bilateral renal haemorrhages ∴ Papilloedema
Pathological hallmark = fibrinoid necrosis
Complications Malignant HTN
Hypertensive Emergencies e.g. :
AKI
HF
Encephalopathy
Tx Malignant HTN
Sodium nitroprusside
Why is is important not to rapidly reduce BP with Hypertension?
Bc cerebral auto-regulation is poor
∴ ↑ Risk of stroke
What is Atrial fibrillation?
Describe its pathophysiology
“Irregularly irregular”
Chaotic atrial rhythm
300-600 BPM
AV node responds intermittently, not all impulses are conducted to ventricles (bc AVN refractory period)
∴ Cardiac output ↓
Causes AF
Any condition that ↑Atrial pressure, e.g. :
HF
HTN
Coronary artery disease
Rheumatic heart disease
Valvular heart disease
Thyrotoxicosis
MI
PE
Pneumonia
Caffeine
Alcohol
ETC
RF AF
Elderly people
(& then obvs causes)
Full form - CHA2DS2VASC score
What does it measure?
When should you give medications?
Congestive heart failure, 1
HTN, 1
Age ≥ 75, 2
Diabetes, 1
Stroke, TIA, thromboembolism history, 2
Vascular disease, 1
Age 65-74, 1
Sex Category - FEMALE, 1
STROKE RISK
If 1, consider oral coags or aspirin
If 2+, give oral coag !! (DOACs, warfarin)
Full form - ORBIT score
What does it measure?
1 Older age (≥ 75 years),
2 Reduced haemoglobin/anaemia
2 Bleeding history - GI/intracranial bleeding, haemorrhagic stroke
1 Insufficient kidney function - eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2
1 Treatment w/ antiplatelets
BLEEDING RISK
Ix AF
ECG !!!
Irregularly irregular
Absent P waves
Rapid, irregular QRS somplexes
F waves
If someone has an irregular pulse, what Ix should you do?
ECG!! ON EVERYONE W/ IRREGULAR PULSE
Signs / Symptoms AF
USUALLY ASYMPTOMATIC
Palpitations
Fatigue, anxiety
Dyspnoea +/- chest pain
HF
Apical pulse > radical pulse
S1 variable intensity
Tx AF
ACUTE
If < 48 hours, DC cardioversion.
If haemodynamically unstable, very urgent!
Give anticoag before - must be on anticoag to have DC cardioversion!
If DC cardioversion doesn’t work, give flecaride/amiodarone
Tx AF
CHRONIC (most patients)
Assess stroke/bleeding risk with CHA2DS2VASc/ORBIT to decide what to do
–
Rate Control
1. B-blockers (bisoprolol) OR CCB (verapamil)
2. If doesn’t work, then give Digoxin and then consider Amiodarone
Rhythm control
> DC cardioversion
If DCC is chosen, first pre-treat with amiodarone OR sotalol (sotalol only if no other heart disease!!!) for AT LEAST 4 WEEKS
> If not DC C, then flecainide (if NO structural defect) /amiodarone (if structural defect, IV) instead
FOLLOWED BY :
Anti-coagulation - DOAC ! e.g. apixaban
Can do warfarin depending on patient but needs way more monitoring and both are equally affective
–
Need to decide how to balance bleeding risk and stroke risk, depends on lots of things e.g. age (falling risk) ∴Talk to them and figure a plan out
When treating AF, when should you not give B-blockers?
Don’t give with Diltiazem or verapamil without expert advice
BC risk of bradycardia
Main goals of Tx AF
Rate control
Anti-coagulation
Mechanism of amiodarone
Inhibits Na+/K+ activated myocardial adenosine
↑ Duration of ventricular + atrial muscle action
∴ Nerve impulses take longer
Anti-Coagulation = PREVENTION of TIA/Stroke
Rate control/Rhythm control = TREATMENT of AF
DDx AF
Atrial flutter
Complications AF
STROKE!!!!!!
What are the types of angina?
Stable - induced by effort and relieved by rest
Unstable (crescendo) - increases in severity, occurs at rest or recent onset (less than a month)
Variant (Pinzmetal’s) - caused by coronary artery spasm, angina w no provocation, usually at rest
Decubitus - precipitated by lying down
Nocturnal - at night, may wake patient from sleep
Risk factors Stable Angina
(Modifiable & non-modifiable)
Non-Mod :
Gender
FHx
Personal history
Age
–
Mod :
Smoking
Diabetes
Hypertension
Hypercholesterolaemia
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress
Precipitants of Angina
Reduces blood supply :
Anaemia
Hypoxaemia
Hypothermia
Hypovolaemia
Hypervolaemia
–
Increases demand :
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Valvular heart disease
Tachyarrhythmia
Cold weather
Signs / Symptoms Angina
Central, crushing retrosternal chest pain - radiates to arms, jaw, neck
Chest pain comes on w/ exertion, rapidly resolved by rest and/or GTN
Exacerbated by cold weather, anger, excitement, big munch
Dyspnoea
Palpitations
Syncope
Nausea
Sweatiness
Faintness
How do you score angina?
