Cardio Flashcards
What is Angina?
Mismatch of oxygen demand and supply to heart muscle. Leas to chest pain or discomfort due to reversible ischaemia. Exacerbated by exertion.
What are some types of angina?
Stable angina – the most common type, pain on exertion
Prinzmetal’s angina/Variant angina (coronary artery spasm) – shut down of arteries means increased resistance and decreased flow
Microvascular angina (Syndrome X) – increase in downstream resistance but main arteries are okay
Crescendo angina – occurs at rest with minimal exertion
Decubitus angina – caused by lying flat
Unstable angina – chest pain at rest, can occur at any time. Difficult to distinguish from MI, need to be treated in hospital
Most common cause of stable angina?
Ischaemic heart disease. Narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis.
Environmental factors exacerbating angina?
- Cold weather
- Heavy meals
- Emotional stress
Medical conditions that exacerbate angina due to reduced blood supply?
- Anaemia
- Hypoxaemia
- Polycythaemia
- Hypothermia
- Hypovolaemia (shock)
- Hypervolaemia
Medical conditions that exacerbate angina due to increased blood demand?
- Hypertension
- Tachyarrhythmia
- Valvular heart disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Risk factors for angina?
- Increasing age
- Cigarette smoking
- Fam Hx
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hyperlipidaemia
- Hypertension
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Stress
Clinical features of angina?
- Crushing central chest pain
- May radiate to arms, neck and jaw
- May have SOB
- Provoked by physical exertion
- Relieved by rest or GTN spray
Investigations for angina?
- 12 lead ECG
- Exercise testing w/ ECG
- Myoview scan - looks at perfusion on exercise
- Stress echo - USS when given inotropic drug
- CT scan calcium scoring
- Coronary angiography
Management of angina?
- Lifestyle: smoking cessation, w loss, diet, exercise
- GTN spray for sx relief
- Statins
- Aspirin
- BB’s - negatively inotropic and chronotropic so reduce O2 demand
- ACE-i
- K+ channel openers
- Ivabradine
Surgical management of angina?
- Percutaneous coronary intervention - including stenting and balloon dilatation
- CABG
Effects of beta blockers on heart?
- Decrease HR
- Decrease LV contractilitity
- Decrease cardiac output
- Decrease oxygen demand
Main s/e of beta blockers?
- Tiredness, nightmares
- Bradycardia
- Cold hands and feet
- Erectile dysfunction – always ask because patients may not volunteer this information
- Depression
C/i for beta blockers?-
- Asthma
- Prinzmetals angina
- Severe heart block
- Excessive bradycardia
Effects of nitrates?
- Predominantly venodilators
- Decrease venous return by increasing venous capacity
- Decreaes preload due to less venous return
- Decreases afterload by causing arterial dilatation
S/e of nitrates?
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Light headedness
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Burning and tingling under the tongue (GTN)
- Low BP
Effects of CCB’s?
- Decreases blood pressure
- Decreases afterload
- Decreases cardiac oxygen demand
- Coronary artery dilation
- Negatively chronotropic so decreases HR
- Negatively inotropic so decreases LV contraction –decreases cardiac workload
S/e of CCBs?
Arterial dilatation which causes:
- Hot flushes
- Postural hypotension
- Swollen ankles
3 classes of ACS?
1) STEMI - Q wave infarction
2) NTSTEMI - Non Q wave infarction, ST depression/T wave inversion
3) Unstable angina - no ecg changes
How to diagnose each ACS?
STEMI : ECG features at presentation
NSTEMI: Retrospective diagnosis made after troponin results available.
Unstable angina: Use pattern of the pain. No significant troponin rise.
What are the types of MI?
Type 1 – spontaneous MI with ischaemia due to a primary coronary event (e.g. plaque erosion/rupture)
Type 2 – MI secondary to ischaemia due to increased oxygen demand or decreased supply (e.g. coronary spasm, coronary embolism, anaemia, arrhythmias, hypertension, hypotension)
Type 3, 4, 5 – Diagnosis of MI in sudden cardiac death, after PC and after CABG respectively
Causes of ACS?
- Rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and consequential arterial thrombosis (MOST COMMON)
- Coronary vasopsasm w/o plaque rupture
- Drug abuse (amphetamines, cocaine)
- Dissection of coronary artery due to CTD (eg marfans)
- Thoracic aortic dissection
Risk factors for ACS?
- Male gender
- Increased age
- Renal failure
- LVSD
- Elevated NT-proBNP level
- Fam Hx
- Smoking, diabetes, htn, hyperlipidaemia
- Obesity + Physical inactivity
- Premature menopause
Signs and symptoms of ACS?
