Cardio Flashcards
How to do ECG rate?
300/number of squares in R-R interval
OR
Number of QRS X6 (10 sec strip)
Normal ECG axis and how to calculate
-30 - +90
Look at leads I and aVF If these are both positive then axis is between -30 and +90
Also Leads I and II leaving returning rule for L and R deviation
What is P-wave & what increases & makes absent
This is atrial depolarisation
Inc = Cor pulmonale, PE Absent = AF
What is PR interval
Prolonged = ?
Shortened = ?
Time from atrial to ventricular depolarisation (120-200ms)
Prolonged = AV block, digoxin, hypokalaemia, rheumatic fever, sarcoidosis (RF and Sarc give AV node fibrosis)
Shortened = Accessory pathway e.g. WPW (assoc with Delta wave - upstroke on QRS due to retrograde impulse activity).
QRS breadth
Narrow =
Broad =
Normally 80-120ms
Narrow = normal HIS/Purkinje
Broad = ventricular ectopic, accessory pathway (non His-Purkinj)
What is R-wave progression?
This is normal phenomenon where QRS become more positive
What can cause tall T-waves
Hyperacute STEMI
Hyperkalaemia
What can cause inverted T-waves
Ischaemia Digoxin toxicity SAH PE Brugada syndrome
What can cause prolonged QT (interval over 500ms)?
Why is this important?
Citalopram
Antipsychotics
Macrolides (erythromycin)
Genetic
Risk of arrhythmias (longer relative refractory period means ectopics can cause arrhythmias)
First 4 steps in ECG interp
Patient name
Rate
Rhythm
Axis
Leads for Circumflex occlusion?
Leads I, V5, V6
Leads for Right coronary occlusion?
Leads II, III, aVF
Leads for LAD occlusion?
V1-V4
What are some causes of an irregular tachycardia
VF
Torsades (give Mg Sulphate)
AF+WPW (can be seen in association)
What can cause Left axis deviation
LBBB
WPW with right sided accessory pathway
hyperkalaemia
ASD
Causes of right axis deviation
RV hypertrophy
lung disease: cor pulmonale, PE
ST elevation causes
What causes prolonged ST elevation
MI
Pericarditis
LV aneurysm (cause of persistent STEMI)
Prinzmetals angina
ST depression causes
Can be seen secondary to abnormal QRS (LVH, RBBB/LBBB)
Ischaemia (e.g. inferior infarct)
digoxin
hypokalaemia
LBBB (WiLLiaM) causes
ALWAYS pathological
Ishcaemia: Ischaemic heart disease, MI (Sgarbossa criteria helps diagnose)
Aortic stenosis
Cardiomyopathy
RBBB (MaRRoW) causes
Can be normal variant seen with age
RVH e.g due to corpulmonale/PE
Hypokalaemia ECG
U waves small/absent T-waves Prolonged PR Long QT ST depression
Hyperkalaemia ECG
Widened QRS
ST depression
Tall Tented T-waves
p-wave depression
Hypothermia ECG
Brady - 1st degree heart block
Long QT
Arrhythmia
Degrees of Heart Block
1st - PR over 0.2 (benign)
2nd type 1 Wenkebeck
- Inc PR until dropped beat
- AV nodal failure
2nd type 2
- PR constant until dropped beat (bundle branch conduction failure - can progress to complete block)
3rd
- Complete.
- P not assoc with QRS
- Broad complex QRS
Which 2nd degree heart block is higher risk?
Type II - due to bundle branch failure
More commonly progress to complete failure
Pacing might be required
What is Bradycardia?
Physiological and pathological causes.
Under 60bpm
Phys = young (increased Nodal tone), fit
Pathological = acute MI, drugs (BB, digoxin, amiodarone), hypothyroid, hypothermia, inc ICP
Bradycardia symptoms & Tx
Syncope Fatigue Dizzyness Ischeamic chest pain Palpitations
Tx: only if less than 40 bpm
- IV atropine: anti-cholinergic. reduces vagal tone
- Temp pacing wire
Sick sinus pathophys, ECG changes and Tx.