- Central tight chest pain radiating to jaw, neck, arms
- Precipitated by exertion
- ## Relief by rest and GTN spray1/3 Non-anginal
2/3 Atypical angina
3/3 Typical angina
Ix Stable angina
ECG - normal, MAY show ST depression & T wave inversion
CT angiography - shows narrowing of coronary artery. Once seen, can open w balloon or stent
Stress ECG
Bloods - FBC, cardiac enzymes, glucose, lipid profile
CXR - heart size & pulmonary vessels
Tx Stable angina
Lifestyle - weight loss, ↑ exercise, quit smoking
Treat underlying conditions - HTN, DM
–
Drugs
PRN, FIRST FIRST LINE - Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)
-
1. Beta blockers e.g. bisoprolol, atenolol, propranolol OR CCBs - aterodilators e.g. amlodopine
2. BB + CCB
- Another anti-anginal = Ivabradine
OR long-acting nitrates
–
Then consider ACEi or ARBs or statins
–
THEN consider Surgery (PCI or CABG)
What is the mechanism of GTN when treating Stable angina?
Dilate coronary arteries which reduces preload
Nitrate is a venodilator
Common S/E of GTN
Headaches
What is the mechanism of Beta blockers when treating Stable angina?
↓HR and force of contractions
Neg chronotropic and inotropic
When is BB contraindicated for Stable Angina?
What alternative medications can you give instead?
ASTHMA !! or in patients with heart block
Use CCB instead (or Ivabradine)
WHEN ARE BB CONTRAINDICATED?
ASTHMA
Mechanism of CCB when used to treat Angina
Blocks Ca2+ influx into cell
Relaxes coronary arteries
↓ Force of LV contraction
Mechanism of Aspirin when used to treat heart failure
Inhibits platelet aggregation by inhibiting COX
If Aspirin is CI, what else could you use instead to treat angina?
Clopidogrel
Mechanism of statins
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
∴ Reduces cholesterol
To control BP in Angina, patient can be given ACEi
If condition is very severe, what other drug might you consider?
Angiotensin receptor blocker e.g. candesartan or losartan
Mechanism of Ivabradine
Inhibits pacemaker current in SAN
∴ ↓ HR
What are the risks of PCI? How could you avoid these?
Risk of restenosis or thrombosis
Drug-eluting stents reduces this risk
Advantages & disadvantages of CABG
Good prognosis
Longer recovery
Mechanism of PCI
Balloon dilation of stenotic vessels
DDx Angina
Pericarditis
PE
Chest infection
GORD
What does Acute coronary syndrome include?
STEMI
NSTEMI
Unstable angina
Describe unstable angina
New onset of angina or deterioration of previously stable angina
Chest pain occurs at rest, not relieved by GTN
Crescendo chest pain
More frequent, lasts longer
State the differences between a STEMI, NSTEMI & Unstable angina
ECGs & cardiac markers
Difference in STEMI and NSTEMI pathology
like artery shit
STEMI - complete occlusion of major coronary artery
Full thickness cardiac muscle damage
NSTEMI - partial occlusion of major or complete occlusion of minor artery
Partial thickness cardiac muscle damage
Infarction distally + ischaemia proximally
Usually diagnosed retrospectively w troponin and ECG results
–
-> Artery previously affected by atherosclerosis
Pathology of ACS
Rupture/erosion of fibrous cap of coronary artery atheromatous plaque
∴ formation of platelet-rich cloth, inflammation & vasoconstriction !
-> from platelet release of serotonin and thromboxane A2
ECG changes in ACS
Unstable angina - Normal/T wave depression
STEMI - ST elevation, tall T waves OR sometimes new LBBB (in larger MIs)
After hours/days - Q waves
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an anterior MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
V1-V6
LAD
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an Septal MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
V1-V4
No septum Q in V5+6 (???)
LAD-septal branches
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an Lateral MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
I, avL, V5, V6
Circumflex branch of left coronary artery or MO
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an Inferior MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
II, III, avF
RCA or RCX
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an Posterior MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
ST DEPRESSION in V1-V4 (bc view of heart is inverted on ECG)
ST elevation in V7-V9
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an Right ventricle MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
V1, V4
RCA
In which leads would you see ST elevation in an Atrial MI?
