Cardiology Flashcards
Anteroseptal MI ECG leads
V1-4
Anteroseptal MI coronary artery
Left anterior descending
Inferior MI ECG leads
II, III, aVF
Inferior MI coronary artery
Right coronary
Anterolateral MI ECG leads
V1-6, aVL
Anterolateral MI coronary aretery
Proximal left anterior descending
Lateral MI ECG leads
I, aVL, +/- V5-6
Lateral MI coronary artery
Left circumflex
Posterior MI ECG leads
V1-3
Reciprocal changes typically seen
Reciprocal changes in posterior MI
- Horizonal ST depression
- Tall, broad R waves
- Upright T waves
- Dominant R wave in V2
Coronary artery in posterior MI
Usually left circumflex, also right coronary
Use of ACEi
First line hypertension in under 55’s
Heart failure
Diabetic nephropathy
Secondary prevention IHD
SEs ACEi
Cough
Angiodema
Hyperkalaemia
First dose hypotension (more common if on diuretics)
Cautions ACEi
Pregnancy/breastfeeding - avoid
Renovascular disease
Aortic stenosis
Hereditary idiopathic angioedema
K ≥5
Interactions ACEi
High dose diuretics (>80mg furosemide/day) - increased risk of hypotension
Monitoring ACEi
U&E before treatment started and after increaseing dose
Acceptable blood changes when starting ACEi
Serum creatinine 30% inc from baseline
Increase in K up to 5.5mmol/LWh
When might ACEi cause significant renal impairment
In patients with undiagnosed bilateral renal artery stenosis
Secondary prevention after ACS
Aspirin
Second antiplatelet if appropriate, aka clopidogrel
Beta blocker
ACEi
Statin
Common management all patients ACS
Aspirin 300mg
Oxygen to maintain sats <94%
Morphine if severe pain
Nitrates - SL or IV
STEMI criteria
Clinical symptoms of ACS ≥20mins, >20mins ECG features in ≥2 contiguous leads of:
- 2.5mm ST elevation in V2-3 in men under 40 years, or 2mm in men over 40
- 1.5mm ST elevation in V2-3 in women
- 1mm ST elevation in other leads
- New LBBB
Criteria PCI
Presentation in 12 hours of onset of symptoms
PCI can be delivered in 120mins of time fibrinoysis could be given
Criteria fibrinolysis
Presentation within 12 hours of onset of symptoms if primary PCI cannot be delivered within 120mins
Antiplatelets given prior to PCI
If patient not taking oral anticoagulant - prasugrel
If patient taking oral anticoagulant - clopidogrel
Drug therapy used for PCI
If radial access - unfractionated heparin
If femoral access - bivalirudin
Both give glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor if inadequate response
Other procedures during PCI
Thrombus aspiration
Complete revascularisation if multivessel CAD without cardiogenic shock
Assessment of success of fibrinolysis
ECG repeated 60-90 min after. If persistent myocardial ischaemia, consider PCI
Risk assessment NSTEMI patients
GRACE
What factors included in GRACE score
- Age
- HR and BP
- Cardiac and renal function (creatinine)
- Arrest on presentation
- ECG findings
- Troponin levels
Categories of risk based on predicted 6 month mortality
1.5% or below - lowest
> 1.5 - 3% - low
> 3 - 6% - intermediate
> 6 - 9% - high
over 9% - highesthi
Which patients with NSTEMI/unstable angina should have immediate coronary angiography?
Clinically unstable patients
Which patients with NSTEMI/unstable angina should have coronary angio within 73 hours
GRACE score >3% aka intermediate, high, or highest risk
What antithrombin treatment NSTEMI/unstable angina
Fondaparinux if not high risk of bleeding and not having immediate angio
Unfractionated heparin if immediate angio planned or Cr >265
Drug therapy prior to PCI in patients with NSTEMI/unstable angina
If not taking oral anticoagulant, prasugrel or ticagrelor
If taking oral anticoagulant, clopidogrel
Drug therapy PCI in NSTEMI/unstable angina
Unfractionated heparin
Conservative management NSTEMI/unstable angina
If patient at high risk of bleeding, clopidogrel
If patient not at high risk of bleeding, ticagrelor
Role of adenosine
Terminate SVT
Adverse effects adenosine
Chest pain
Bronchospasm (avoid in asthmatics)
Transient flushing
Can enhance conduction down accessory pathways, resulting in increased ventricular rate e.g. in WPW
What drug enhances effect of adenosine
Dipyridamole
What drug inhibits affects of adenosine
Theophyllines
When to give adrenaline ALS
ASAP non-shockable
Once chest compressions restarted after 3rd shock in VF/VT
Every 3-5 mins whilst ALS continues
Dose adrenaline ALS
1mg
When to give amiodarone ALS
VF/pulseless VT after 3 shocks
Further dose after 5 shocks
Dose amiodarone ALS
After 3 shocks - 300mg
After 5 shocks - 150mg
Alternative to adenosine ALS
Lidocaine
Role of thrombolytic drugs ALS
Should be given if PE suspected
If given, CPR continued for 60-90 minutes
Reversible causes cardiac arrest
Hypoxia
Hypovolaemia
Hyper/hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, acidaemia
Hypothermia
Thrombosis (coronary or pulmonary)
Tension pneumothorax
Tamponade
Toxins
Monitoring amiodarone
TFT, LFT, U&E, CXR prior to treatment
TFT and LFT every 6 months
Adverse effects amiodarone
Thyroid dysfunction
Corneal deposits
Pulmonary fibrosis/pneumonitis
Liver fibrosis/hepatitis
Peripheral neuropathy, myopathy
Photosensitivity
‘Slate grey’ appearance
Thrombophlebitis and injection site reactions
Bradycardia
Lengthens QT interval
First line treatment angina
Aspirin and statin
Sublingual GTN as needed
Beta blocker or calcium channel blocker
What calcium channel blocker angina
If monotherapy, rate limiting e.g. verapamil or diltizem
If in combo with beta blocker, dihydropyridine e.g. amlodipine, MR nifedipine
Second line treatment angina
If on beta blocker add CCB and vice versa
Options if patient cannot tolerate addition of beta blocker/CCB in angina
Long acting nitrate
Ivabradine
Nicorandil
Ranolazine
When to add third drug angina
Only whilst awaiting assessment for PCI
How to avoid nitrate tolerance
