Cardiology Flashcards
How elevated are limb and chest leads in a STEMI?
Limb = 1mm , Chest = 2mm
What will hs-TnI levels be in a STEMI?
> 100ng/L
When is Troponin I released?
By cardiac myocytes in response to necrosis ( infarction )
What changes on ECG are seen in a NSTEMI?
ST Segment depression and T wave inversion , or may be normal
What will hs-TnI levels be in a NSTEMI?
> 100ng/L
What will hs-TnI levels be in Unstable Angina?
In the normal reference range
What should be measured in STEMI patients?
Creatinine Kinase and hs-TnI
After how long do hs-TnI levels rise following myocardial damage?
3-4 hours
For how long following a STEMI/NSTEMI can hs-TnI levels stay elevated in patients?
2 weeks
What hs-TnI level suggests myocardial necrosis in males?
> 34ng/L
What hs-TnI level suggest myocardial necrosis in females?
> 16ng/L
At what times is hs-TnI levels taken ?
On arrival and an hour later , an increase of 5ng/L or higher indicates an ACS
What other conditions cause a raised hs-TnI level?
Advanved renal failure.
Aortic stenosis.
Stroke
Large pulmonary embolism
Aortic dissesction
Sepsis
Severe congestive heart failure Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Myocarditis
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Prolonged tachyarrythmias
Malignancy
What do NSTEMs or Unstable Anginas look like on ECG?
Transient ST segment depression
T wave inversion/flattening
No change
What is the Digoxin Effect?
At supratherapeutic doses , a downsloping Nike tick esque ST segement depression can appear
What conditions can mimic a STEMI on ECG?
Early repolarisation ( seen in young, athletic and some Afro-Carribeans )
Pericarditis ( Concave elevation )
Brugada Syndrome
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy ( ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’ - severe emotional stress reaction )
What is the acute management for a STEMI?
I.V access
Morphine and Anti Emetic
Oxygenation ( Only if hypoxic , Sats >94% )
Aspirin 300mg loading dose , 75mg o.d for life
Antiplatelet- Prasugrel ( If <75 and >60kg with no prior TIA/Stroke ) OR Clopidogrel 600mg LD , 75mg o.d ( If don’t fit criteria for Prasugrel )
PCI in Cath Lab
Full biochemical screen ( FBC, Lipid Profile and Random Glucose )
MOANA mnemonic
What is the long term management plan of a STEMI?
Dual-Antiplatelet Therapy ( Aspirin 75mg + Clopidogrel )
Statin ( Atorvastatin 80mg od)
ACEi ( Ramipril 2.5mg od )
B-Blocker ( Bisoprolol 1.25mg od )
Control of diabetes - HbA1c target is >7% DMT1 and 6.5-7.5% DMT2
Control of hypertension
Smoking cessation
What is the management plan for a NSTEMI/ Unstable Angina?
Morphine and Anti-emetic
Aspirin 300mg , 75mg od
Fondaparinuex
Grace Score
If Risk >3% give Ticagrelor 180mg LD, 90mg bd and send for PCI
What is Stable Angina?
Chest pain on exertion
What are the risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease?
Modifiable-
Smoking
HTN
Diabetes
Hypercholesterolemia
Non-Modifiable-
Age
Male
Family History
What investigations do you do for Stable Angina?
FBC inc HbA1c
Full Lipid Profile
ECG
What is the treatment for Stable Angina?
B-Blocker first line
Aspirin 75mg od
Use when needed ; Sublingual GTN Spray
What is the second line for Stable Angina?
CCB
Ranolazine 375mg bd , GFR must be >30
What is Dressler’s Syndrome?
Autoimmune perdicarditis following a myocardial infarction.
Symptoms- chest pain worse on inspiration, dyspnoea, fever
Raised ESR and WCC
What is Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy?
A condition causing ventricular arrythmias that can lead to sudden cardiac death in young athletes, can happen at rest or when exercising
What anticoagulation is preferred after mechanical heart valve surgery ?
Warfarin
What is Beck’s triad? ( Cardiac tamponade )
Falling BP
Rising JVP
Quiet/ Muffled Heart Sounds
How does Aortic regurgitation present?
Dyspnoea
Orthopnea
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea
What are signs of Aortic Regurgitation on examination?
Wide Pulse Pressure
Quincke’s Sign
De Musset’s sign
Early diastolic murmur, loudest on expiration
What is Quincke’s Sign?