Which Coronary artery is occluded?
PTa in I, V5, V6
RCA
What is the PTa segment?
Segment between P and Q wave
Causes of ACS
Less common:
Coronary vasospasm (without plaque rupture)
Drug abuse (cocaine etc)
Dissection of coronary artery
Thoracic aortic dissection
Ix ACS
Bloods - FBC, U&E, Glucose, Lipids
–
Cardiac enzymes :
> Troponin T & I - vvv sensitive and specific but not diagnostic
Rise within 3-12 hours
Peak at 24-48 hours
<14ng/L = normal, >30ng/L = definite MI (in between is possible but not definite)
> Creatinine Kinase - CK-MB! vvv specific and sensitive
Will peak earlier if reperfusion occurs
Rise within 3-12 hours of pain
Can be used to determine reinfarction -> levels drop to normal after 36-72 hours
> Myoglobin
1-4 hours after pain
↑ sensitive but not specific
–
CT angiography
Types of Creatinine Kinase
CK-MM, skeletal muscle
CK-BB, brain
CK-MB, heart!
State some cardiac causes of increased troponin
CHF
ACS or Chronic coronary artery disease
Myocarditis, Endocarditis, Pericarditis
Tachy/Bradyarrhythmia’s
Heart block
State some non-cardiac causes of increased troponin
PE
Gram neg sepsis
Severe pulmonary HTN
Renal failure
COPD
Diabetes
Drugs
Acute neurological events
Why is it very important to treat unstable angina?
Bc 50% of Px will get an infarction within 30 days if left untreated
If a patient presents with unstable angina but their QRISK2 score is low, what could you do?
Elective stress test
Tx Unstable Angina
> ## RF modification !!! i.e. stop smoking, lose weight, healthy diet, exercisePCI & CABG - if risk assessment score is medium/high
–
Antiplatelet therapy
ASPIRIN - 300mg initially, then 75mg daily !!
Dual therapy with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors e.g. Clopidogrel
> ## Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors - high risk PxsAnti-Coagulants
LMWH
Fondaparinux
–
Nitrates - GTN spray, IV
Beta blockers - bisoprolol
Statins - simvastatin
ACEi - ramipril
CCBs - amlodopine (If BB CI)
Describe the prescription - dual therapy of Aspirin with P2Y12 receptor inhibitors
Clopidogrel - 300mg initially, then 75mg for 12 months
OR
Ticagrelor - 180mg initially then 90mg bd
OR
Prasugrel
Mechanism of dual therapy
(Aspirin w/ P2Y12 receptor inhibitors)
Inhibits ADP-dependent activation of IIb/IIIa glycoproteins
∴ prevents amplification of platelet aggregation
Aspirin mechanism
Irreversibly inhibits COX-1
∴ ↓ production of thromboxane A2
∴ less platelet aggregation
Give an example of a Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors
Abciximab
Common Signs / Symptoms MI
Crushing central chest pain - “Elephant sitting on chest’
Levine’s sign
Pain may radiate to left arm, neck or jaw
Sweating
SOB/Dyspnoea
Fatigue
Nausea
Pallor
Palpitations
4th heart sound
> 20 mins
Not relieved by GTN spray
Pulse/BP may ↑ or ↓
Pansystolic murmur
THERE ARE ALSO ATYPICAL PRESENTATIONS
When does a silent infarction occur?
In elderly patients, diabetics or those with HTN
How does a silent infarction present?
Hypotension
Arrhythmias
Pulmonary oedema
Initial management of MI
HOSPITAL &
MONAC :
Morphine
Oxygen (sats <94%)
Nitrates
Aspirin - 300mg chewed!
Clopidogrel
–
Beta blocker IV
Refer for PCI, thrombolysis (IV alteplase) or CABG ASAP
When is IV betablockers CI when treating MI?
Hypotension
HF
Bradycardia
Asthma
Secondary management MI
(prevention)
ACAAB
Aspirin - 75mg od
Clopidogrel/Tricagralor
Atovorstatin - or any statin
ACE-i - to maintain BP
BBs - ↓HR to prevent shearing of arteries
Ix MI
ECG
STEMI - ST elevation, tall T waves
Might present as a new LBBB
Pathological Q waves
Cardiac enzymes - troponin T, creatinine kinase, myoglobin
CT angiography
CXR
FBC
U&E
Blood glucose and lipids
Comps MI
DARTH VADER
Death
Arrhythmia
Rupture
Tamponade
Heart failure
Valve disease
Aneurysm
Dressler syndrome
Embolism
Recurrence regurg
What advice do you give to a patient who’s just had an MI?