If taking SR ISMN, asymmetric dosing interval to maintain daily nitrate free time of 10-14 hours
Use of ARBs
Generally when ACEi not tolerated usually due to cough
Examples ARBs
Candesartan
Losartan
Irbesartan
SEs ARBs
Hypotension
Hyperkalaemia
1st line antiplatelet ACS (medially treated)
Aspirin (lifelong) and ticagrelor (12 months)
What if aspirin contraindicated in ACS (medically treated)
Lifelong clopi
1st line antiplatelet after PCI
Asprin (lifelong) and prasurgrel or ticagrelor (12 months)
What if aspirin contraindicated after PCI
Clopidogrel (lifelong)
1st line antiplatelet after TIA
Clopidogrel
2nd line antiplatelet after TIA/stroke
Aspirin and dipyridamole lifelong
1st line antiplatelet peripheral arterial disease
Clopidogrel (lifelong)
2nd line antiplatelet peripheral arterial disease
Aspirin (lifelong)
Risk factors aortic dissection
Hypertension
Trauma
Bicuspid aortic valve
Marfans and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Turner’s and Noonan’s sydnrome
Pregnancy
Syphilis
Features aortic dissection
Chest/back pain
Pulse deficit - weak/absent pulse, variation >20mmHg between arms
Aortic regurgitation
Hypertension
Features aortic dissection involving coronary arteries
Angina
Features aortic dissection involving spinal arteries
Paraplegia
Features aortic dissection involving distal aorta
Limb ischaemia
ECG changes aortic dissection
Majority have no or non-specific ECG changes
In minority, ST elevation in inferior leads
Classification aortic dissection
Type A - ascending aorta (more likely chest pain)
Type B - descending aorta (more likely back pain)
CXR aortic dissection
Widened mediastinum
Investigation of choice aortic dissection
CT angio CAP (suitable for stable patients and planning surgery)
CT angio CAP findings aortic dissection
False lumen
Management type A aortic dissection
Surgical management
BP control systolic 100-120mmHg whilst awaiting intervention
Management type B aortic dissection
Conservative management
Bed rest
IV labetalol
Complications backwards aortic dissection
Aortic incompetence/regurgitation
MI - inferior pattern
Complications forward aortic dissection
Stroke
Renal failure
Causes of chronic presentation of aortic regurgitation due to valve disease
Rheumatic fever
Calcific valve disease
Connective tissue disease, e.g. RA, SLE
Bicuspid aortic valve
Causes of acute presentation aortic regurgitation due to valve disease
Infective endocarditis
Causes of chronic presentation aortic regurgitation due to aortic root disease
Bicuspid aortic valve
Spondyloarthropathies, e.g. ankylosing spondylitis
Hypertension
Syphilis
Marfans, Erlers Danlos
Causes of acute presentation of aortic regurgitation due to aortic root disease
Aortic dissection
Features aortic regurgitation
Early diastolic murmur, increased by handgrip
Collapsing pulse
Wide pulse pressure
Quincke’s sign
De Musset’s sign
What is Quincke’s sign
Nailbed pulsation
What is De Musset’s sign
Head bobbing
Aortic regurg surgery indications
Symptomatic with severe AR
Asymptomatic with severe AR and LV dysfunction
Features aortic stenosis
ESM, radiates to carotids, decreased following Valsalva
Narrow pulse prsesure
Slow rising pulse
Delayed ESM
Soft/absent S2
S4
Thrill
Causes aortic stenosis
Degenerative calcification (most common >65)
Bicuspid aortic valve (most common <65)
Williams syndrome
Post-rheumatic disease
HOCM
Management aortic stenosis
If asymptomatic, observe
If symptomatic or valvular gradient >40mmHg and features of LV dysfunction, consider surgeryS
Surgical options aortic stenosis
Surgical AVR for young, low/medium risk patients
Transcatheter AVR for high operative risk
Role of balloon valvuloplasty aortic stenosis
Children with no aortic valve calcification
Adults with critical AS who not fit for valve replacement
Inheritence pattern arrythomogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
Autosomal dominant
Pathology ARVC
Right ventricular myocardium replaced with fibrous/fatty tissue
ECG ARVC
Abnormalities in V1-3, typically T wave inversion
Epsilon wave in 50% - terminal notch in QRS complex
Echo ARVC
Often subtle changes in early stages
Enlarged, hypokinetic right ventricle with thin free wall
Management ARVC
Sotalol
Catheter ablation
ICD
What is Naxos disease
Autosomal recessive variant of ARVC
ARVC, palmoplantar keratosis, woolly hair
First line rate control AF
Beta blocker or rate limiting CCB (e.g. diltiazem)
Second line rate control AF
Combination therapy with any 2 of:
Beta blocker
Diltiazem
Digoxin
CHADVASC score
Congestive HF - 1
Hypertension - 1
Age ≥75 - 2
Age 65-74 - 1
Diabete - 1
Prior stroke, TIA, or thromboembolism - 2
Vascular disease - 1
Female - 1
Anticoagulation based on CHADVASC
0 - no treatment
1 - consider anticoagulation if male
2 - offer anticoagulation
HASBLED score
Hb <130 males, <120 for females - 2
Age >74 - 1
Bleeding history (GI, intracranial) - 2
GFR <60 - 1
Antiplatelets - 1
Interpretation HASBLED
0-2 low risk
3 medium risk
4-7 high risk
First line anticoagulant AF
DOACs
Indications for cardioversion AF
If haemodynamically unstable (emergency)
If rhythm control strategy preferred (elective)
Anticoagulation prior to cardioversion
If definitely less than 48 hours, patients should be heparinised
If more than 48 hours, needs anticoagulation for at least 3 weeks prior to cardioversion (or TOE to exclude left atrial appendage thrombus - if neg, treat as less than 48h)
Cardioversion options when onset AF <48 hours
Electrical cardioversion
Chemical cardioversion
Drugs used for chemical cardioversion
Amiodarone if structural heart disease
Flecainide or amiodarone if no structural heart disease
Cardioversion options AF onset >48 hours
Electrical cardioversion
Management of AF with high risk of cardioversion failure
At least 4 weeks of amiodarone or sotalol prior to electrical cardioversion
