Cardiology Flashcards
Jugular Venous Distention
> 7cm above sternal angle
- suggests right HF, pulmonary HTN, volume overload, tricuspid regurgitation, pericardial disease
Hepatojugular reflex
- fluid overload
- impaired right ventricular compliance
Kussmaul’s sign
- increased JVP with inspiration suggests: - right ventricular infarction - post-op cardiac tamponade - tricuspid regurgitation - constrictive pericarditis
Aortic stenosis
- harsh systolic ejection murmur that radiates to carotids
Mitral regurgitation
- holosystolic murmur that radiates to the axilla or carotids
Mitral valve prolapse
- midsystolic or late systolic murmur with a preceding click
Flow murmur
- very common
- doesn’t imply cardiac disease
Aortic regurgitation
- early decrescendo diastolic murmur
Mitral stenosis
- mid to late, low-piched diastolic murmur
S3 gallop
- dilated cardiomyopathy (floppy ventricle)
- often normal in younger patient and in high output states (e.g. pregnancy)
- mitral valve disease
S4 gallop
- seen in hypertension
- diastolic dysfunction (stiff ventricle)
- aortic stenosis
- often normal in younger patients and in athletes
Pulmonary edema
- left heart failure (fluid “backs up” into lungs
Peripheral edema
- right heart failure
- biventricular failure (fluid “backs up” into the periphery)
- Peripheral Venous Disease
Increased peripheral pulses
- compensated aortic regurgiation
- coarctation (arms > legs)
- PDA
Decreased peripheral pulses
- peripheral arterial disease
- Late stage heart failure
Pulsus Paradoxus
- decreased systolic BP with inspiration seen in: - pericardial tamponade - COPD and asthma - Tension pneumothorax - Foreign body in airway
Pulsus alternans
- alternating weak and strong pulses
- cardiac tamponade
- LV systolic function
- Poor prognosis
Pulsus parvus et tardus
- Weak and delayed pulse
- Aortic stenosis
CHF
- caused by inability of heart to pump enough blood to maintain fluid and metabolic homeostasis
- risk factors: CAD, HTN, cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease
Systolic Dysfunction
- decreased EF (< 50%)
- increased LV EDV
- caused by inadequate LV contractility or increased afterload
Management options for A-Fib
"ABCD" A-anticoagulate B- beta blockers C- cardiovert/calcium channel blockers D- digoxin
Hx and PE: CHF
- exertional dyspnea is earlist and most common symptom
- can progress to orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- S3/S4 gallop, JVD, and peripheral edema
Sinus bradycardia: etiology
- normal response to cardiovascular conditioning
- result form sinus node dysfunction
- from B-blockers or calcium channel blockers
Sx: sinus bradycardia
- may be asymptomatic
- present w/ lightheadedness, syncope, chest pain, or hypotension
Ecg findings: sinus bradycardia
- sinus rhythm
- ventricular rate < 60 bpm
1st degree AV block: etiology
- can occur in normal individuals
- associated with incr. vagal tone and with B-blocker or CCB use
1st degree AV block: signs/sx
asymptomatic
1st degree AV block: ECG findings
PR interval > 200msec
Tx: 1st degree AV block
None necessary
Etiology: 2nd degree AV block
- Drug effects (digoxin, B-blockers, CCBs)
- Incr. vagal tone
- Right coronary ischemia or infarction
- usually asymptomatic
ECG: 2nd degree AV block (Mobitz I)
- Progressive PR lengthening until a dropped beat occurs;
the PR interval then resets
Tx: 2nd degree AV block (Mobitz I)
- stop offending drug
- atropine as clinically indicated
Etiology: 2nd degree Av block (Mobitz II)
- results from fibrotic disease of conduction system or acute, subacute, or prior MI
Sx: 2nd degree AV block (Mobitz II)
- Occasionally syncope
- Frequent progression to third degree AV block
ECG findings: 2nd degree AV block (Mobitz II)
Unexpected dropped beat(s) w/o a change in PR interval
Tx: 2nd degree AV block (Mobitz II)
Pacemaker placement
Etiology: 3rd degree AV block (complete)
- no electrical communication btwn the atria and ventricles
Sx: 3rd degree AV block (complete)
- syncope
- dizziness, acute heart failure
- hypotension
- cannon A waves
ECG findings: 3rd degree AV block (complete)
No relationship between P waves and QRS complexes
Tx: 3rd degree AV block (complete)
Pacemaker placement
Etiology: sick sinus syndrome/tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome
Heterogenous disorder that leads to intermittent supraventricular tachy- and bradyarrhythmias
Sx: Sick sinus syndrome/ tachycardia -bradycardia syndrome
- Secondary to tachycardia or bradycardia;
May include syncope, palpitations, dyspnea, chest pain, TIA, and stroke
Tx: sick sinus syndrome/ tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome
Pacemaker placement
Etiology: sinus tachycardia
normal physiologic response to fear, pain and exercise