- Unremitting cardiac chest pain
- Usually severe but may be mild or absent in a silent MI (be aware that less pain does not mean it’s a ‘better’ MI)
- Occurs at rest
- New onset angina with limitation of ADL’s
- Associated with: Sweating, SOB, nausea and/or vomiting, dyspnoea, fatigue and palpitations
- 1/3 occur in bed at night
Investigations for ACS?
- 12 lead ECG
- Vital signs
- Biochemical markers: Cardiac troponin, Creatine Kinase MB, Myoglobin
Immediate management of ACS?
- 2222/999
- MONA: Morphine, oxygen, nitrates, aspirin 300mg STAT
Hospital management of ACS?
- Oxygen therapy if hypoxic
- Pain relief - nitrates, narcotics
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel - P2Y12 inhibitor
- Fondaparinux
- Consider: Beta-blockers and other anti-anginals
What are P2Y12 inhbitors?
Antiplatelets used in combo with aspirin.
Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor.
Complications of MI?
- Heart failure
- Rupture of wall of infarcted ventricle
- Rupture of interventricular septum
- Mitral regurg
- Arrhytmias
- Heart block
- Pericarditis
What is Dressler syndrome?
- May develop weeks or months after MI
- A secondary form of pericarditis that occurs in the setting of injury to the heart or the pericardium
- It consists of fever, pleuritic pain, pericarditis and/or a pericardial effusion
What is heart failure?
The inability of the heart to deliver sufficient perfusion to the body.
Difference between systolic and diastolic HF?
Systolic = HF and ventricles not contracting Diastolic = HF and the ventricles not relaxing (ejection fraction the same but cardiac output reduced due to reduced diastolic ventricular filling)
Causes of Heart failure?
- Myocardial dysfunction from IHD or Prev MI ( MOST COMMON)
- Hypertension
- Alcohol excess
- Cardiomyopathies
- Valve defects leading to ventricular hypertrophy
- Endocarditis
- Pericardial causes
Symptoms of heart failure?
3 cardinal symptoms: SoB, Fatigue, Ankle swelling
2 specific symptoms: Orthopnoea, Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea
Signs of heart failure?
- Peripheral/pitting oedema
- Diffuse crackles at both lung bases
- Tachycardia
- Raised JVP
- S3 on auscultation
- Displaced apex beat (due to LV hypertrophy)
Investigations for heart failure?
- Hx and Exam
- CXR
- Blood tests - including BNP
- 12 lead
- Echocardiography for valve assessment
- Myocardial perfusion imaging
X-Ray signs for heart failure?
A - Alveolar oedema B - Kerley B lines C - Cardiomegaly (PA XR only) D - Upper lobe diversion of blood vessels E - Pleural effusion
Management of ACUTE heart failure?
- Stablise using A –> E
- High flow O2
- Loop diuretics: IV Furosemide or IV Bumetanide
Lifestyle advice for heart failure?
- Smoking cessation
- Low salt intake
- Low sat fat intake
Management of CHRONIC HF without preserved ejection fraction? (EF<35%)
- ANY STAGE: Furosemide for sx relief
1) Beta blocker + ACEi/ARB
2) BB + ACEi + Spironolactone
3) Hydralazine + Nitrate
4) Sacubitril valsartan
If resistant can add: Digoxin, Ivabradine, Amiodarone
Management of CHRONIC HF with preserved ejection fraction? (EF>35%)
Just give furosemide for symptomatic relief.
No need for ACEi or BB>
Which medications actually improve prognosis in HF?
- ACE-i
- BB
- ARBs
- Aldosterone antagonists
- Hydralazine and nitrates
How do beta blockers work in HF?
- Beta blockers oppose sympathetic stimulation
- They prevent heart rate and contractility increasing
- This means there will be no increased oxygen demand for the heart
- Should be started early when the patient is stable
- NOT affected by ethnicity in the same way as some other cardiac medications
Surgical options for heart failure?
- Valve replacement: TAVI or open surgery if caused by valve defect
- Transplantation - Last resort, no donors
- Resynchronisation and defibrillatiors - can improve sx and mortality
- Palliative care - HF kills more than cancer.
What is Tricuspid regurgitation? (RARE)
- Usually functional and secondary to dilatiation of the RV in severe RVF
- Can also be caused by RHD, IE or carcinoid syndrome
- On exam: Pansystolic murmur, elevated JVP, liver enlarged, oedeema
What is pulmonary regurgitation? (RARE)
- Results from pulm htn and dilatation of the valve ring
- Early diastolic murmur on auscultation
What is pulmonary stenosis?