Cause = fibrosis of AV node (idopathic, ischemis, digoxin, toxicity, sarcoid/amyloid)
ECG = sinus block/arrest with escape rhythms. Bursts of atrial tacky interspersed with Brady
Brady: dual chamber pacing
Tachy: Digoxin or Verapamil (CCB)
Investigating Bradycardia
ECG, U&E, Glucose, Ca, Mg, TFT, drugs, FBC
Tx in Bradycardia
Treat any underlying (remove negative chronotrope, tx electrolyte disturbances) IV atropine (if poor response e.g. heart block do transcutaneous pacing
Tachycardia Presentation
Palpitations Fatigue Dizzyness Chest discomfort Syncope
Tx of tachycardia (Acute pres)
Tx if unstable (high HR, low BO)
Tx if irregular tachy
Tx if regular tachy
O2 and IV access If HR over 200, BP under 90, MI or HF then GA + IV amiodorone (class III - K+ channel block)
If irregular tachycardia (usually AF) control with IV BB or Diltiazem. If onset less than 48 hours amiodarone cardioversion
If regular IV adenosine
Tachy Precipitating factors
MI/Ischamia
Thyrotoxicosis
Electrolyte disturbances
Drug/Caffeine/Alcohol
SVT - What is it, possible site or origin and what is the main concern
HR over 100bpm
Narrow complexes
Can be from Atria (AF and flutter)
Can be from AV node (nodal re-entry tachycardia)
Increased HR means decreased coronary filling time (angina type symptoms, chest pain, faintness, SOB)
Causes and Tx of sinus tachycardia (100-200bpm, regular with P-waves)
Physiological - pain, anxiety, exertion
Pathological - fever, anaemia, hypovolaemia, thyrotoxicosis, phaeo
Pharmacological - sympathomimetics, adrenaline, alcohol, caffeine, salbutamol
Tx: treat underlying (e.g. hypovolaemia), vagal manoeuvres (carotid massage, valsalva).
If ongoing sinus SVT give BB or non-dihydropyridine CCB (diltiazem, verapamil-
AV node re-entry pathophysiology.
- Two pathways in AV node one fast with slow refractory and one slow with fast refractory
- usually slow pathway is blocked as common pathway is in refractory when impulse arrives
- if an impulse goes down the slow pathway when not in refractory then impulse can travel up fast pathway giving a re-entry circuit
AV node re-entry ECG
Narrow QRS
Rate 130-250
retrograde conduction = inverted P=waves in II, III and aVF
AV node re-entry Tx
Vagal manoeuvres 1st line
Adenosine 2nd line (transient AV block fees like death)
Long term: Beta block or digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, flecanide (class 1c Na channel blocker – increases QRS time)
Cure: Radiofrequency ablation
AVRT ?
WPW
WPW pathophys
Bundle of Kent usually light sided. formed due to developmental failure.
Accessory pathway allows re-entry circuit formation (critical timing needed when pathways not in refractory)
Broad complex (anterograde)
Narrow (Orthodromic 90% - retrograde up accessory path used to get impulse back to atria)
WPW Tx
- Acute
- Prophylaxis
- Cure
Vagal manoeuvres ± adenosine
Prophylaxis Flecainide (1c- inc refractory period) or sotalol (3)
Cure: RFA
What is AF
Chaotic firing of ectopics in atria.
Leads to irregularly irregular ventricular rhythm on ECG
AF complications
Stagnation of blood in atria can cause thrombus and inc risk stroke.