Nail Bed Pulsation
What is the best option for secondary prevention of a stroke with Atrial Fibrillation?
DOAC e.g Apixaban , 2 weeks following event
What is De Musset’s sign?
Head bobbing in time with heart beat
What is the most common change seen on ECG with a PE?
Sinus Tachycardia
Commonly said to be S1Q3T3 , but this is actually very rare
If a patient is in V Fib what do you do?
Call 2222 in hospital
Start CPR
Deliver shock on defibrillator , then continue CPR for 2 minutes after shock is delivered and assess again
What is the PESI score?
Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index - helps to identify if PE patient can be treated as outpatient with DOAC
What is the treatment for sinus bradycardia with haemodynamic instability?
IV Atropine 0.5 mg push every 3 to 5 minutes up to 3 mg total.
What are the non-shockable rhythms?
Pulseless Electrical Activity
Asystole
What is the treatment for PEA?
Start CPR 30:2
1mg IV Adrenaline , can repeat every 3 to 5 mins
What is the first line treatment for acute Pericarditis?
NSAID and Colchicine( anti-inflammatory)
What is a normal variant on ECG in athletes?
Mobitz Type 1 ( also known as Wenkebach phenomenon )
What are some non cardiac causes of chest pain?
GORD
Costochondritis
Pulmonary Embolism
Pneumothorax
Pneumonia
What are the clinical stages of Hypertension?
These are all clinical readings
Stage 1 > 140/90 mmHg
Stage 2 > 160/100 mmHg
Stage 3 > 180mmHg systolic or >110mmHg diastolic
What should be done if Clinical BP is >140/90 mmHg?
Ambulatory BP readings should be taken
At least 2 readings a day for 7 days , then create an average to see if hypertension should be diagnosed
What are some secondary causes of HTN ?
Cushing’s Syndrome
ADPKD
Renal Artery Stenosis
Diabetic Nephropathy
Pregnancy
What investigations should be done if a patient is diagnosed with HTN?
Check for end organ damage
Bloods -
HbA1c - check for diabetes
U&Es + GFR + Creatinine - check kidney function
LFTS - check liver
Lipid profile - check for hypercholesterolaemia
Urine sample
Albumin : Creatinine Ratio - check kidney function
Urinalysis - for haematauria
Fundoscopy - small vessel damage
ECG - check for any heart abnormalities that could be causing it
What score should be calculated following a diagnosis of HTNa and what does it predict?
QRISK - likelihood of a cardiovascular event in the next 10 years
Score of >10% should be put on a statin
What is the target blood pressure for people with low-moderate QRisk score?
<140 mmHg systolic
What is the target blood pressure if patient has diabetes, previous TIA/Stroke, Ischaemic Heart Disease or CKD?
<130/80 mmHg
What is the target blood pressure for those over 80?
<150/90 mmHg
What are some lifestyle modifications for HTN?
Weight loss
Reduce salt intake
Minimise alcohol intake
Smoking cessation
What is the first line treatment for HTN aged <55?
And 2 examples
ACEi
Ramipril
Lisinopril
What is the first line treatment for HTN for those who are over 55 or Afro-Caribbean? 2 examples
Calcium Channel Blocker
Amlodopine
Nifedipine
What are the main side effects of an ACEi ?
Dry cough
Angioedema
Hyperkalaemia
What are the main side effects of CCBs ?
Ankle swelling
Flushing
Headaches
What should a patient who can’t tolerate an ACEi be given?
ARB
Candesartan
Losartan
What should a person who is on both ACEi and CCB be given if their BP is still high?
Thiazide- Like diuretic
Bendroflumethiazide
Indapamide
What is the side effects of Thiazide-Like Diuretics?
Hypokalaemia
Hypernatremia
Gout
What can you add if ACEi, CCBs and a Thiazide don’t help control the HTN?
Spironolactone
a-blocker
b-blocker
What are the side effects of Spironolactone?
Hyperkalemia
Hypontraemia
Gynecomastia
What is an Example of an a-blocker?
Doxazosin
What is an example of a b-blocker?
Bisoprolol
Propanolol
What are side effects of b-blockers?
Vivid dreams/ nightmares
Bradycardia
Dizziness
What types of b-blockers are contraindicated in patients with asthma?