- can be secondary to hyperthyroidism, volume contraction, infection or pulmonary embolism
Sx: sinus tachycaria
- palpitations
- SOB
ECG findings: sinus tachycardia
- sinus rhythm
- ventricular rate > 100 bpm
Tx: sinus tachycardia
- treat the underlying cause
Etiology: atrial fibrillation
Acute AF: "PIRATES" P-pulmonary disease I- ischemia R- rheumatic disease A - anemia/atrial myxoma T - thyrotoxicosis E - ethanol S - sepsis
Sx: atrial fibrillation
- often asymptomatic
- may present w/ SOB, chest pain, or palpitations
- irregularly irregular pulse
ECG findings: atrial fibrillation
no discernible P waves with variable and irregular QRS response
Tx: atrial fibrillation
- Estimate risk of stroke using CHADS2 score
- anticoagulate if score > 48 hrs ( to prevent CVA)
- rate control (B-blockers, CCBs, digoxin)
- Initiate cardioversion only if only new onset
Etiology: atrial flutter
- Circular movement of electrical activity around atrium at a rate of approx 300 times per minute
Sx: atrial flutter
- usually asymptomatic, but can present with palpitations, syncope, and lightheadness
ECG findings: atrial flutter
Regular rhythm
“sawtooth appearance” of P waves can be seen
- atrial rate is usually 240-32 bpm and the ventricular rate ~ 150 bpm
Tx: atrial flutter
anticoagulation,
rate control
cardioversion guidelines
Etiology: multifocal atrial tachycardia
multiple atrial pacemakers or reentrant pathways
- COPD and hypoxemia
Sx: multifocal atrial tachycardia
- may be asymptomatic
- at least 3 different P wave morphologies
ECG findings: multifocal atrial tachycardia
- 3 or more unique P wae morphologies
- rate > 100 bpm
Tx: multifocal atrial tachycardia
- treat underlying disorder
- verapamil or B-blockers for rate control and suppression of atrial pacemakers (not very effectors)
Etiology: atrioventricular nordal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT)
- a reentry circuit in the AV node depolarizes the atrium and ventricle simultaneously
Sx: AVNRT
palpitations SOB Angina Syncope Lightheadedness
ECG findings: AVNRT
- rate 150 - 250 bpm
- P wave is often buried in QRS or shortly after
Tx: AVNRT
- cardiovert if hemodynamically unstable
- carotid massage, Valsalva, or adenosin can stop the arrhythmia
Etiology: atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT)
- an ectopic connection between the atrium and ventricle that causes a reentry circuit
- seen in WPW
Sx: AVRT
- palpitations
- SOB
- angina
- lightheadedness
- syncome
Tx: AVRT
Cardiovert vs. procainamide
- blockage of AV node (CCBs, adenosines, digoxin)
thru ectopic P waves
Ecg: AVRT
- Retrograde P wave is often seen after a normal QRS
- pre-excitation delta wave is characteristically seen in WPW
Mitral stenosis
mid diastolic rumbling murmur heard at apex
- can often lead to LA dilitation
Atrial fibrillation
- irregularly irregular rhythm and loss of P waves
Aortic dissection
- presents with tearing chest pain radiating to back
- may include cardiac tamponade, acute aortic regurgitation stroke, and renal failure
Order of ECG
- Rate
- Rhythm (P wave before QRS complex)
- Axis
Normal Axis on ECG
- Upright QRS on leads I and AVF
Left-axis deviation
Upright QRS in lead I and downward QRS
* up to -30 degrees is normal variant
Right axis deviation
A downward QRS in lead I and upright QRS lead in AVF (up to +105 degrees is considered nrl variant)
Normal intervals
PR interval btwn 120 and 200ms
QRS < 120 msec
AV block
PR > 200msec
P with no QRS afterwards
Left bundle branch block
- QRS > 120msec
no R wave in V1
tall R waves in I, V5, V6
Right bundle branch block on ECG
QRS duration > 120 msec
RSR’ complex (“rabbit ears”)
qR or R morphology with wide R wave in V1
QRS pater with a wide S wave I, V5, V6
Long QT syndrome on ECG
QTc > 440msec
- underdiagnosed congenital disorder that predisposes to ventricular tachyarrhythmias
Ischemia on ECG
new inverted T wave
poor R wave progression in precordial leads
ST segment changes (elevation or depression)
Transmural infarct on ECG
Significant Q waves > 40msec or more than 1/3 of the QRS amplitude
ST elevations with T wave inversions
Atrial enlargement: right atrial abnormality (P pulmonale)
P wave amplitude in lead II is > 2.5 mm
Left atrial enlargement on ECG
P wave width in lead II is > 120 msec or
terminal negative deflection in V1 is > 1mm in amplitude and > 40msec in duration
Nothced P waves can be frequently seen in lead II
Signs of LVH on ECG
- amplitude of ( S in V1 )+ (R in V5 or V6 )is > 35mm
OR: - amplitude of R in AVL + S in V3 is > 28mm
Right ventricular hypertrophy
right axis deviation and R wave in V1 > 7mm
College age male “passed out” while playing basket ball and had no prodromal symptoms or signs of seixure. His cardiac exam is unremarkable. ECG shows a slurred upstroke of QRS. Next step?