Reduced cardiac output may lead to HF
Types of AF
Paroxysmal: spontaneous termination in less than 7 days (usually 48hr)
Recurrent: 2+ episodes
Persistent: lasts over 7 days (may become permanent)
Permanent: long-standing (over 1 year) not terminated by cardioversion
AF
Symptoms & Signs
ECG
Other Presentations
Symptoms: Palpitations, Dyspnoea, Chest pain
Signs: Irregularly irregular heart beat
ECG: No P-waves, Oscillating baseline
Other: Syncope, TIA, stroke
AF Investigations
24 hour ECG
TFT, FBC (anaemia can cause), U&E (Potassium), LFT/Coag
Imaging - trans thoracic echo
AF management: Three areas to address
Rate
Rhythm
Anticoagulation
Rate control in AF
Beta blocker or CCB (Diltiazem) 1st line
Combination therapy 2nd line (NOT Verapamil - risk heart block) adding the above two OR adding in Digoxin
Rhythm control in AF
- What should be considered
- Who should get this
- What is used
- Thromboembolism
- Only those with short term symptoms (less than 48 hours) or anticoagulant for over 3W
- DC cardioversion or Amiodarone
Risk Control score in AF
Chronic heart failure (1) HTN over 140/90 (1) Age of 75 (2) DM (1) Prior Stroke/TIA (2) Vasc disease (PVD, MI)(1) Age over 65 (1) Sex: Female (1)
When to offer anticoagulant in AF
CHA2DS2VASc
Consider Warfarin or NOAC in males with 1 and anyone over 2 points
INR 2-3 (n.b prostetic heart valves/post MI = 2.5-3.5)
If poor warfarin control switch to NOAC
Bleeding Risk score
Hypertension Abnormal Liver/Renal Stroke Bleeding Labile INRs Elderly (over 65 years) Drugs or alcohol (1 point each)
in those with score one 3 use Warfarin with care
What is atrial flutter, causes and ECG
This is due to re-entry circuits in the atria
Causes: HTN, CAD, hyperthyroid, Obesity, alcohol
ECG: sawtooth appearance
Tx: anticoagulation then DC cardioversion / Amiodarone / sotalol / flecainide
Recurrent = RFA
What causes broad complex tachycardia?
Ventricular origin.
Either ventricular conduction (BBB) problem OR not using AV node.
Note any SVT with poor conduction can present as broad complex too
Causes of:
Regular VT
Irregular VT
Reg - monomorphic VT (all QRS look the same) most commonly due to MI
Irregular - Torsades de Points (Plyomorphic VT), VF
Pathophysiology of Monomorphic VT
Re-entry circuits in zones of fibrosis/ischaemia
e.g. iscahmia/damaged myocardium post MI
Pathophysiology of Torsades
Commonly due to electrolyte disturbance.
Treated by giving Magnesium sulphate
ECG in VT - P waves and capture beats
Broad complex (ventricular)
- VT: regular
- VF: irregular
P wave dissociation: AV node continues independently of ventricle
Capture beats are when some P-waves translate into normal QRS complexes intermittently
Broad complex Tachy symptoms
Dizziness, palpitations, syncope, chest pain, HF
Broad complex Tachy Tx
ABC, O2 and venous access
in unstable DC cardioversion (3 shocks) may be needed
Amiodarona IV
In Plyomorphic VT give magnesium 2g for non-Torsades, IV Mg sulphate for TdP
VT is usually due to damage so BB/CCB and consider Implantable cardioversion defibrillator
Torsades de Points
Causes
Morphology
Tx
Hypokalaemia, hypomagnesia,
Class III antiarrhythmics (amiodarone/sotalol)
Antibacterials (erythromycin, trimethoprim)
Varied axis and amplitude of QRS
Tx: Magnesium sulphate IV
VF
- Causes
- Morphology
- Acute/Long term Tx
Cause of cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Random contracting of ventricular fibres giving failed ventricular function.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs, AF, hypoxia, ischaemia, heart disease
- Chaotic (varying amplitudes, no identifiable P, QRS, T
-Acute: Defibrillation
Long term: BB, implantable cardioverter defibrillates
What are shockable rhythms?
VF and Pulseless VT
Non-shockable rhythms?
Asystole and PEA (Pulseless electrical activity)
Brugada
What is?
ECG?
Tx?
