Cardiology Flashcards
How will the ejection fraction differ in diastolic and systolic heart failure?
In DIASTOLIC dysfunction you will have a normal ejection fraction, thus poor relaxation leading to impaired filling. In SYSTOLIC dysfunction you will have a reduced ejection fraction, thus poor contraction.
What is the most common etiology of CHF?
Coronary Artery Disease.
This is why EVERY patient should get; ASA, Beta Blockers, and Statins.
What is the first test that should be ordered in the evaluation of CHF?
Echocardiogram. The echocardiogram is used to give additional information (ventricular size and ejection fraction) and not used to diagnose CHF.
Which drugs lower mortality in CHF?
- ACE/ARB’s and Beta Blockers lower mortality in all patients with CHF.
- Spironolactone and Eplerenone lower mortality in those who have class 3 or 4 CHF.
- Diuretics and Digoxin reduce symptoms only as they do not lower mortality.
What are the symptoms of a heart block?
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Light headedness
- Syncope
- Chest pain
What is the treatment for a third degree heart block “Complete Heart Block”?
Permanent pacing
*Can perform temporary transthoracic/transgenic pacing
What on an EKG can identify a third degree heart block?
Complete dissociation between the atria and ventricles. The atrial rate may be faster with multiple “P” waves versus less “QRS.”
What is the medication of choice for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy?
- Beta blockers
* Diastolic dysfunction thus diuretics may be utilized
What typical drug is contraindicated in HOCM “Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy”?
-Diuretics
What is the typical heart sound heard with ASD?
-Systolic ejection murmur + Wide splitting of S2
What is the classic X-ray finding you will see with “coarctation of the aorta”?
“Rib notching” or “3” sign.
What classic murmur will be heard in patients with PDA?
Machine like continuous murmur.
What are TET spells?
Tet spells are found among patients who have “Tetralogy of Fallot.” The patients may have episodes of Hypercyanosis (Especially during feedings or crying).
*The child will bend down bringing their knees to their chest. (The reason why this is done is because it increases vascular resistance thus adding comfort).
What is Eisenmenger syndrome?
Commonly seen in patients with VSD.
*Normally the pressure is the greatest in the left ventricle, thus pushing oxygenated blood to the right ventricle through the VSD. Overtime, this excess blood pushed to the right ventricle is too much for the lungs to handle, thus leading to pulmonary congestion. Eventually the increased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature via the right ventricle will lead to a reversal of blood flow, right ventricle to left ventricle, thus deoxygenated blood being pushed systemically.
What is the most common cause of secondary HTN?
Renovascular disease
What are the first line medications for HTN in patients who are otherwise healthy?
- Diuretics
- ACE/ARB’s
- Amlodipine
What is the difference between HTN urgency and emergency?
- Both have blood pressure > 180/120.
* The difference is that with a HTN emergency they will have End Organ Damage!
What is the classic clinical presentation for a patient in cardiogenic shock?
- HOTN
- AMS
- Cool/Clammy skin
How will atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation present on EKG?
- Atrial flutter will have a REGULAR rhythm + Sawtooth appearance
- Atrial fibrillation will have a IRREGULARLY IRREGULAR without any “P” waves
Why is Adenosine contraindicated in patients with WPW?
It may place the patient into V-Tach or V-Fib
What is the classic presentation for a patient presenting with angina?
Chest pain (Predictable and Reproducible) + Relieved (Rest or Nitro)
*IF it is NEW chest pain or chest pain that is WORSENING then it is “Unstable Angina.”
What are the medications of choice for patients with stable angina?
- Beta blocker (Increases filling time + Decreases oxygen demand)
- ASA
- Nitro (PRN for chest pain relief)
What is the treatment of choice for prinzmetal angina?
Calcium Channel Blockers
*This is the best because the pain associated with prinzmetal angina is due to smooth muscle spasms.
What should be avoided in prinzmetal angina?
Beta Blockers
*This will result in unopposed alpha stimulation thus worsening the symptoms.
What will differentiate unstable angina from NSTEMI?
- Both present the same with similar EKG changes
* NSTEMI will have elevated cardiac biomarkers were unstable angina will not have elevated cardiac biomarkers
How long should one monitor clinical suspicion for a MI?