Non cardio-selective ones, e.g Propanolol
Causes bronchospasm
Bisoprolol IS safe
What is a hypertensive crisis?
An increase in blood pressure which if sustained can lead to irreversible end organ damage
What types of end organ damage can a hypertensive crisis cause ?
Encephalopathy
Left Ventricular Failure
Aortic Dissection
Unstable Angina
Renal Failure
What are the two types of hypertensive crisis?
Urgency
Emergency
What is the difference between an urgency and an emergency hypertensive crisis?
Urgency will cause end organ damage in days
Emergency will cause end organ damage in hours
What is the management for an urgency hypertensive crisis ?
Reduce diastolic to 110mmHg in 24 hours
What is the management for an emergency hypertensive crisis?
Reduce diastolic to 110mmHg in 3-12 hours
What is the treatment for hypotensive urgency?
Nifedipine 20mg MR b.d
Amlodopine 10mg o.d for 3 days
Want to gradually increase BP over 48-72 hours to 100mmHg
What does the MR abbreviation means ?
Modified Release
Drug effect is delayed after dose
What is the classic triad of Phaeochromocytoma?
Headache
Sweating
Episodic tachycardia
What type of HTN is indicative of Phaeochromocytoma?
Paroxysmal
What test confirms Phaeochromocytoma?
24 hour urine sample - test for plasma fracciones metanephrines and catecheloamines
CT/MRI to detect any adrenal tumours
What is the treatment for a Phaechromocytoma?
Alpha-adrenergic blockade ( Phenoxybenzamine 10mg o.d , increased by 10-20mg every few days as needed
Then resection of the tumour
Then Beta-adrenergic blockade 2-3 days post-op
Why must B-adrenergic blockade NEVER be started before Alpha-adrenergic blockade?
Can cause a hypertensive crisis
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Excess cortisol levels
What is the typical appearance with Cushing’s Syndrome?
Purple striae
Moon shaped face
Dorsal fat pad
What investigations should be done for suspected Cushing’s?
Bloods - to check for hyperglycemia
24 hour urine sample - 3x elevated cortisol levels
Low-dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test
What is the Low-Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test?
Patient is given Dexamethasone ( mimics cortisol )
In normal people, the elevated cortisol would cause inhibition of ACTH release. In people with Cushing’s, ACTH levels will remain high, therefore cortisol levels will remain high. This is a positive Cushing’s Test
What are the possible causes for Cushing’s Syndrome ?
Adrenal Tumour (secretes cortisol)
Pituitary Tumour (Cushing’s Disease)
Ectopic ACTH Releasing Tumour ( normally SCLC or bronchial carcinoid tumour)
What is the test for Primary Aldosteronism?
Aldosterone : Renin
Renin will be low
What is the most common cause of Heart Failure?
Ischaemic Heart Disease
What are the causes of Heart Failure?
Ischaemic Heart Disease
Hypertension
Valvular disease
Atrial FIbrillation
Chronic Lung Disease
Cardiomyopathy( Hypertropic, Dilated, Tatkutsubo)
HIV
What are the two types of Heart Failure?
HFrEF (systolic problem)
HFnEF (diastolic problem)
What are bad prognostic features for heart failure?
Severe fluid overload
Very high NT-proBNP levels
Severe renal impairment
Elderly
Co-morbidity
What investigations do you do for someone with suspected Heart Failure?
Bloods - FBCs, LFTs, TFTs, RFTs
Ferritin and Transferrin ( if patient is young and haemochromatosis is suspected)
NT-proBNP- to see LV function
Below what NT-proBNP levels can you exclude heart failure?
Below 100ng/L
What are signs of heart failure on a CXR?
ABCDE
Alveolar Oedema
air Bronchograms
Cardiomegaly
perihilar shaDowing
pleural Effusion
What investigations do you do to check LV function?
Echo
Cardiac MRI
What is the pharmacological management for HF?
Loop Diuretic - Furosemide 40-500mg o.d
ACEi
ANRI (if HFrEF)
B-Blockers
What should be used if a patient can’t tolerate ACEi or ARBs
Hydralazine and Isosorbide Mononitrate
What should be used if a patient can’t tolerate b-blockers?
Ivabradine
How do Nitrates help heart failure?
They reduce preload, pulmonary oedema and ventricular size
What can be done for Heart Failure when pharmacological therapies don’t work?
Pacemaker can be fitted
What is an ICD?
Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator
They prevent sudden cardiac arrest, don’t control symptoms
What are surgical interventions for valvular disease?
Replacement
Repair
What can untreated valve disease lead to?
Ventricular dysfunction e.g heart failure, pulmonary hypertension
What is the triad of symptoms of Aortic Stenosis?
Dysopnea
Chest pain
Syncope
What are the causes of Aortic Stenosis?
Congenital Bicuspid Valve
Age related degeneration (calcified deposits)
Rheumatic fever
Chronic Kidney Disease
What is the murmur heard in aortic stenosis?
Ejection systolic radiating to the carotids, best heard in the 2nd ICS right sternal border
How is the severity of aortic stenosis assessed?
Echocardiogram
Determines mean pressure gradient, peak pressure gradient and aortic valve area (higher area is more severe as there is less space for blood to go through)
What are the indications for aortic valve replacemement?
Symptomatic
Asymptomatic w/ severe LV dysfunction
Asymptomatic w/ abnormal exercise test
Asymptomatic at the time of another cardiac surgery
What is a TAVI?
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
A replacement valve is put in through the femoral artery
Considered in very old or comorbid patients
What does aortic regurgitation lead to?
Increased LV load , leading to LV hypertrophy
Heart Failure
What is the usual presenting symptom of aortic regugitation?
Exertional dysopnea
What are the causes of aortic regurgitation?
Idiopathic dilatation of aorta ( causes the leaflets to get pulled apart)
Infective Endocarditis
Congenital abnormality ( bicuspid valve)
Calcific degeneration
Rheumatic Fever
Marfan’s Syndrome
What murmur is heard in aortic regurgitation?
Early diastolic decrescendo blowing murmur best heard at the left sternal border 2nd ICS
What are some signs associated with Aortic Regurgitation?
De Musset’s sign
Quinke’s sign
Collapsing pulse
What is De Musset’s sign?
Head bobbing
What is Quinke’s sign?
On pressing lightly on the nail bed to blanch it , visible red systolic pulsations are seen
What is the standard treatment for Aortic Regurgitation?
Afterload reduction through use of ACEi
What is the investigation for Aortic Regurgitation?
Echocardiogram
What are the indications for surgery with AR?
Symptomatic
Asymptomatic w/ early LV dysfunction
Asymptomatic w/ Aortic root dilation of >5.5cm (>4.5cm if they have Marfan’s or congenital biscuspid valve)
What are the causes of Mitral Regurgitation?
Mitral valve prolapse
Rheumatic heart disease
Ischaemic heart disease
Infective Endocarditis
Collagen Vascular Disease ( SLE, AnkSpond, RA)
Certain drugs
Secondary to LV Hypertrophy , causing annulus to dilate, pulling leaflets apart
What is the mitral valve annulus?
It’s the anatomical junction between the left atrium and left ventricle. It serves as an attachment site for the leaflets
In what type of people is Mitral Valve prolapse more common?
Marfan’s
People with Pectus Excavatum
What aeteologies are more likely to cause severe and acute MR?
Ruptured Chordae
Ruptured Papillary Muscle
Infective Endocarditis
What is the description of the Mitral regurgitation murmur?
Pansystolic blowing murmur bets heard in 5th ICS mid-clavicular line, radiates to the axilla
What investigations are used for mitral regurgitation?
Echocardiogram
When is surgery indicated in mitral regurgitation patients?
Symptomatic
Asymptomatic a/ mild-moderate LV dysfunction
What is the standard treatment for mitral regurgitation?
Diuretics
What medical treatment is used is mitral valve dysfunction is functional or Ischaemic ?
ACEi
What treatment is used if mitral valve dysfunction also presents with LV dysfunction?
ACEi and b-blockers
What predisposes people to infective endocarditis?
Mitral Valve Prolapse
Prosthetic valves
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Valvular Disease
Congenital Heart Diseases
What are the three most common causative organisms in infective endocarditis?
Viridans Streptococci (50%)
Staphylococcus Aureus (20%)
Enterococcus (10%)
What is most commonly the causative organism in IVDU with endocarditis ?
Staph Aureus
What is early post-operative IE usually caused by?
Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus
What is late post-operative IE caused by?
Viridans Streptococci, Staph Aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococci
What are around 2-10% of IE cases caused by?
Fungi
What organism has the highest mortality rate in IE?