Narrowing of outflow of RV into lungs. Usually congential eg ToF
Signs and symptoms of pulmonary stenosis?
- Right ventricular failure as neonate
- Collapse
- SOB due to poor pulm bloodflow
- RV hypertrophy
- Tricuspid regurgitation - too much blood in RV
Diagnosis and management of pulmonary stenosis?
- ECHO
- Balloon valvuloplasty
- Open valvotomy
- Open trans-annular patch
- Shunt to bypass blockage
What is mitral regurgitation?
- Backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during ventricular systole
- Mild (physiological) seen in 80%
What are causes of mitral regurgitation?
1) Myxomatous degeneration: Weakening of connective tissue. Causes MV prolapse. Seen in Ehler-Danlos and Marfans.
2) Ischaemic MR: Complication of coronary heart disease
3) Rheumatic heart disease
4) Infective endocarditis
5) Age related changes
Symptoms of mitral regurgitation?
- Exertional dyspnoea
- HF sx: may coincide with increased haemodynamic burden eg. preg, infection, af. Get SOB, fatigue, ankle swell
Auscultatory signs of MR?
- Soft S1
- Pansystolic murmur heard loudest at apex
- Radiates to axilla
- S3 sound - chronic HF, LA overload
Investigations for MR?
- ECHO is gold standard
- 12 lead may show LV enlargement, AF and LVH
- CXR - LA enlarged, central pulm artery enlargement
Medications for MR?
- Vasodilators such as ACE-i - to reduce preload
- Rate control for any associated AF w/ BB, CCB, digoxin
- Anticoagulation in AF and atrial flutter
- Diuretics for fluid overload
Surgery indications for MR?
Any symptoms at rest of on exercise (repair if feasible)
Asymptomatic but EF < 60%
Asymptomatic but new onset AF
What is mitral stenosis?
- Obstruction of LV inflow that prevents proper filling during diastole
- Normal area of MV 4-6cm2, sx begin at below 2cm2
Causes of mitral stenosis?
- Rheumatic heart disease (most common, but falling)
- Infective endocarditits
- Mitral annular calcification (age related)
Symptoms of mitral stenosis?
- Shortness of breath - due to pulm congestion
- Haemoptysis - in later stages
- Other sx in advanced: Increased JVP, hepatomegaly, peripheral oedema
Physical signs of Mitral Stenosis?
- Mild diastolic murmur heard at mitral area
- Heard best when pt on left side and breathing out
- Malar flush in face
- S1 opening snap loud
Investigations for mitral stenosis?
- ECG: may show AF and LA enlargement (P mitrale)
- CXR: LA enlargement and pulm congestion
- ECHO: GOLD STANDARD. Assess for mv mobiliy, gradient and area,
Difference between P mitrale and P pulmonale?
P mitrale = bifid P wave, seen with LEFT atrial hypertrophy (i.e. in mitral stenosis)
P pulmonale = a tall, narrow, peaked P wave, seen with any process that causes RIGHT atrial hypertrophy, such as tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension.
Treatment of Mitral regurgitation?
- Medications: Sx impriove w/ BB, CCB, digoxin to control rate and prolong diastole. Diuretics for fluid overload.
- Surgery: Percutaneous mitral valloon valvotomy -> any symptomatic patient
What is Aortic Regurgitation?
Defined as backflow/leakage of blood from the aorta in the into the LV during diastole due to ineffective closure of the aortic cusps
Causes of aortic regurg?
- Bicupsid aortic valve
- Rheumatic damage
- Degenerative/age related
- Infective endocarditis
- Chronic regurgitration can occur due to arthritdities: Reiters syndrome, ank spond, rheum arthritis
- CTD -> marfans, osteogenesis imperfecta
Risk factors for aortic regurgitatiion?
- Age
- Genetic predispostion with bicuspid aortic valve
Symptoms of aortic regurgitation?
- Dyspnoea inc: Orthopnea, PND
- Palpitations
Investigations for AR?
- CXR: Enlarged cardiac silhoutte and aortic root enlargement
- ECHO: Diagnositc in valve problems
Murmur heard in aortic regurgitation?
- End diastolic murmur
- Heard loudest at left sternal edge
Management of aortic regurg?
Medical - vasodilators (ACEi)
Surgery - definitive tx, if there is sx at rest or exercise or if EF goes below 50%
Clinical signs of aortic regurg on exam?
Quincke’s – nail bed capillary pulsation
Collapsing pulse (aka waterhammer pulse, occurs due to hyperdynamic circulation)
Wide pulse pressure
Corrigan’s sign – pulsatile JVP/neck pulsation
De Mussett’s sign – head nodding
Duroziez’s sign – murmur on femoral artery compression
Traube’s – ‘pistol shot’ sound over femorals
What is aortic stenosis?
