Cardiology Flashcards
Cardiology: What is the definition of syncope?
A transient loss of consciousness due to transient global cerebral hypoperfusion characterized by rapid onset, short duration and complete recovery.
Cardiology: What features would suggest vasovagal syncope?
- Long-history of syncope
- Prolonged standing
- Noxious stimulus
- Nausea and vomiting associated.
- Absence of cardiac disease
- After exertion
- After head tilting / carotid pressure
Cardiology: What features would suggest cardiac syncope?
- Known history of cardiac disease
- Evidence of structural abnormality
- Preceded by chest pain / palpitations
- During exercise
Cardiology: What is the treatment for syncope? (In broad terms)
Treat the underlying condition.
E.g. Ischaemia, drug-induced.
Cardiology: What is the normal PR interval? (In squares and time)
120-200ms
3-5 small squares
Cardiology: What is the normal size of a QRS?
120ms
3 small squares
Cardiology: What is the first-line treatment for symptom relief in chronic stable angina?
Nitrates, e.g. GTN
Cardiology: What is the mechanism of action of nitrates?
Release of NO to activate and increase cyclic-GMP which causes smooth muscle relaxation and subsequent cardiac vasodilation.
Cardiology: What are the side-effects of nitrates?
- Hypotension
- Headache
- Flushing
Cardiology: What are the contraindications of nitrates?
- Hypotension
- Aortic/ Mitral stenosis
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Cardiology: What is the first-line treatment of chronic stable angina?
Beta-blockers
Cardiology: What is the mechanism of action for beta-blockers in the treatment of chronic stable angina?
- Reduces sympathetic stimulation to the heart, causing a reduction in heart rate and myocardial contraction.
- Reduces cardiac workload to increase exercise tolerance and reduce symptoms.
Cardiology: If a patient is contra-indicated for beta-clockers what is the first-line treatment for the management of chronic stable angina?
- Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
* E.g. Verapamil, Diltiazem
Cardiology: What are the side-effects of beta-blockers?
Bronchospasm, bradycardia, cold peripheries, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, fatigue.
Cardiology: What are the contra-indications of beta-blockers?
Asthma Bradycardia Uncontrolled heart failure 2/3rd degree heart block Severe peripheral arterial disease
Cardiology: Which medications may be added for treatment of chronic stable angina if beta-blockers are not provided sufficient relief?
- 2nd Line - Calcium-channel blockers (Amlodipine, Felodipine, Nifedipine)
- Longer-acting nitrates
- Potassium channel activators (Nicorandil)
Cardiology: What is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers in the treatment of chronic stable angina?
- Smooth muscle relaxation due to inhibition of influx of calcium ions.
- Relaxation of coronary and peripheral smooth muscle.
Cardiology: Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (Verapamil, Diltiazem) have an additional mechanism to other calcium channel blockers, what is it?
Slows conduction of AV node so has a rate limiting effect.
Cardiology: What are the side-effects of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers? (amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine)
- Flushing
- Dizziness
- Ankle-swelling
- Hypotension
- Headache
Cardiology: What are the contraindications for the use of dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers? (Amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine)
- Uncontrolled heart failure
- Within one month post-MI
- Severe aortic stenosis
Cardiology: What are the side-effects of non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers? (Verapamil, diltiazem)
- Bradycardia
- AV/SA heart-block
- Constipation (Verapamil)
Cardiology: What are the contraindications of non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers? (Verapamil, diltiazem)
- Bradycardia
- 2/3 degree heart block
- Verapamil not to be used with beta-blocker
- Heart failure
- Acute porphyria
Cardiology: What is the mechanism of action of nicorandil in the treatment of chronic stable angina?
- NO donor to acticate cyclic-GMP to act as a vasodilator to both venous and arteries.
- Opens K channels resulting in efflux of K and reduction in Ca causing smooth muscle relaxation.
Cardiology: What are the side-effects of nicorandil?
- Headache
- GI irritation
- Hypotension