Fungi
What predisposes people to fungal infective endocarditis ?
Immunosupression
IVDU
Cardiac Surgery
Antimicrobial drugs
IV feeding
What investigations are needed in IE?
At least 3 blood cultures , 6 if possible from different sites
ECHO
Why is it beneficial to delay antibiotics if patient is stable in IE?
Makes it easier to identify a causative organism on blood culture
What are the two types of ECHO?
Transthoracic Echocardiography
Transoesophageal Echocardiography ( TOE ) detects 95% of vegetations and is more sensitive
What are the major criteria to diagnose IE?
Positive blood cultures
Endocardial involvement
Postive ECHO
NEW valvular regurgitation
Dehiscence of prosthesis ( deatatchment of prothesis )
What are the minor criteria to diagnose IE?
IVDU
Predisposing Cardiac abnormality
Pyrexia
Embolotic event
Vasculitic event
Blood cultures suggestive
ECHO suggestive
What is the Antimicrobial treatment for streptococci IE?
IV Benylpenicillin and low dose Gentamicin
Vancomycin in penicillin allergy
What is the antimicrobial treatment for Enterococci?
IV Amoxicillin and low dose Gentamicin
Vancomycin if penicillin allergy
What is the antimicrobial treatment for staphylococcus?
Flucloxacillin and low dose Gentamicin
Vancomycin if Penicillin allergy
How do you monitor response to therapy? ( Infective Endocarditis )
ECHO once a week ( assess vegetation size)
ECG twice a week ( assess conduction disturbances )
Blood Test twice a week
What are indications for surgery in infective endocarditis?
Cardiac failure
Valve dehiscence
Not responding to antimicrobials
Relapse
Systemic embolism
Coxiella Burnetii or fungal infection
Para Alvar infection
Sinus of Valsava aneurysm
Valve obstruction
How are bradycardias/ tachycardias defined ?
By the pacemakers at fault e.g Sinus or AVN
What are the types of sinus node dysfunction?
Sinus bradycardia
Sick sinus syndrome
Sinus arrest
What are some causes of Sinus Bradycardia?
Medications
Hypothyroidism
Hypothermia
Sleep apnoea
Rheumatic fever
Viral myocarditis
Amyloidosis
Haemachromatosis
Pericarditis
For what reason would a pacemaker be fitted for someone with Sinus Bradycardia?
If they are symptomatic
What is first degree AVN block on an ECG?
A single PR interval >0.2s (one big box)
What drug could be the cause for First Degree AVN block?
Digoxin toxicity
What does second degree AVN block , Mobitz Type 1 look like on the ECG?
Progressive lengething of PR interval , followed by a dropped QRS
What does second degree AVN block look like on the ECG?
Constant PR interval
Failure of P wave to be conducted by ventricles
What is third degree Heart Block.?
When there is complete disassociation between P waves and QRS complexes
What is a block when it’s above the AVN called?
Narrow complex escape
What is a block called when it’s below the AVN ?
Broad complex escape
What are some causes of complete heart block?
Digoxin toxicity
Following a STEMI
Severe Hyperkalaemia
What treatment is important within the first 24 hours for patients with complete heart block?
Urgent permanent pacing wire otherwise it is unlikely they will ever recover conduction
What is the most common arrhythmia ?
Atrial fibrillation
What is the typical history of a patient with AF
Brief paroxysms of increasing duration, leading to persistent AF
Commonly have no or atypical symptoms
What are the complications of Atrial Fibrillation?
Embolic stroke
Cardiac instability
Death
If the atrial fibrillation has symptoms what can they be ?
Dysopnea
Palpitations
Syncope
Chest pain
What investigations are done for atrial fibrillation?
Manual pulse checks
ECG
What investigations is needed if paroxysmal AF is suspected?
Short term cardiac monitoring ( for 24 hours )
What are some examples of prolonged cardiac monitoring?
Prolonged Holter monitor
Implantable Loop recorder
When is an ECHO indicated for AF?
Suspected structural heart disease
When cardioversion is being considered
What are the three bases of management of atrial fibrillation ?
Anticoagulation (DOACs )
Rate control ( if LVEF < 40% b-blocker and Digoxin , if >40% add Diltiazem)
Rhythm control ( Flecainide or Electrical Cardioversion)
What is the score used to quantify the risk of bleeding with A Fib?