Return to work after 2 months - NOT ALL e.g. not airline pilots, divers, air traffic controllers
No air travel for 2 months
No sex for 1 month
Quick!
Breathlessness, fluid retention, fatigue - What is the disease?
Heart failure
(Anything with ↓CO)
Describe the NYHA classes
I No limitation of physical activity, so so calm
II Comfy at rest but slight breathless, palpitations etc during ordinary exercise
III Still comfy at rest, marked limitation of physical activity, symptoms at less than ordinary exercise
IV Symptoms even at rest! Getting dressed in the morning etc is uncomfortable.
RF heart failure
Age (65+)
Obesity
Male
If previous history of MI
African
Two types of Heart Failure
Systolic
Diastolic
Ejection fraction of systolic heart failure
Ejection fraction < 40% (Stroke vol/End diastolic vol)
Ejection fraction of diastolic heart failure
Ejection fraction > 50% (Stroke vol/End diastolic vol)
Why is there reduced preload in diastolic heart failure?
Bc abnormal filling of LV
Systolic heart failure Causes
Ischaemic heart disease!!
MI
HTN
Cardiomyopathy
Diastolic heart failure causes
Constrictive pericarditis
Cardiac tamponade
HTN
Name some compensatory changes for Heart Failure
Sympathetic stimulation
RAAS
Cardiac changes (ventricular dilation, myocyte hypertrophy)
Describe how sympathetic stimulation makes compensatory changes against heart failure
When SNS is activated - it improves ventricular function (by ↑HR and myocardial contractibility)
Also,
Describe how RAAS makes compensatory changes against heart failure
↓CO and ↑Sympathetic tone means ↓Renal perfusin
∴ RAAS IS ACTIVATED
∴ ↑Na+ and H2O retention
Further increases venous pressure and maintains stroke vol (Starling mechanism)
& then, as salt and water retention increases, periph and pulmonary congestions cause OEDEMA
∴ dyspnoea
ALSO : Angiotensin II also causes arteriolar constriction which increases afterload
Describe what cardiac changes are made to compensate against heart failure
If changes are made to compensate for heart failure, why do patients become symptomatic?
Bc compensatory changes become overwhelmed
∴ becomes pathological
3 cardinal symptoms of HF
SOB
Fatigue
Ankle swelling (fluid retention)
What is Left-sided heart failure?
When heart is unable to transport blood around the body
USUALLY SYSTOLIC FAILURE
aka unable to pump properly
but can be diastolic (unable to fill properly)
Causes LHF
IHD
HTN
Cardiomyopathy
Aortic stenosis - aortic valve narrows
Signs / Symptoms LHF
Cardiomegaly - displaced apex beat
Pulmonary oedema
S3 + S4
Pleural effusion
Crepitations in lung bases
Tachycardia
↓BP
Cool peripheries
Heart murmur
Exertional dyspnoea
Weight loss
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea
Nocturnal cough - pink, frothy sputum
Orthopnoea
Explain the pathophysiology of HTN as a cause for left-sided heart failure
↑Arterial pressure
∴ harder for LV to pump blood out
∴ LV hypertrophy
∴ greater demand for oxygen
Coronaries are squeezed by the extra muscle
∴ ↓Blood delivered to tissues
Describe the pathophysiology of Cardiomyopathy as a cause for Left-sided HF
DCM - heart chamber dilates so ventricles can fill w more blood (↑ preload)
∴ muscle wall gets tinner and wear
∴ systolic HF
RCM - heart becomes stiff ∴ less compliant ∴ can’t stretch
∴ diastolic HF
Causes RHF
Left ventricular failure
HTN
Pulmonary stenosis
Lung disease (COR PULMONALE)
Atrial/Ventricular shunt
Signs / Symptoms RHF
Ascites
Nausea
Anorexia
↑JVP
Hepatomegaly/Splenomegaly
Pitting oedema
Weight gain (fluid)
Ix Heart Failure
CXR - ABDCDE
Alveolar oedema (Bat’s wing)
Kerley B lines (interstitial oedema(
Cardiomegaly
Dilated upper lobe vessels of lung
Effusion (pleural)
–
ECG - can show underlying causes (e.g. arrhythmias, IHD, LV hypertrophy etc)
Bloods - Brain Natriuretic Peptide
Not spec (can be raised in acute PE)
FBC
LFTs
U&Es
TFTs
Cardiac enzymes - Creatinine kinase, troponin I, troponin T, Myoglobulin
Echocardiogram (TTE) GS!!!!
Do if ECG and BNP abnormal
When might Brain Natriuretic Peptide be raised?
In acute PE
Secreted by ventricles in response to myocardial wall stress
↑HF patients
Levels correlate with ventricular wall stress and severity of HF