Cardiology Flashcards
How will the ejection fraction differ in diastolic and systolic heart failure?
Diastolic dysfunction will have a normal ejection fraction. The problem here is poor relaxation leading to impaired filling. Systolic dysfunction will have a decreased ejec- tion fraction. The problem here is poor contraction.
What is the most common etiology in CHF?
Coronary artery disease. ALL patients get aspirin, beta blockers, and a statin.
What is the first test that should be ordered in the evaluation of CHF?
Echocardiogram. Remember, this is a clinical diagnosis, but the echocardiogram
is used to give added information, such as: estimatating ventricular size and ejection fraction. It is NOT used to diagnose CHF.
Which drugs lower mortality in heart failure?
ACE/ARBs and beta blockers lower mortality in all patients with CHF. Spiranolac- tone and eplerenone lower mortality in those who have class 3 or class 4 disease. Diuretics and digoxin reduce symptoms only - they do not reduce mortality!
Which beta blockers lower mortality?
The only beta blockers that have proven benefit in CHF are carvedilol, bisoprolol, and metoprolol succinate (think succinate like survival - both start with “s”).
What is the medication of choice for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Beta blockers. Do not confuse this with HOCM (also treated with beta blockers). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a type of diastolic dysfunction. Diuretics are CON- TRAINDICATED in HOCM, but not hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
What sound will you hear in a patient with an ASD?
Systolic ejection murmur with wide splitting of S2.
What classic x-ray finding will you see in coarctation of the aorta?
You will either see “rib notching” or a “3 sign”.
What classic murmur will be heard in patients with PDA?
Machine like continuous murmur.
What are TET spells?
These are found in patients with tetralogoy of fallot and are episodes of hyper cya-
nosis. Classically, the child will bend down bringing their knees to their chest. This will decrease venous return, increase vascular resistance making the child more comfortable.
What is Eisenmenger syndrome?
This is seen in patients with a VSD, meaning a shunt connecting both ventricles.
Normally, the pressure is greatest in the left ventricle, which will push oxygenated blood to the right ventricle. Over time, this excess blood pushed to the right ventri- cle is too much for the lungs to handle. This will lead to pulmonary congestion. Eventually, this leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature, and in turn to the right ventricle (more so than the left ventricle). This will lead to a re- versal of blood flow, from the right ventricle to the left. Deoxygenated blood will then leave the heart into the systemic circulation - this is bad!
What is the most common cause of secondary hypertension?
Renovascular disease
What are the first line medications for hypertension in patients who are otherwise healthy?
Diuretics, ACE/ARBs, or Amlodipine (long acting dihydropyridine).
What is the difference between hypertension urgency and emergency?
They will both have a blood pressure >180/120. The difference is that
hypertension emergency will also have end organ damage.
What is the classic clinical presentation for a patient in cardiogenic shock?
Hypotensive, altered mental status, and cool/clammy skin.
How will atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation present on EKG?
Atrial flutter will have a regular rhythm with a saw tooth pattern. Atrial fibrillation
will have an irregularly irregular rhythm without p waves.
What will happen if a patient who presents with WPW is accidentally given adeno- sine?
This may place the patient into ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation.
What is the classic presentation for a patient presenting with angina?
The patient will have chest pain that is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. The chest pain is predictable and reproducible. New chest pain or worsening chest pain can never be classified as stable angina - this is unstable angina.
What are the medications of choice for patients with stable angina?
All patients should receive a beta blocker, aspirin, and nitroglycerin. The beta
blocker will increase filling time and decrease oxygen demand. The nitroglycerin is used on an as needed bases for chest pain relief.
What is the treatment of choice for prinzemtal angina?
Give these patients calcium channel blockers. Their pain is due to smooth muscle spasm. Avoid beta blockers, as this will result in unopposed alpha stimulation and worsen the their symptoms.
What will differentiate unstable angina from NSTEMI?
Both will clinically present the same. Both will have similar EKG findings. The only difference will be that NSTEMI will have elevated cardiac enzymes, while unstable angina will not. Most MIs can reliably be excluded after 6 hours, but if clinical sus- picion is high, continue to monitor for 12 hours. The most specific cardiac marker will be troponin I. Troponin I is also now used to diagnose reinfarction - look for the trend.
Why should you proceed with caution in administering nitrates in patients with an inferior MI?
If the right ventricle is involved, nitrates will cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, as this area is preload dependent.
What medications should be given to all patients post MI?
Everyone leaves with an aspirin, beta blocker (metoprolol or atenolol), ACE
inhibitor, and a statin. Clopidogrel is given to patients with aspirin allergy.
What do the guidelines say about screening for AAA?
Screen males over the age of 65 who have ever smoked. Only a one time screen- ing with ultrasound is indicated.