- Most MI’s can be excluded > 6 hours, however if highly suspicious one should continue to monitor for 12 hours.
- Troponin I is the most specific for cardiac damage and should be trended.
What should you proceed with caution in administering nitrates to patients with inferior MI’s?
-Because if one is having an inferior MI if may affect the right ventricle, thus nitrates may caused a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. This occurs because this area of the heart is “Preload dependent,” and if you already lose preload and add more loss with HOTN it will cause even greater HOTN.
What medications should be given to ALL patients post MI?
- ASA (IF allergy then give Clopidogrel)
- Beta blockers (Metoprolol or Atenolol)
- ACE Inhibitors
- Statins
What do the guidelines say about screening for AAA?
- Screen all MALES > 65 years + Smoker or Hx of smoking
* US (GOLD) x 1 time
What should steroids be given to a patient with suspected GCA “Giant Cell Arteritis” before doing a Bx?
-Because optic nerve ischemia can develop leading to blindness!
What is the only medication with proven benefit in PAD “Peripheral Artery Disease”?
-Cilostazol
What is the most common vein affected in patients with superficial thrombophlebitis?
Saphenous vein
What are the risk factors for a DVT?
Virchow’s Triad
- Hypercoagulability
- Stasis
- Endothelial injury
*not present then its an “Unprovoked DVT”
When should a D-Dimer be ordered for a DVT?
IF low clinical suspicion (HIGH sensitivity but LOW specificity)
How does respiration affect murmurs?
- INSPIRATION = INCREASES right sided murmurs
- EXPIRATION = INCREASES left sided murmurs
- Inspiration will increase right ventricular filling but decreases left ventricular filling.
What are the most common symptoms in a patient with aortic stenosis?
- Dyspnea
- Angina
- Dizziness
Which valvular abnormality will present with a “Water Hammer Pulse”?
Aortic Regurgitation
What are the most common etiologies in endocarditis?
Streptococcus Viridans or Staph. Aureus (IVDU)
How will patients with endocarditis present?
-New murmur or a change in murmur + Fever
What is the first test to order in patients with suspected endocarditis?
-BLOOD CULTURES
- ECHO is performed after blood cultures have been gathered.
- Antibiotics are given after 3 blood cultures 1 hour apart have been collected.
What is the classic EKG finding present in patients with pericarditis?
Diffuse ST elevations + PR depression
What is “Beck’s Triad” and when will it be found?
Cardiac tamponade
- HOTN
- JVD
- Muffled heart sounds
Under what percentage for ejection fraction is considered systolic (HREF) dysfunction?
-EF
What is the most common etiology for CHF?
CAD
What are the most common symptoms of CHF?
- Fatigue
- SOB / Orthopnea / Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
- Pedal edema
- JVD
- S3 Gallop
What other tests should be performed aside from an ECHO for CHF?
- EKG
- This should be performed to screen for arrhythmias and for “Q Waves” (Old Infarct), LVH, or other signs of ischemia.
- CXR
- Used to evaluate dyspnea not CHF
What are the main drugs in the treatment of lowering mortality for CHF?
- ACE/ARB’s
- Beta Blockers
- Carvedilol
- Bisoprolol
- Metoprolol Succinate
*NEVER give beta blockers during acute exacerbations
What are the main drugs in the treatment of reducing symptoms for CHF?
- Diuretics (Reduce fluid overload)
- Digoxin (Decreases time spent hospitalized)
- Spironolactone or Eplerenone (Class 3 and 4 CHF)
- Nitrates + Hydralazine (If symptoms / AA)
- ICD (IF EF
When should an ICD be used?
- EF 1 year.
What tests should be performed for an acute exacerbation of CHF?
- ECG (Arrhythmias / MI)
- BNP (Sensitive but not specific, as a normal BNP excludes CHF but an elevated BNP can be variety)
- BNP > 400 increased likelihood of CHF
- BNP
What are the treatments for an acute exacerbation of CHF?
LMNOP
- Loop diuretic
- Morphine
- Nitrates
- Oxygen
- Position (Head up) + Positive pressure
*AVOID Beta blockers / Ca Channel Blockers
What is the most common etiology of cardiomyopathy?