- Geneticalli inherited condition affecting sodium channels. Family history of sudden death less than 45 yrs
- Risk of sudden death
- Coved ST segment elevation followed by negative T
- ICD (implantable defibrillator)
PE ECG
S1Q3T3
Deep S in I, Deep Q in III Deep T in III
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
1 = Na channel blocker 2 = CCB 3 = Potassium channel blocker 4 = Beta blocker
Amiodarone
- Use
- Mech
- Adverse
For irregular tachycardia (AF, SVT)
Block/Na/K/Ca, antagonist alpha and beta adrenergic
Reduces automaticity/conduction in atria
Hypotension, Pneumonitis (upper lobe fibrosis), AV block, grey skin, hypothyroidism
Adenosine
- Use
- Mech
- Adverse
- Used in certain SVT that don’t respond to Vagal maneouvers
- Causes trainsient block in the AV node by causing hyperpolarization through inc potassium flux
- Short term: Feeling of impending doom
- Long term: Chest pain, Bronchospasm (caution in asthmatics), can cause increased conduction down accessory pathways - caution here
Digoxin (cardiac glycoside)
- Use
- Mech
- SE
Reduces ventricular rate after CCB and BB
3rd line in HF
Negative chronotropic(reduced AV node conduction), positive inotropic (Ca accumulation intracellular)
Toxicity - arrhythmias, low therapeutic index
- GI upset
- nausea
- Hypokalaemia (competes with K+ and Na/K pump
- visual disturbance (yellow)
Types of CCB
Dihydropyridine (More smooth muscle relax)
- Amlodipine
Non-dihydropyridine (more cardiac depression - SA and AV node block)
- Verapamil, Diltizem
Mechanism of CCB
Decrease Calcium entry to vascular and cardiac cells
- induce relaxation and vasodilation in arterial smooth muscle
- suppress cardiac conduction esp at the AV node
CCB effect in HF/IHD
Reduced rate and after load, decreases oxygen demand preventing angina
Amlodipine SE
ankle swelling, flushing
Verapamil facts
ONLY CCB which can be given IV in SVT
DONT give with BB (both negatively chronotropic and inotropic so = Heart block
Beta blockers use
IHD - reduces angina
Congestive HF - improves prognosis
AF - reduces rate and maintain rhythm
SVT - restore sinus rhythm
Receptors and action of BB
B1 (heart) - reduces force and rate of conduction in heart (prolonged AV refractory period).
= reduced cardiac work and oxygen demand. increased myocardial perfusion
B2 (vasc smooth muscle) - lower peripheral vasc resistance and also lowers BP through reducing renin secretion.
SE of BB
Fatigue, cold extremities, headache, impotence
Asthma - causes bronchospasm so contraindicated (choose B1 specific e.g. atenolol not non-specific e.g. Bisoprolol)
Where to listen for mitral area?
Mid clavicular
5th intercostal space
Where to listen for Tricuspid?
inferior right sternal
4th intercostal space
Where to listen for Pulmonary valve?
Left 2nd intercostal
Next to sternum
Where to listen for Aortic valve?
Right 2nd intercostal next to sternum
S1 and S2?
S1 = closure of mitral and tricuspid
S2 = closure of aortic and pulmonary
there may be delayed P2 (pulm part of S2) in inspiration. Third heart sound in diastole (aka after s2 is pathological)
Mitral regurgitation
Pansystolic blowing murmur at apex radiating to axilla
Mitral stenosis
Loud opening snap in S1 and mid-diastolic murmur
Aortic stenosis
Radiates to carotids
Soft S2
crescendo decrescendo murmur between S1 and S2
Aortic Regurg
Diastolic murmur
Collapsing pulse
not well transmitted to carotids
PDA murmur
Late systolic best heard across back
Continusous machinery murmur
VSD murmur
Harsh systolic murmur best a left sternal edge
Starlings Law
Preload or degree fo stretch is critical factor for stroke volume.
Thus increased end-diastolic volume increases stretch and also contractility giving a lower end systolic volume (after load)
Aortic stenosis
- Triad
- other features
- Cause
- Investigations
- Chest pain, HF (LV hypertrophy due to obstruction), syncope (insufficient blood)
- slow rising pulse, narrow pulse pressure (higher pressure needed to eject), transmitted to carotids
- calcification of aortic ring
- ECG (LV strain), Transthoracic echo, CXR (Calcifications)
Aortic valve anatomy
Tricuspid valve
Coronary sinus sits behind
Aortic stenosis Tx and complications of Tx
1st line is valve replacement
2nd line saloon valvuloplasty
SE of infection (need Abx prophylaxis) and risk emboli (esp metal valves) needing anticoagulant aiming for 2.5-3.5 INR
Aortic regurgitation
- Causes
- Associated diseases
- Presentation
- Bicuspid aorta, thematic fever (autoimmune), infective endocarditis, collagen disease, age (degenerative)
- SLE, Marfans, Ehlers-Danlos, Turner’s, Ank spond
- Shortness of breath, orthostatic/nocturnal dyspnoea
- Wide pulse pressure and collapsing water hammer pulse
Aortic regurgitation
- Investigations
- Tx
- screening
- ECG (may have LVH), CXR (HF due to fluid overload), Transthoracic echo
- acute surgery (valve replace) is symptomatic, give ace inhibitor if chronic
screen those with assoc diseases e.g. marfans