ORBIT score
What do the different scores of the CHAD2DS2VaSc scores indicate?
0- low risk
1- anticoagulant should be considered
2 or more - significant risk , anticoagulant offered
What does the HAS-BLED score indicate?
Likelihood of a major bleed , it’s used see the risk vs reward of offering anticoagulants
ORBIT score is now recommended instead
What is DOACs method of action?
Inhibit Factor Xa e.g ApiXAban , RivorAXaban
What is the most common types of Supraventricular Tachycardia?
AVNRT ( AV Nodal Re-Entry Tachycardia )
AVRT ( Atrio-Ventricular Re-Entry Tachycardia )
How can Supraventricular Tachycardias be treated?
By transiently blocking AV Nodal conduction
What is the first line treatment in stable patients with SVTs?
Vagal Manouvres - they slow AV node conduction
What are three examples of a Vagal Manouvre?
Valsava manoeuvre
Breath holding
Carotid massage
What is second line treatment for SVTS?
IV Adenosine
CCB
How should Adenosine be treated?
Rapid IV Bolus followed by a saline flush into the ante cubital fossa , 6mg stat , then 12mg if not working , then a further 12mg again if not working
Followed by a long flush with 0.9% sodium chloride
What are common side effects of Adenosine ?
Chest pain
Transient hypotension
Flushing
In which type of patients should Adenosine be avoided in?
Those with significant reversible airway disease
If the first and second line treatment for SVTs don’t work what is the new working diagnosis?
Atrial tachycardia
Atrial flutter
What treatment should be used in patients who are hypotensive , have pulmonary oedema, have chest pain with ischaemia have?
Synchronised Cardioversion ( 150J ) following sedation
What does Ventricular Tachycardia follow sometimes?
A STEMI
What is indicated for patients with sustained VT who are haemodynamically compromised?
Cardioversion ( 150-200j shock)
Which diuretic should be avoided in patients with gout?
Thiazide-like - as it can exacerbate this condition
What features of a tachyarrhythmia would make you perform DC cardioversion as treatment?
Shock ( systBP < 90mmHg )
Syncope
Myocardial ischaemia
Heart failure
What is first line treatment for Atrial FIbrillation? What if that drug isn’t tolerated/contraindicated in the patient?
First Line - DOACs
If contraindicated/not tolerated - Warfarin
A patient presents with acute onset of severe, tearing chest pain radiating to the back, an absent left femoral pulse and neurological deficits, what is the likely diagnosis?
Aortic dissesction
What is the treatment for Stable Angina?
First Line - B-Blocker/CCB ( Nifedipine if combined)
Sublingual GTN Spray
If not controlled by combination use
a long-acting nitrate or
ivabradine or
nicorandil or
ranolazine.
What is the first line treatment for Heart Failure?
ACEi and B-Blocker
What is the second line treatment for Heart Failure?
ACEi and B-Blocker
AND
Aldosterone Antagonist e.g Spironolactone
What is the treatment for acute pulmonary oedema?
IV Furosemide
What score must be calculated in individuals with and NSTEMI?
GRACE score
A GRACE score above what percentage means a patient requires a coronary angiography with follow up PCI if required?
Above 3%
What type of antibiotic can cause Torsades de Pointes ?
Macrolides
What are 3 examples of Macrolides?
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Erythromycin
What are you likely to see on ECG with a patient with Pericarditis?
Saddle-shaped ST Elevation
How does Pericarditis pain present?
Retrosternal sharp, stabbing chest pain
Pain is worse when lying flat and better on sitting up
Pain is worse on deep breaths
What does torsades de pointes look like on an ECG?
A type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. It looks like oscillations around the isolectric line
What are some congenital causes of prolonged QT syndrome?
Jervell-Lange-Nielson Syndrome ( affects K+ channels leads to hypokalaemia + deafness )
Romano-Ward syndrome ( same thing but no deafness )
What drugs are causes of prolonged QT syndrome?
Amiodarone
Sotalol
Tricyclic antidepressants ( Amitryptyline )
Citalopram
Haloperidol
Ondansetron
Macrolides
What are some other causes of prolonged QT syndrome?
Electrolyte disturbances - hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia
Acute Myocardial Infarction
Myocarditis
Hypothermia
Sub-arachnoid Haemorrhage
What is the first line investigation for suspected coronary artery disease aetiology?
CT Coronary Angiography