Wolf-Parkinson Syndrome
- advise against vigorous physical activity
- treat arrhythmias w/ procainadmide
- refer for electrophysiology study
Systolic dysfunction
- decreased EF (< 50%) and increased LEDV
Etiology of systolic dysfunction
- Inadequate left ventricular contractility or increased afterload
- headrt compensated for decr. EF and increased preload through hypertrophy and ventricular dilitation
- eventually compensation fails leading to incr. myocardial work and worsening systolic dysfunction
CHF: Hx
Exertional dyspnea is earliest and most common presenting symptom
- progresses to orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) and rest dyspnea
CHF: PE
- parasternal lift
- an elevated and sustained LV impulse
- S3/S4 gallop
- Peripheral edema
Man was admitted for CHF exacerbation w/ low EF
Patient now ready for discharge, and his meds include furosemide and metoprolol. Next step in management?
Add ACE inhibitors to current regiment - ACEis have positive mortality benefit when used with beta blockers in NYHA class II-IV heart failure patients
CHF: Diagnosis
- clinical syndrome
- CXR: shows cardiomegaly, cephalization of pulm vessels, vascular congesion
- Echo: decr. EF and ventricular dilitation
Lab values associated w/ CHF
BNP > 500 pg/mL
- increased creatinine
- decreased sodum
Acute CHF Management
LMNOP
- Lasix
- Morphine
- Nitrates
- Oxygen
- Position (upright)
Acute treatment of CHF
- Treat underlying cause (e.g. arrhytmias, MI and drugs)
- Diurese aggressively with loop and thiazide diuretics
- Give diuretics to patients who can tolerate them
- Use LMNOP for pulmonary congestion
NYHA Class I
no limitation of activiy
no symptoms w/ normal activity
NYHA Class II
Slight limitation of activity
Comfortable at rest or w/ mild exertion
NYHA Class III
Marked limitation of activity
Comfortable only at rest
NYHA Class IV
Any physical activity brings on discomfort;
symptoms present at rest
Chronic Tx of CHF
- Long term B-blockers and ACEis/ ARBS help prevent remodeling of heart and decrease mortality for NYHA Class II-IV
- daily ASA and statin if underlying cause of prior MI
- Chronic diuretics (loops +/- thiazides)
- low dose spironolactone decr mortality risk in patients
When should you consider ICDs in CHF patient?
Patients w/ EF < 35%
Systolic dysfunction: common factors
Pts < 65 y/o Co-morb: Dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular heart dz PE: Displaced PMI, S3 gallop CXR: Pulmonary congestion, cardiomegaly ECG/Echo: Q waves, decr (< 40%)
Nonsystolic dysfunction: common characteristics
Often > 65 y/o
Co-morb: Restrictive or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, renal dz, or HTN
PE: Sustained PMI, S4 gallop
CXR: Pulmonary congestion, normal heart size
ECG/Echo: LVH, normal EF (> 55%)
Left-Sided CHF: symptoms
- Left sided S3/S4 gallop
- Bilateral basilar rates
- Pleural effusions
- Pulmonary edema
- Orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Right-Sided CHF: symptoms
- Right sided S3/S4 gallop
- JVD
- Hepatojugular reflex
- Peripheral edema
- Hepatomegaly, ascites
Loop diuretics
- acts on Loop of Henle
Loop diuretics : mechanism of actiion
- decreases Na/K/2CL co-transported
- decreases urine concentration
- increases calcium excretion
Loop diuretics: side effects
- Ototoxicity
- Hypokalemia
- Hypocalcemia
- Dehydration
- Gout
Thiazide diuretics: sites of action
Early distal tubule
Thiazide: mechanism of action
- decreases NaCL reabsorption leading to decreased diluting capacity of nephron;
- decreased Ca excretion
Thiazide: side effects
Hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis Hyponatremia HyperGLUC - hyperglycemia - hyperlipidemia - hyperuricemia - hypercalcemia
K-sparing agents
spironolactone
triamterene
amiloride
K-sparing agents: site of action
cortical collecting tubule
Spironolactone: MOA
- aldosterone receptor antagonist
Triamterene and Amiloride
Block Na channels
K-sparing agents: side effects
- Gynceomastia
- Hyperkalemia
- Sexual dysfunction
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Acetazolamde
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Site of aCtion
Proximal convoluted tubule
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: MOA
NaHCO3 diuresis decreases total body NaHCO2
Carbonic anhydrate inhibitors: Side effect
Hypercholeric metabolic acidosis
Neuropathy
NH3 toxicity
Sulfa allergy
Osmotic agents
mannitol
Osmostic agents: site of action
proximal tubule
Osmotic agents: MOA
Creates increased tubular fluid osmolaity, leading to increased urine flow
Osmotic agents: side effects
Pulmonary edema
Dehydration
Contraindicated in anuria and CHF
Nonsystolic dysfunction: Hx and PE
- associated with stable and unstable angina
- SOB
- Dyspnea on exertion
- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Sudden failure
Nonsystolic dysfunction: Tx
Diuretics (first line therapy)
- Maintain rate and BP via B-blockers, ACEis, ARBs, or CCBs
- Digozxin is not useful in patients