Management post electrical cardioversion
If AF was <48 hours duration, no anticoagulation necessary
If AF >48 hours, at least 4 weeks of anticoagulation
Anticoagulation in AF post stroke
Warfarin or direct thrombin (rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) or factor Xa inhibitor (dabigatran)
When should anticoagulation for AF be started in TIA patients
Immediately (once haemorrhage excluded)
When should anticoagulation for AF be started in acute stroke patients
After 2 weeks (antiplatelets in intervening period)
Delayed if imaging shows very large cerebral infarction
When should rhythm control strategy be employed in AF
AF has reversible cause
Heart failure thought to be primarily caused by AF
New onset AF (<48hours)
Flutter suitable for ablation
More suitable based on clinical judgement
Role of digoxin rate control for AF
Not first line as less effective at controlling heart rate during exercise, only considered if person does no or very little exercise and other rate-limiting drugs ruled out due to co-morbidities
Good if co-existent heart failure
What drugs can be used to maintain sinus rhythm in patients with history of AF
Beta blockers
Dronedarone
Amiodarone
When is catheter ablation used in AF
If have not responded to or wish to avoid anti-arrhythmic medication
Anticoagulation around catheter ablation for AF
4 weeks before and during procedure
Limitation of catheter ablation for AF
Does not reduce stroke risk, even if patients remain in sinus rhythm, so still need anticoagulation based on chadvasc
Complications catheter ablation AF
Cardiac tamponade
Stroke
Pulmonary vein stenosis
Features first degre heart block
PR interval >0.2s
Often asymptomatic - if so doesnt need treatment
Features second degree heart block type 1
Progressive prolongation of PR interval until dropped beat occurs
Features second degree heart block type 2
PR interval constant, but P wave often not followed by QRS
Features third degree heart block
No association between P waves and QRS complexes
Causes raised BNP
Heart failure
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Ischaemia
Tachycardia
RV overload
Hypoxaemia
GFR <60
Sepsis
COPD
Diabetes
Age >70
Cirrhosis
Factors reducing BNP (false lows)
Obesity
Diuretics
Drugs
Drugs reducing BNP
ACEi
Beta blockers
ARBs
Aldosterone antagonists
What is bivalirudin
Reversible direct thrombin inhibitor used as anticoagulant in management of ACS
Inheritance Brugada syndrome
Autosomal dominant
ECG changes Brugada syndrome
Convex ST segment elevation >2mm in >1 of V1-3, followed by negative T wave
Partial RBBB
Investigation of choice Brugada syndrome
Give flecainide or ajmaline - ECG changes become more pronounced
Management Brugada syndrome
ICD
What is Buerger’s disease
Small and medium vessel vasculitis, strongly associated with smoking
Features Buerger’s disease
Extremity ischaemia - intermittent claudication, ischaemic ulcers
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Features cardiac tamponade
Hypotension
Raised JVP
Muffled heart sounds
Dyspnoea
Tachycardia
Pulses paradoxus
Absent Y descent on JVP
ECG cardiac tamponade
Electrical alternans
Causes restrictive cardiomyopathy
Amyloidosis
Post-radiotherapy
Loeffler’s endocarditis
When does peripartum cardiomyopathy occur
Last month of preg - 5 months PP
Risk factors peripartum cardiomyopathy
Older women
Greater parity
Multiple gestations
Features Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Stress induced
Transient, apical ballooning of myocardium
Supportive treatment
Infective causes of cardiomyopathy
Coxsackie B
Chagas disease
Infiltrative causes of cardiomyopathy
Amyloidosis
Storage causes of cardiomyopathy
Haemochromotosis
Toxic causes of cardiomyopathy
Doxorubicin
Alcoholic
Inflammatory causes of cardiomyopathy
Sarcoidosis
Endocrine causes of cardiomyopathy
Diabetes mellitus
Thyrotoxicosis
Acromegaly
Neuromuscular causes of cardiomyopathy
Friedreich’s ataxia
Duchenne/Beckers muscular dystrophy
Myotonic dystrophy
Nutritional causes of cardiomyopathy
Beriberi (thiamine)
Autoimmune causes of cardiomyopathy
SLE
What is Boerhaaves syndrome
Spontaneous rupture of oesophagus occurring as result of repeated episodes of vomiting
Presentation Boerhaaves syndrome
Sudden onset severe chest pain with severe vomiting
Severe sepsis secondary to mediastinitis
Diagnosis Boerhaaves syndrome
CT contrast swallow
Treatment Boerhaaves syndrome
Thoracotomy and lavage
If less than 12 hours from onset, primary repair feasible. If more, insertion of T tube to create controlled fistula between oesophagus and skin
First line investigation suspected heart failure
BNP
Interpretation BNP as first line in suspected heart failure
If >400, specialist assessment inc transthoracic echo within 2 weeks
If 100-400, specialist assessment including transthoracic echo within 6 weeks
BNP → NTproBNP conversion
BNP >400 = NTproBNP >2000
BNP 100-400 = NTproBNP 400-2000
First line treatment heart failure
ACEi and beta blocker
Start one at a time, judgement to decide which
Second line treatment heart failure
Aldosterone antagonist, e.g. spironolactone and eplerenone
Role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in heart failure
Reduce hospitalisation and cardiovascular death
Add dapagliflozin to optimised standard care
Third line treatment heart failure
Should be initiated by specialist
Options:
- Ivabradine
- Sacubitril-valsartan
- Hydralazine with nitrate
- Digoxin
- Cardiac resync therapy
Criteria ivabradine heart failure
Sinus rhythm >75/min
LV fraction <35%
Criteria sacubitril-valsartan heart failure
LV fraction <35
Symptomatic on ACEi/ARB
Initiated following ACEi/ARB wash out period
Use of digoxin in heart failure
- Improves symptoms due to inotropic properties
- Strongly indicated if co-existent AF