An increase in afterload due to stiffening of the aorta
The most common and most important valve disease
Criteria for aortic stenosis?
- Valve area <1cm
- Ejection fraction <40
- Mean valve gradient >40mmHg
- Symptomatic: Angina, syncope, breathlessness
Causes of aortic stenosis?
- Commonest cause: Age related calcification
- Congenital aortic stenosis
- Congenital biscuspid valve
- Rheumatic heart disease
Symptoms of aortic stenosis?
1) Syncope
2) Angina
3) Dyspnoea
Physical signs of aortic stenosis?
- Slow rising pulse (pulsus tardus)
- Decreased pulse amplitude
- Heart sounds - soft/absent second heart sound, S4 gallop due to LVH
- Ejection systolic murmur
- Radiates to the carotids
- Narrow pulse pressure
- Thrill
Management of aortic stenosis?
Medical tx limited, as mechanical problem
Surgical replacement:
- TAVI (Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation) or Balloon Valvuloplasty or Surgical valve replacementr
What are surgery indications for aortic stenosis?
Indications for surgery – any SYMPTOMATIC patient with severe AS, any patient with decreasing ejection fraction
If asymptomatic- medical management and surveillance and dental prophylaxis
What needs to be done for all valvular disease?
Infective endocarditis prophylaxis with abx and good dental hygeine
Serial ECHO’s
Main risks of valve replacement surgery?
- Bleeding
- VTE/Stroke
- Haemolysis due to mechanical valve
- IE
- LV dysfunction
- Valve prolapse/leak
- AF
- Bradyarrhytmia requiring PPM insertion
Which murmurs are heard loudest on held inspiration?
Tricuspid and pulmonary (right sided valves, before the lungs)
Ask them to HOLD on maximal inspiration
Which murmurs are heard loudest on held expiration?
Mitral and aortic (left valves, after the lungs)
Murmur that radiates to carotids?
Aortic Stenosis
Murmur radiates to the axilla?
Mitral regurgitation
Different types of heart valves?
Mechanical = better for younger patients, lasts 20-25 years, Tissue = better for older patients with higher bleeding risk, lasts 10 years
Mechanical = lifelong warfarin, Tissue = no warfarin
Mechanical = will ‘click’ as heart sounds, Tissue = heart sounds normal
What is dilated cardiomyopathy?
Dilated heart leading to systolic (+/- diastolic ) dysfunction
All 4 chambers affected but more LV than RV
Causes of dilated cardiomyoptahy?
- Alcohol – may improve with thiamine
- Postpartum
- Hypertension
- Inherited (1/3 of DCM patients, autosomal dominant defects mainly)
- Infectious - coxsacki B
- Endocrine – hyperthyroidism
- Infiltrative – Haemachromatosis, sarcoidosis
- Neuromuscular – Duchenne’s
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Drugs e.g. Doxorubicin
Features of DCM
- Arrhytmias
- Emboli
- Mitral regurg
- HF symptoms
Management of DCM?
Lifestyle measures – weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation, limit alcohol intake, avoid excess salt and saturated fats
Heart failure medications – ACEi, ARB, B-Blockers, Diuretics, Digoxin, Aspirin/warfarin
Devices – LVAD, pacemaker, ICDs
Heart transplant
What is Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
- Non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy
AKA ‘broken heart syndrome’ and ‘Takotsubo apical ballooning syndrome’ - Associated with a transient, apical ballooning of the myocardium – resembles an ‘octopus pot’
- May be triggered by stress (i.e. bad news about a relatives death etc.)
Features of takotsubo cardiomyopathy?
- Chest pain
- Features of heart failure – SOB, fatigue, ankle swelling
- ST elevation
- Normal coronary angiogram
Supportive therapy only
What is arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy?
- Form of inherited cardiovascular disease which may present with syncope or sudden cardiac death in young people after hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with variable expression
- RV myocardium is replaced by fatty and fibrofatty tissue
- 50% patients have mutation of one of the several genes which encode components of desmasome
Symptoms of arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy?
- Palpitations
- Syncope
- Sudden cardiac death
ECG signs on arrhythmogenic RV cardiomopathy?
- Abmormalities in v1-v3
- Typically T wave inversion
- Epsilon wave in about 50%
ECHO and MRI changes in arrhythmogenic RV cardiomopathy?
Echo changes - Often subtle in the early stages. May show enlarged, hypokinetic RV with a thin free wall
MRI – shows fibrofatty tissue