Cardio Flashcards
What is the normal range for the PR interval?
0.12-0.2 seconds
What is the normal duration for a QRS complex?
Less than 0.12 seconds
What is the normal QTc?
Less than 0.44 seconds
What defines pathological Q waves?
More than 0.04 seconds or more than one-third of the QRS amplitude
What are the EKG findings for RAA (P pulmonale)?
Increased P wave amplitude
What are the EKG findings for LAA (P Mitrale)?
Increased P wave duration (possible biphasic)
How many centimeters above the sternal angle defines JVD?
7 cm
What is the hepatojugular reflux?
distention of neck veins upon applying pressure to the liver
What is Kussmaul’s sign? What causes it?
(↑ in jugular venous pressure [JVP] with inspiration): Often seen in cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis.
What causes the S4 heart sound?
Decreased ventricular compliance
What causes the S3 heart sound?
Volume overload
What causes bounding peripheral pulses?
Compensated aortic regurgitation
What is pulsus paradoxus, and what does it mean?
(↓ systolic BP with inspiration): Pericardial tamponade;
What is pulsus alternans, and what does it mean?
(alternating weak and strong pulses): Cardiac tamponade or impaired left ventricular function
What is pulsus parvus et tardus, and what does it mean?
(weak and delayed pulse): Aortic stenosis.
What are the ABCDs of a-fib management?
Anticoagulate
Beta blockers
Cardiovert/CCBs
Digoxin (in refractory cases)
What are the components of the CHA2 DS2 -VASc scoring system to estimate stroke risk in atrial fibrillation
■ CHF (1 point) ■ HTN (1 point) ■ Age ≥ 75 (2 points) ■ Diabetes (1 point) ■ Stroke or TIA history (2 points) ■ Vascular disease (1 point) ■ Age 65–74 (1 point) ■ Sex category (female) (1 point)
What types of drugs can cause first degree or mobitz type I AV blocks?
Beta blockers
CCBs
Digoxin
What is the treatment for mobitz type I AV block?
Atropine PRN
What is the treatment for mobitz type II AV block?
Pacemaker placement
What is the prognosis for mobitz type II AV block?
Frequently progresses to third degree AV block
What is the most common indication for a pacemaker placement?
Sick sinus syndrome
What are the components of the PIRATES mnemonic for remembering the causes of a-fib?
Pulmonary disease Ischemia Rheumatic heart disease Anemia/atrial myxoma Thyrotoxicosis Ethanol Sepsis
What is the timeframe in which you can cardiovert a patient out of a-fib?
Less than 2 days, otherwise may throw a clot
True or false: atrial flutter is treated similarly to a-fib?
True
What are the EKG findings of multifocal atrial tachycardia?
At least 3 different P-wave morphologies
What is AV nodal reentry tachycardia? How does it appear on EKG
A reentry circuit in the AV node depolarizes the atrium and ventricle nearly simultaneously.
Rate 150–250 bpm; P wave is often buried in QRS or shortly after.
What is the treatment for AVNRT?
Cardiovert if hemodynamically unstable. Carotid massage, Valsalva, or adenosine can stop the arrhythmia.
What causes AVRT? What are the EKG findings?
An ectopic connection between the atrium and ventricle that causes a reentry circuit. Seen in WPW.
A retrograde P wave is often seen after a normal QRS. A preexcitation delta wave is characteristically seen in WPW.
What is the treatment for AVRT?
Same as AVNRT
What causes paroxysmal atrial tachycardia? EKG findings?
Rapid ectopic pacemaker in the atrium (not sinus node).
Rate > 100 bpm; P wave with an unusual axis before each normal QRS.
What is the treatment for paroxysmal atrial tachycardia?
Adenosine can be used to unmask underlying atrial activity by slowing down the rate.
An EF of less than what percent indicates systolic dysfunction?
50%
What is the earliest and most common presenting symptom of systolic dysfunction?
Exertional dyspnea
Orthopnea
PND
True or false: both digoxin and diuretics confer a mortality benefit with systolic heart dysfunction
False–neither do
What is the underlying pathophysiology of systolic heart dysfunction?
The heart compensates for ↓ EF and ↑ preload through hypertrophy and ventricular dilation (Frank-Starling law), but the compensation ultimately fails, leading to ↑ myocardial work and worsening systolic function.
What is the treatment for acute systolic heart failure?
Aggressive diuresis
SHould Beta blockers be continued or stopped during a CHF exacerbation?
Stopped
What are the components of the LMNOP mnemonic for the treatment of acute systolic HF?
Lasix (furosemide) Morphine Nitrates Oxygen Position (upright)
What are the lifestyle modifications for CHF?
Lower Na and fluid intake
What is the pharmacologic therapy for chronic CHF?
Beta blockers and ACEIs/ARBs
Diuretics
What is the one diuretic that has been shown to decrease mortalaty in chronic HF patients?
Spironolactone
When is daily ASA and a statin indicated in the treatment of chronic HF?
If underlying cause is a MI
What are the procedural treatments for HF?
ICD
LVAD
When is an ICD indicated in the treatment of HF?
If EF is less than 35%
What is the extra heart sound associated with systolic HF? non-systolic?
systolic = S3 Non = S4
What will an EKG and echo typically show with systolic dysfunction?
Q waves and a decreased EF
What will an EKG and echo typically show with non-systolic dysfunction?
LVH Normal EF (more than 55%)
What is the general pathophysiology of non systolic heart dysfunction?
Decreased ventricular compliance with normal systolic function
The ventricle has either impaired active relaxation (ischemia) or impaired passive filling (scarring)
What are the s/sx of non-systolic HF?
Unstable angina SOB DOE arrhythmias MI
What is the treatment for non-systolic HF?
Diuretics
Maintain BP
True or false: digoxin is useful for patients with non systolic HF
False
What is the most common loop diuretic?
Furosemide (lasix)
What are the side effects of loop diuretics?
Hypokalemia
Hypocalcemia
Ototoxic
What are the side effects of thiazide diuretics?
Hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis Hyperglycemia (GLUC) Hyperlipidemia Hyperuricemia Hypercalcemia
What are the three major K sparing diuretics?
Spironolactone
Triamterene
Amiloride
What is the classic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor?
Acetazolamide
What are the side effects of CAIs?
hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis
What are the contraindications to mannitol use?
Pulmonary edema
Anuria
What is the most common form of cardiomyopathy?
Dilated
What are the physiological characteristics of dilated cardiomyopathy?
LV dilation and decreased EF 2/2 impaired contractility
What are the known secondary causes of dilated cardiomyopathy?
EtOH
Myocarditis
Postpartum status
Drugs
Which antineoplastic agent classically causes dilated cardiomyopathy?
Doxorubicin
What are the three major infectious causes of dilated cardiomyopathy?
Coxsackievirus
HIV
Chagas disease
What is the underlying pathophysiology of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Impaired relaxation