Who is hydralazine with nitrate useful for in heart failure
Afro-Caribbean patients
Indications cardiac resync therapy in heart failure
Widened QRS (LBBB)
Vaccinations in heart failure
Annual flu
One of pneumococcal
Who needs 5 yearly pneumococcal vaccine
Asplenia or splenic dysfunction
CKD
NYHA class I heart failure
No symptoms, no limitation on ordinary physicla exercise
NYHA class II heart failure
Mild symptoms, slight limitations of physical activity, comfortable at rest but ordinary activity results in fatigue, palpitations, or dyspnoea
NYHA class III heart failure
Moderate symptoms
Marked limitation of physical activity, comfortable at rest but less than ordinary activity results in symptoms
NYHA class IV heart failure
Severe symptoms, unable to carry out any physical activity without discomfort, symptoms present at rest
Associations coarctation of aorta
Turner’s syndrome
Bicuspid aortic valve
Berry aneurysms
Neurofibromatosis
Features coarctation of aorta
In infancy, heart failure
In adults, hypertension
Radiofemoral delay
Mid-systolic murmur, maximal over back
Apical blick from aortic valve
Notching of inferior border of ribs (due to collateral vessels)
Features complete heart block
Syncope
Heart failure
Regular bradycardia (30-50)
Wide pulse pressure
JVP - cannon waves in neck
Variable intensity S1
First line anti-hypertensive in diabetics
ACEi
Considerations anti-hypertensives diabetics
Autonomic neuropathy may result in more postural symptoms
Routine use of beta blockers should be avoided as can cause insulin resistance, impair insulin secretion, and alter autonomic response to hypoglycaemia
Causes dilated cardiomyopathy
Idiopathic (most common)
Myocarditis
IHD
Peripartum
Hypertension
Iatrogenic
Substance abuse
Inherited
Infiltrative
Causes of myocarditis → dilated cardiomyopathy
Coxsackie B
HIV
Diptheria
Chagas
Drugs causing dilated cardiomyopathy
Doxorubicin
Substance abuse causing dilated cardiomyopathy
Alcohol
Cocaine
Infiltrative causes dilated cardiomyopathy
Haemochromatosis
Sarcoidosis
Features dilated cardiomyopathy
Classic features of heart failure
Systolic murmur
S3
CXR dilated cardiomyopathy
Balloon appearance of heart
DVLA hypertension
Can drive unless treatment causes unacceptable side effects, no need to notify DVLA
If group 2, can’t drive if BP consistently over 180mmHg systolic or 100mmHg diastolic
Angiography (elective) DVLA
1 week off driving
CABG DVLA
4 weeks off driving
ACS DVLA
4 weeks off driving, 1 week if successfully treated by angioplasty
Angina DVLA
Can’t drive if symptoms at rest/at the wheel
Pacemaker insertion DVLA
1 week off driving
ICD DVLA
If implanted for sustained ventricular arrhyhtmia - 6 months off
If prophylactic - 1 month
Permanent ban for group 2
Successful catheter ablation for arrhythmia DVLA
2 days off
Aortic aneurysm DVLA
If 6cm or more, notify DVLA - yearly review of licensw
If over 6.5cm, can’t drive
Heart transplant DVLA
Can’t drive 6 weeks, no need to notify DVLA
Causes left axis deviation
Left anterior hemiblock or left bundle branch block
Inferior MI
WPW (right sided pathway) - majority of cases
Hyperkalaemia
Congenital - ostium primum ASD, tricuspid atresia
Minor in obese
Causes of right axis deviation
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Left posterior hemiblock
Lateral MI
Chronic lung disease → cor pulmonale
Pulmonary embolism
Ostium secundum ASD
WPW (left sided pathway)
Minor in tall
Normal in <1yo
ECG digoxin toxicity
Down-sloping ST depression
Flattened/inverted T waves
Short QT
Arrhythmias, e.g. AV block, bradycardia
ECG hypokalaemia
U waves
Small or absent T waves
Prolong PR
ST depression
Long QT
ECG hypothermia
Bradycardia
J wave
First degree heart block
Long QT interval
Atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
ECG LBBB
W in V1, M in V6
ECG RBBB
M in V1, W in V6
Causes LBBB
MI
Hypertension
Aortic stenosis
Cardiomyopathy
Idiopathic fibrosis
Digoxin toxicity
Hyperkalaemia
ECG normal variants in athlete
Sinus bradycardia
Junctional rhythm
First degree heart block
Mobitz type 1
Causes of increased P wave amplitude
Cor pulmonale
Causes of bifid (broad, notced) P waves
Left atrial enlargement, classically due to mitral stenosis
Causes prolonged PR interval
Idiopathic
Ischaemic heart disease
Digoxin toxicity
Hypokalaemia
Rheumatic fever
Aortic root pathology, e.g. abscess secondary to endocarditis
Lyme disease
Sarcoidosis
Myotonic dystrophy
Causes short PR interval
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Causes of right bundle branch block
Normal variant
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Chronically increased right ventricular pressure, e.g. cor pulmonale
Pulmonary embolism
Myocardial infarction
Atrial septal defect
Cardiomyopathy or myocarditis
Causes ST depression
Secondary to abnormal QRS (LVH, LBBB, RBBB)
Ischaemia
Digoxin
Hypokalaemia
Syndrome X
Causes ST elevation
Myocardial infarction
Pericarditis/myocarditis
Normal variant (high take off)
Left ventricular aneurysm
Prinzmetal’s angina (coronary artery spasm)
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Causes peaked T waves
Hyperkalaemia
Myocardial ischaemia
Causes inverted T waves
Myocardial ischaemia
Digoxin toxicity
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Arrythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
Pulmonary embolism
Brugada syndrome
Acute heart failure treatment for all patients
IV loop diuretics, e.g. furosemide or bumetanide
Role of vasodilators (nitrates) in acute heart failure
May be used if concomitant myocardial ischaemia, severe hypertension, or regurgitant aortic or mitral valve disease
Treatment of acute heart failure patients with resp failure
CPAP
Treatment of hypotension/cardiogenic shock in acute heart failure
Inotropic agents, e.g. dobutamine
