Cardio Flashcards
What is the blood flow order throughout the heart:
- Vena Cavae
- Right Atrium
- Right ventricle
- Pulmonary trunk
- Pulmonary blood vessels
- Pulmonary veins
- Left atrium
- Left ventricle
- Aorta
- Systemic blood vessels
What is Congestive Heart Failure:
- chronic condition in which the heart doesn’t pump enough blood
Risk factors that cause congestive heart failure
o poor diet
o lack of exercise
- family history
o hypertension
o recreational drug use
What is left sided heart failure
Left ventricle primarily affected. Causes fluid to build up in the lungs.
left sided heart failure signs and symptoms
D - dyspnea
R - ales (crackles)
O - orthopnea (sob when laying down)
W - weakness
N - —–
I - increase HR
N - nagging cough
G - gaining weight
What is right sided heart failure
Right ventricle primarily affected. Can follow L) sided failure. Causes fluid to back up in the body.
Right sided heart failure signs and symptoms
S - swelling of legs and hands
W - weight gain
E - edema
L - large neck veins
L - lethargy
I - irregular hr
N - nocturia
What is Cor Pulmonale
o Right sided heart failure resulting from COPD.
o Hypoxia to part of lung causing vasoconstriction to corresponding blood vessels.
How to diagnose Cor Pulmonale
o B type Natriuretic Peptide (biomarker released by ventricles when there is excessive pressure)
o X-ray (ventricles would be hypertrophied – enlarged, duller lung color, stretched spidery veins).
Treatment for Cor Pulmonale
o lifelong management,
o improve signs/symptoms
o correct underlying cause
o be aware of weight gain
5 types of heart failure medications with discription and example
o Ace Inhibitors:
prevents the conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 which lowers blood pressure (Enalapril, Captopril, Quinapril – vasodilation).
o Beta Blockers:
block the sympathetic function of the heart by blocking Beta 1 receptor in the pacemaker of the heart which decreases heart rate and therefore blood pressure (metoprolol).
o Diuretics:
help get rid of sodium and therefore water, increase production of urine. By getting = reduces strain on heart and blood vessels, lowers blood pressure (frusemide, bumetanide)
o Digoxin:
positive inotropic causing the heart to beat stronger and also negative chronotropic causing the heart to beat slower.
o Anticoagulants: blood thinners (warfarin).
What is Atherosclerosis
Obstruction of arteries by narrowing or occlusion (results in ischemia of the limbs).
Risk factors of atherosclerosis
o Smoking
o Diabetes
o Hypertension
o family history
o obesity
o elevated serum cholesterol (high LDL, low HDL).
Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis
o intermittent claudication (cramping pain in legs induced by exercise)
o pale/cold peripheries
o tingling
o arterial ulcers.
Diagnosis of atherosclerosis
o segmental pressures (varying at different points on different legs)
o vasculature ultrasound.
Treatment for Atherosclerosis
o surgical removal of plaques (peripheral endarterectomy)
o angioplasty
o bypass.
Medication treatment fir atherosclerosis
o Statins: blocks production of cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA enzyme for cholesterol biosynthesis (Atorvastatin).
o Ace inhibitors.
What is myocardial infarction
- heart attack due to blockage of blood flow to the heart
Risks for developing myocardial infarction
o increased BP/cholesterol/triglyceride levels
o diabetes
o obesity
o smoking
o age
o family history
o lack of exercise
Symptoms of myocardial infarction
o SOB
o Sweating
o Nausea
o Chest pain
o increased HR.
Myocardial infarction diagnosis
o ECG: ST elevation can be seen over affected area, T wave inversion.
o Bloods: Cardiac enzyme myoglobin can be a sensitive early marker. Troponin T is found in muscle fibers, most specific for cardiac damage.
o Angiogram: assess damage to arteries, detect narrowing/occlusion.
Myocardial infarction treatment
MONA: morphine, oxygen, nitro glyceride, aspirin.
Angioplasty: stenting/unblocking arteries.
Coronary artery graft: bypass.
Myocardial infarction medication treatment
M - morphine = vasodilation
O - oxygen
N - nitro-glycerine (GTN) = vasodilation
A - Aspirin
- Hydration
- keep pt calm
What is angina
caused by decrease blood flow to heart
Things that caused angina
o Exertion
o Stress
o Cold
o heavy meals.
What is stable angina
occasional pain lasting 5-15 minutes,
risks for developing Stable angina
- diet
- smoking
- atherosclerosis
Stable angina treatment
o relieved by rest or GTN
What is unstable angina
Lasting >20 minutes.
What causes unstable angina
o plaque rupture,
o coronary artery spasm
o thrombosis
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis
formation of clot within deep vein.
Risks which cause DVT
o immobilization
o surgery
o travelling
o obstructions
o heart failure
o hypercoagulability
Symptoms of DVT
o redness
o swelling
o warm
o pale.
Treatment of DVT
o prevention with TED stockings
o elevate limb
o bed rest
o anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin)
o thrombolytics
o compress.
What is Coronary artery disease (CAD)
o Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries
o Due to atherosclerosis = Ischemia
Symptoms of Coronary artery disease (CAD)
o Tightness of chest
o Radiating pain from neck, jaw and upper limb
o Shoulder discomfort
Risks that cause Coronary artery disease
o Smoking
o High cholesterol
o Diabetes
o obesity
Treatment of Coronary artery disease
o lifestyle changes
o medication
o surgery
What is hypertension and symptoms
high blood pressure
- Headache
- tachycardia
- chest pain
- sweating
What is hypotension and symptoms
Low blood pressure
- dizziness
- fatigue
- sweating
Risk factors of hypertension
- obesity
- increased age
- smoking
- stress
- inactivity
Drug therapy for hypertension
- Beta blockers
- metoprolol
- propranolol - ACE inhibitors = dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow
- Diuretics
- increase urine output = decreased blood pressure
Treatment of hypertension
- lifestyle changes
- quit smoking
- reduce stress
Treatment of heart failure
- lifestyle changes
- Ace inhibitor
- Beta-blockers
- diuretics
What conditions lead to myocardial infarction
- Atherosclerosis
- Angina (due to ischemia)
- MI
