Cardiology

Question 1

Describe the congenital abnormality that characterises cor triatriatum ?

Answer 1

Thin membrane dividing one of the atria into three compartments

Question 2

Which counter regulatory peptides act to oppose the effect of the RAAS system?

Answer 2

Atrial and Brain natriuretic peptides. Have vasodilator activity, inhibit renin and aldosterone production.

Question 3

Why would serum BNP measurement be selected as a diagnostic test when investigating dyspnoea?

Answer 3

To assist in distinguishing between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic causes of respiratory pathology. ANP has a shorted half life than BNP. these are natriuretic peptides that are released in response to atrial stretch. In patients with chronic cardiac disease, their circulating BNP will be high.

Question 4

How does BNP/ANP act to reduce BP?

Answer 4

Increases sodium excretion in urine, therefore increasing diuresis and reducing blood volume. Inhibits release of renin, aldosterone and ADH.