Vasopressor agents, e.g. norepinephrine
Mechanical circulatory assistance, e.g. intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation
Role of inotropic agents in acute heart failure
Should be considered for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction who have potentially reversible cardiogenic shock
Role of vasopressor agents in acute heart failure
Normally only used if insufficient response to inotropes and evidence of end-organ hypoperfusion
Should regular medications for heart failure be continued in acute heart failure
Yes
Beta blockers should be stopped if HR under 50, 2nd or 3rd degree block, or shock
Causes of soft S1
Prolonged PR
Mitral regurgitation
Causes of loud S1
Mitral stensois
Causes of soft S2
Aortic stenosis
Causes of S3
Normal if <30
LVF
Constrictive pericarditis
Mitral regurgitation
Causes of S4
Aortic stenosis
HOCM
Hypertension
What is remnant hyperlipidaemia
Also called type 3 hyperlipoproteinaemia
Rare inherited condition causing high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood
Causes palmar xanthoma
Remnant hyperlipidaemia
Less commonly, familial hypercholesterolaemia
What are eruptive xanthomas
Multiple red/yellow vesicles on extensor surfaces, e.g. elbows, knees
Causes of eruptive xanthomas
Familial hypertriglyceridaemia
Lipoprotein lipase deficiency
Causes of tendon xanthoma, xanthelasma
Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Remnant hyperlipidaemia
What are xanthelasma
Yellowish papules and plaques caused by localised accumulation of lipid deposits commonly seen on eyelid
Management options xanthelasma
Surgical excision
Topical tricholoroacetic acid
Laser therapy
Electrodesiccation
Stage 1 hypertension criteria
Clinic BP ≥140/90 and ABPM/HBPM ≥135/85
Stage 2 hypertension criteria
Clinic BP ≥160/100 and ABPM/HBPM ≥150/95
Severe hypertension criteria
Clinic BP systolic ≥180 or diastolic ≥120
When should ABPM/HBPM be offered
Any BP ≥140/90
Management BP ≥180/120
Consider need for urgent referral
Urgent investigation for end-organ damage - bloods, urine, ACR, ECG
Who needs urgent referral BP ≥180/120
Signs of retinal haemorrhage or papilloedema
Life threatening symptoms, e.g. new onset confusion, chest pain, signs of heart failure, AKI
If phaeochromocytoma suspected
What to do if BP ≥180/120 and target organ damage identified on investigation
Consider starting anti-hypertensive drugs immediately, wtihout waiting for results of ABPM/HBPM
What to do if BP ≥180/120 and target organ damage not identified on investigation
Repeat clinic BP within 7 days
How is ABPM carried out
At least 2 measurements per hour during persons usual waking hours, average value of at least 14 measurements
When is HBPM offered
If ABPM not tolerated or declined
How is HBPM carried out
For each BP recording, 2 consecutive measurements, at least 1 min apart and with patient seated
Record BP BD, ideally morning and evening
Recorded for at least 4 days, ideally 7 days.
Discard all measurements from first day, and use average of all remaining measurements
When to defo offer drug treatment in stage 1 hypertension
Age under 80 and:
- Target organ damage
- CVD
- Renal disease
- Diabetes
- 10 year CVD risk ≥10%
When to consider offering drug treatment in stage 1 hypertension
Age over 80 and clinic BP >150/90
Age under 60 and 10 year CVD risk <10%
What to do stage 1 hypertension in under 40’s
Consider specialist evaluation of secondary causes
How to manage stage 2 hypertension
Lifestyle advice and drug treatment
Causes secondary hypertension
Primary hyperaldosteronism (5-10% of cases of hypertension
Renal disease
Endocrine disorders
Drugs
Pregnancy
Coarctation of aorta
Drugs causing hypertension
Steroids
MAOI
COCP
NSAIDs
Leflunomide
Inheritance HOCM
Autosomal dominant
Features HOCM
Often asymptomatic
Exertional dyspnoea
Angina
Syncope, typically following exercise
Sudden death
Jerky pulse, large A waves, double apex beat
Systolic murmur - ESM or pansystolic
Conditions associated with HOCM
Friedreich’s ataxia
Wolff-Parkinson White
Echo findings HOCM
Mitral regurgitation
Systolic anterior motion of anterior mitral valve leaflet
Asymmetric hypertrophy
ECG HOCM
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Non-specific ST segment and T wave abnormalities, progressive T wave inversion
Deep Q waves
Occasionally AF
Drugs to avoid HOCM
Nitrates
ACE-i
Inotropes
Management HOCM
Amiodarone
Beta blockers or verapamil
Cardioverter defib
Dual chamber pacemarker
Endocarditis prophylaxis
Most common pathogen infective endocarditis
Staphylococcus aureus
Streptococcus viridans endocarditis associated with…
Developing countries (most common cause)
Poor dental hygiene or following dental procedure
Most common organism causing endocarditis after valve surgery/indwelling lines
Coag neg Staphylococci, e.g. staphylococcus epidermidis
After 2 months, staph aureus most common cause again
Infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus bovis associated with…
Colorectal cancer
Causes non-infective endocarditis
SLE
Malignancy (marantic endocarditis
Culture negative causes of endocarditis
Prior ABx therapy
Coxiella burnetii
Bartonella
Brucella
HACEK (haemophilus, actinobacillus, cardiobacterium, eikenella, kingella)
Ivabradine use
Anti-anginal
Adverse effects ivabradine
Visual effects, particularly luminous phenomena
Headache
Bradycardia, heart block
Cause non-pulsatile JVP
Superior vena cava obstruction
What is Kussmaul’s sign, and when seen
Paradoxical rise in JVP during inspiration
Seen in constrictive pericarditis
What forms the a wave of JVP
Atrial contraction
Cause of large A waves
Atrial pressure - tricuspid stenosis, pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary hypertension
Cause of absent A waves
AF
What are Cannon a waves, and what causes?
Atrial contraction against closed tricuspid valve
Seen in:
- Complete heart block
- Ventricular tachycardia/ectopics
- Nodal rhythm
- Single chamber ventricular pacing
Cause of V wave JVP, and when abnormal
Due to passive filling of blood into atrium against closed tricuspid valve
Giant V waves in tricuspid regurgitation
How does long QT cause death
May lead to ventricular tachycardia/torsades de pointes → collapse and sudden death
Congenital causes long QT
Jervell-Lange-Nielsen syndrome (deafness)
Romano-Ward syndrome (no deafness)
Drugs causing long QT
Amiodarone, sotalol
TCAs, SSRIs (esp citalopram)
Methadone
Chloroquine
Terfenadine
Erythromycin
Haloperidol
Ondansetron
Electrolyte disturbances causing long QT
Hypocalcaemia
Hypokalaemia
Hypomagnesaemia
Other causes long QT
Acute MI
Myocarditis
Hypothermia
SAH
Feaetures long QT1
Usually associated with exertional syncope, often swimming
Features long QT2
Often assocaited with syncope occurring following emotional stress, exercise, or auditory stimuli
Features long QT3
Events often occur at night or rest
Management long QT
Avoid drugs that prolong QT interval and other precipitants as appropriate
Beta blockers
Implantable cardioverter defib in high risk cases
Examples loop diuretics
Furosemide
Bumetanide
Indications loop diuretics
Herat failure
Resistant hypertension
Adverse effects loop diuretics
Hypotension
Hyponatraemia, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcemia, hypochloraemic alkalosis
Ototoxicity
Renal impairment
Hyperglycaemia
Gout
Risk factors mitral regurgitation
Female
Low BMI
Age
Renal dysfunction
Prior MI
Prior mitral stenosis or valve prolapse
Collagen disorders, e.g. Marfans, Ehlers-Danlos
Causes mitral regurgitation
Papillary muscle or chordae tendinae damage after cardiac insult
Mitral valve prolapse
Infective endocarditis
Rheumatic fever
Congenital
Symptoms MR
Most asymptomatic
Symtptoms of:
- Left ventricular failure
- Arrhythmias
- Pulmonary hypertension
Signs MR
Pansystolic murmur described as blowing - best heard at apex and radiates to axilla
S1 quiet
Severe MR - widely split S2
ECG findings MR
Broad P wave
CXR findings MR
Cardiomegaly, enlarged LA and ventricle
Medical management MR
Nitrates
Diuretics
Positive inotropes
Intra-aortic balloon pump
Indications for surgery MR
Acute, severe regurgitation
Surgical options MR
Repair > replacement in degenerative
When not possible, valve replacement - artificial or pig
Causes mitral stenosis
Rheumatic fever (most common)
Mucopolysaccharoidoses
Carcinoid
Endocardial fibroelastosis
Symptoms mitral stenosis
Dyspnoea
Haemoptysis
Cause of dyspnoea and haemoptysis in mitral stenosis
Increased left atrial pressure → pulmonary venous hypertension
This can lead to rupture of thin walled and dilated bronchial veins
Signs mitral stenosis
Mid-late diastolic murmur, best heard in expiration
Loud S1
Opening snap
Low volume pulse
Malar flush
AF
Change in murmur in severe mitral stenosis
Length of murmur increases
Opening snap becomes close to S2
CXR mitral stenosis
Left atrial enlargement
Management asymptomatic mitral stenosis
Regular echo monitoring
Management symptomatic mitral stenosis
Percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy or mitral valve surgery (commissurotomy or valve replacement)
Management AF in mitral stenosis
Warfarin
Associations mitral valve prolapse
CHD - PDA, ASD
Cardiomyopathy
Turners syndrome
Marfans syndrome
Fragile X
Osteogenesis imperfecta
WPW
Long-QT
Ehlers Danlos
PKD
Festures mitral valve prolapse
Mid-systolic click
Late systolic murmur, longer if patient standing
Cause of ESM louder on expiration
Aortic stenosis
HOCMC
Cause of ESM louder on inspiration
Pulmonary stenosis
ASD
Cause of pansystolic murmur
Mitral/tricuspid regurgitation (louder during inspiration in tricuspid)
VSD (harsh)
Cause of late systolic murmur
Mitral valve prolapse
Coarctation of aorta
Cause of early diastolic murmur
Aortic regurgitation
Pulmonary regurgitation
Cause of mid-late diastolic murmur
Mitral stenosis (rumbling)
Severe aortic regurgitation
Cause of continuous machine like murmur
PDA
Most common cause of death after MI
Cardiac arrest
Management cardiogenic shock after MI
- Inotropic support
- Intra-aortic balloon pump
What kind of MI is bradycardia more common following
Inferior MI (AV block)
Time frame pericarditis after MI
- First 48 hours
- Dresslers syndrome occurs 4-6 weeks after
Features pericarditis after MI
Common after transmural MI
Typical pericarditis pain
Pericardial rub
Pericardial effusion on echo
Cause Dresslers syndrome
Autoimmune reaction against antigenic proteins formed as myocardium recovers
Features Dresslers syndrome
Fever
Pleuritic pain
Pericardial effusion
Raised ESR
Treatment Dresslers syndrome
NSAIDs
Features left ventricular aneurysm following MI
Persistent ST elevation
Left ventricular failure
Treatment left ventricular aneurysm following MI
Anticoagulation (thrombus may form → stroke)
Timeframe left ventricular free wall rupture post MI
1-2 weeks after
Presentation left ventricular free wall rupture post MI
Acute heart failure secondary to tamponade - raised JVP, pulsus paradoxus, diminished heart sounds
Treatment left ventricular free wall rupture
Urgent pericardiocentesis and thoracotomy
Timeframe VSD post MI
First week
Features VSD post MI
Acute heart failure
Pansystolic murmur
Treatment VSD post MI
Urgent surgical correction
What kind of MI is acute mitral regurg more common with
Infero-posterior
Presentation acute mitral regurg post MI
Acute hypotension
Pulmonary oedema
Early to mid systolic murmur
Treatment acute mitral regurgitation post MI
Vasodilator therapy
Often need emergency surgical repair
Secondary prevention drugs after MI
DAPT
ACEi
Beta blocker
Statin
Lifestyle recommendations post MI
Mediterranean style diet, switch butter and cheese for plant based products
Exercise 20-30 min/day until slightly breathless
Sexual activity post MI
May resume 4 weeks post uncomplicated MI
Use of PDE5 inhibitors (e.g. sildenafil) post MI
Can be used 6 months post MI
Avoid if on nitrates or nicorandil
DAPT choice post medically managed ACS
Aspirin (lifelong) + ticagrelor (12 months)
DAPT choice post PCI
Aspirin (lifelong) + prasugrel or ticagrelor (12 months)D
Role of aldosterone antagonists post MI
In patients acute MI with symptom/signs of heart failure and LV systolic dysfunction, start eplerenone within 3-14 days of MI, pref after ACEi
Use of oxygen therapy in COPD patients with MI
If at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, aim 88-92% until ABG available
Agent of choice in thrombolysis
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
Glycaemic control in MI
Use dose-adjusted insulin infusion with regular monitor of blood glucose aiming under 11
Nicorandil use
Angina
Adverse effects nicorandil
Headache
Flushing
Skin, mucosal, and eye ulceration (GI ulcers including anal)
Contraindications nicorandil
Left ventricular failure
Nicotinic acid use
Hyperlipidaemia
Adverse effects nicotinic acid
Flushing
Impaired glucose tolerance
Myositis
Use nitrates
Angina
Acute treatment of heart failure
SEs nitrates
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Headaches
Flushing
Adverse signs with bradycardia
- Shock - hypotension, pallor, sweating, cold/clammy extremities, confusion, impaired consciousness
- Syncope
- Myocardial ischaemia
- Heart failure
First line treatment bradycardia with adverse features
Atropine 500mcg IV
Second line treatments bradycardia with adverse features
Atropine, up to 3mg
Transcutaneous pacing
Isoprenaline/adrenaline infusion titrated to response
Third line treatment bradycardia with adverse features
Specialist advice for consideration of transvenous pacing
Risk factors for asystole in bradycardia (need to consider transvenous pacing)
Complete heart block with broad complex QRS
Recent asystole
Mobitz type II AV block
Ventricular pause >3 seconds
Management tachycardia with adverse features
Up to 3 synchronised DC shocks
What is considered broad QRS in tachycardia
<0.12s
Cause regular broad complex tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia
Treatment regular broad complex tachycardia
Loading dose amiodarone followed by 24 hour infusion
Treatment irregular broad complex tachycardia
Expert help
Cause irregular broad complex tachycardia
AF with bundle branch block (most likely in stable patient)
AF with ventricular pre-excitation
Torsades de pointes
Treatment regular narrow complex tachycardia
- Vagal manoeuvres
- IV adenosine
If unsuccessful, consider diagnosis of atrial flutter - control rate (e.g. beta blockers)
Treatment irregular narrow complex tachycardia
Probably AF - if onset <48h, consider cardioversion. If not, rate control - beta blockers first line
Who usually gets bioprosthetic heart valves
Older patients (>65 in aortic, >70 in mitral)
Advantage bioprosthetic valves
Long-term anticoagulation not needed - warfarin for 3 months, then low-dose aspirin
Disadvantage bioprosthetic valve
Structural deterioration and calcification over time
Anticoagulation mechanical heart valves
Warfarin
Aspirin if additional indication, e.g. IHD
INR target mechanical heart valves
Aortic 3.0
Mitral 3.5
Pulmonary embolism rule out criteria
Age 50+
HR ≥100
Oxygen sats ≤94%
Previous DVT or PE
Recent surgery or trauma in past 4 weeks
Haemoptysis
Unilateral leg swelling
Oestrogen use, e.g. HRT, contraceptives
If all criteria ABSENT, low chance of PE
Wells score
Clinical signs/symptoms of DVT (leg swelling, pain on palpation of deep veins) - 3
Alternative diagnosis less likely than PE - 3
HR >100 - 1.5
Immobilisation for more than 3 days, or surgery in past 4 weeks - 1.5
Previous DVT/PE - 1.5
Haemoptysis - 1
Malignancy - 1
Interpretation of Wells score
PE likely if 4+
PE unlikely if 4 or less
Management PE likely Wells score
Immediate CTPA
If delay in getting CTPA, interim therapeutic anticoagulation (apixaban or rivaroxiban)
If CTPA negative, consider proximal leg vein USS if DVT suspected
Management PE unlikely Wells score
D-dimer test - if positive, CTPA. If negative, stop anticoag and consider alternative diagnosis
Use of V/Q scanning
Investigation of choice in renal impairment
ECG changes PE
Large S wave in lead I
Large Q wave in lead III
Inverted T wave in lead III
RBBB
Right axis deviation
Sinus tachy
CXR PE
Usually normal
Sometimes wedge-shaped opacification
Other causes of V/Q mismatch
Old PE
AV malformations
Vasculitis
Previous radiotherapy
First line anticoagulant PE
Apixaban or rivaroxiban
Second line anticoagulant PE
Dabigatran or edoxaban
LMWH → warfarin
Anticoagulant PE with severe renal impairment (<15)
LMWH → warfarin
Anticoagulant PE in antiphospholipid syndrome
LMWH → warfarin
Length of anticoagulant PE
3 months if provoked (3-6 months if acitive cancer)
6 months if unprovoked
Treatment PE with haemodynamic instability
Thrombolysis
Treatment repeated PEs on anticoagulation
Consider IVC filter
What is pulsus paradoxus
Greater than 10mmHg fall in systolic BP during inspiration, presenting as faint or absent pulse in inspiration
Causes pulsus paradoxus
Severe asthma
Cardiac tamponade
Causes slow-rising/plateau pulse
Aortic stenosis
Causes collapsing pulse
Aortic regurgitation
PDA
Hyperkinetic states, e.g. anaemia, thyrotoxic, fever, exercise, pregnancy
Causes pulsus alternans
Severe LVF
What is bisferiens pulse
Two systolic peaks
Causes bisferiens pulse
Mixed aortic valve disease
Causes jerky pulse
HOCM
Adverse effects statins
Myopathy
Liver impairment
Some evidence of increased risk of intracerebral haemorrhage in previous stroke patients
Risk factors myopathy caused by statins
Female
Low BMI
Multisystem disease, e.g. diabetes mellitus
Which statins more likely to cause myopathy
Simvastatin, atorvastatin
Liver monitoring statins
LFTs at baseline, 3 months, 12 months
Management of deranged LFTs with statins
Treatment discontinued if serum transaminase concentrations rise to and persist 3x upper limit of normal
Interactions statins
Macrolides, e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin - stop statins until course complete
Who should be on statin
Everyone with established cardiovascular disease, e.g. stroke, TIA, IHD, PAD
Anyone with 10 year cardiovascular risk ≥10%
Patients with T1DM diagnosed over 10 years ago or 40+ or established nephropathy
Time of day to take statins
Night (when majority of cholesterol synthesis occurs)
First line statin primary prevention
20mg atorvastatin
First line statin secondary prevention
80mg atorvastatin
When to increase dose statin primary prevention
If non-HDL not reduced ≥40%
Management SVT
Vagal manoeuvures
IV adenosine - rapid bolus 6mg → 12mg → 18mg
Electrical cardioversion
Who can’t have adenosine in SVT
Asthmatics - give verapamil instead
Prevention of SVT
Beta blockers
Radio-frequency ablation
Types of syncope
- Reflex
- Orthostatic
- Cardiac
Causes reflex syncope
Vasovagal
Situational, e.g. cough, micturition, GI
Carotid sinus
Causes orthostatic syncope
Primary autonomic failure
Secondary autonomic failure
Drug-induced
Volume depletion, e.g. haemorrhage, diarrhoea
Causes primary autonomic failure → syncope
Parkinsons disease
Lewy body dementia
Causes secondary autonomic failure → syncope
Diabetic neuropathy
Amyloidosis
Uraemia
Drug causes of orthostatic syncope
Diuretics
Alcohol
Vasodilators
Causes cardiac syncope
Arrhythmias
Structural - valvular, MI, HOCM
PE
What is Takayasu’s arteritis
Large vessel vasculitis, typically causing obstruction of aorta
Risk factors Takayasu’s arteritis
Younger females (10-40)
Asian people
Features Takayasu’s arteritis
Systemic features of vasculitis, e.g. malaise, headache
Unequal BP in upper limbs
Carotid bruit and tenderness
Absent or weak peripheral pulses
Upper and lower limb claudication on exertion
Aortic regurgitation
Conditions associated with Takayasu’s arteritis
Renal artery stenosis
Investigations Takayasu’s arteritis
Vascular imaging of arterial tree - either MRA or CTA
Management Takayasu’s arteritis
Steroids
Use thiazide diuretics
Mild heart failure (but loop diuretics better)
Hypertension (but now recommended to use thiazide-like diuretics instead)
Common adverse effects thiazide diuretics
Dehydration
Postural hypotension
Hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia
Hypercalcaemia
Gout
Impaired glucose tolerance
Impotence
Rare adverse effects thiazide diuretics
Thrombocytopenia
Agranulocytosis
Photosensitivity rash
Pancreatitis
Contraindications thrombolysis
Active internal bleeding
Recent haemorrhage, trauma, or surgery
Coagulation and bleeding disorders
Intracranial neoplasms
Stroke <3 months
Aortic dissection
Recent head injury
Severe hypertension
SEs thrombolysis
Haemorrhage
Hypotension
Allergic reactions with streptokinase
What is torsades de pointes
Form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with a long QT interval
Management ventricular tachycardia with adverse signs
Immediate synchronised cardioversion
Management ventricular tachycardia without adverse signs
Amiodarone
Lidocaine (caution in severe LV impairment)
Procainamide
Management ventricular tachycardia if drug treatment fails
Electrophysiological study
ICD
INR target VTE
2.5, 3.5 if recurrent
INR target AF
2.5
Factors increasing action of warfarin
Liver disease
P450 enzyme inhibitors, e.g. amiodarone, ciprofloxacin
Cranberry juice
NSAIDs
SEs warfarin
Haemorrhage
Teratogenic
Skin necrosis
Purple toes
Warfarin and breastfeeding
Can be used
Management of major bleeding on warfarin
Stop warfarin
Give IV vitamin K 5mg
Give prothrombin complex concentrate (if not available then FFP)
Management INR >8.0 minor bleeding
Stop warfarin
Give IV vitamin K 1-3mg, repeat dose if INR still high after 24 hours
Restart warfarin when INR <5.0
Management INR >8.0 no bleeding
Stop warfarin
Give vitamin K 1-5mg, using IV preparation orally, repeat dose if INR still too high after 24 hours
Restart when INR <5.0
Management INR 5.0-8.0 minor bleeding
Stop warfarin
Give IV vitamin K 1-3mg
Restart warfarin when INR <5.0
Management INR 5.0-8.0 no bleeding
Withhold 1 or 2 doses warfarin
Reduce subsequent maintenance
What is WPW
Syndrome caused by congenital accessory conducting pathway between the atria and ventricles leading to AVRT
ECG features WPW
Short PR interval
Wide QRS complexes with slurred upstroke - delta wave
Left axis deviation if right sided pathway (and vice versa)
Type A vs type B WPW
Type A (left sided) - dominant R wave in V1
Type B (right sided) - no dominant R wave in V1
Conditions associated with WPW
HOCM
Mitral valve prolapse
Ebstein’s anomaly
Thyrotoxicosis
Secundum ASD
Definitive management WPW
Radiofrequency ablation of accessory pathway
Medical management WPW
Sotalol (avoid if AF)
Amiodarone
Flecainide