-Genetic components
What are the 3 main types of cardiomyopathy?
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
What is the most common complication arising from cardiomyopathies?
CHF
What are the symptoms of cardiomyopathy?
The same as CHF
What are the diagnostics for cardiomyopathy?
Echocardiogram (Distinguish between 3 types)
What is the etiology of “Dilated cardiomyopathy”?
- Ventricles become dilated thus decreasing the ability of the ventricle to contract.
- Systolic dysfunction
What is the treatment of “Dilated cardiomyopathy”?
-Same as CHF
What is the etiology of “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy”?
- Normal ventricles or ventricles with reduced filling capacity + Hypertrophic (Larger) ventricles + PRESERVED EF
- Diastolic dysfunction
What are the treatments for “Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy”?
- Beta Blockers + (Follows BB) Calcium Channel Blockers
What is the etiology of “Restrictive cardiomyopathy”?
Reduced filling capacity WITHOUT Hypertrophic (Larger) ventricles + REDUCED contraction of the ventricles
*Least common
*Diastolic dysfunction leading to Systolic dysfunction
What is the treatment of “Restrictive cardiomyopathy”?
NONE
How do you distinguish hypertrophic cardiomyopathy versus hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy “HOCM”?
IN “HOCM” the SEPTUM causes an obstruction to the normal blood flow out of the aorta and is most commonly seen in young healthy athletes who die suddenly.
What is the most common symptom of HOCM?
Dyspnea
What is the treatment for HOCM?
Beta Blockers
*CONTRAINDICATIONS = Diuretics
What can an ASD eventually lead to if it is not treated?
- CHF
2. Respiratory infections
Whats the heart murmur associated with an ASD?
Systolic ejection murmur + Wide fixed splitting of S2
Whats the best test to confirm ASD diagnosis?
Echocardiogram
Whats the treatment for an ASD?
Most will close spontaneously, however surgery my be performed
What are the most common presentations for coarctation of the aorta?
- HTN
2. Respiratory distress
What are the physical examination findings associated with coarctation of the aorta?
Reduced Blood Pressure + Reduced pulse in the LE
How is a coarctation of the aorta diagnosed?
- Echocardiogram
- CXR (GOLD)
- Rib Notching
- 3 Sign
What is the treatment for a coarctation of the aorta?
-Surgical
What is a PDA originally the connection between?
A PDA is a patent “Ductus Arteriosus,” which is the failure of the ductus arteriosus to close and become the “Ligamentum Arteriosum” between the aorta and pulmonary artery.
*Aorta > Pulmonary Artery
What is responsible for allowing the ductus arteriosus to remain open?
- Low Oxygen
2. Prostaglandins
What murmur is associated with a PDA?
Machine like continuous murmur
How is a PDA diagnosed?
Echocardiogram
What are the mainstay treatments for a PDA?
- Premature Infants = Indomethacin (Prostaglandin Inh.)
2. Others = Surgical ligation / Percutaneous Catheter Closure
What are the 4 characteristics of “Tetralogy of Fallot”?
- RVH (Right Ventricular Hypertrophy)
- VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect)
- Overriding aorta
- Right ventricular outflow obstruction (Pulmonary HTN)
What is murmur is associated with “Tetralogy of Fallot”?
Harsh / Systolic ejection murmur / Heard best at LSB
How is “Tetralogy of Fallot” diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosed = Echocardiogram Treated = Surgical repair
What is Eisenmenger syndrome as it is associated with a VSD?
With a VSD initially there will be a left > right shunt which will eventually lead to pulmonary HTN. As the pressures increase in the pulmonary vasculature and into the right ventricle the shunt will then be reversed going right > left and becoming “Acyanotic” into the systemic circulation.
What murmur is associated with a VSD?
- Holosystolic murmur that DOES NOT change with respiration
How is a VSD diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosed = Echocardiogram Treated = Spontaneous closure unless symptomatic child which will then require surgical repair
What is the definition of HTN?
Systolic > 140 / Diastolic > 90 (At least 2 occasions)
*IF > 60 years then treat systolic > 150 or diastolic > 90 (Unless they have DM / CKD then treated as normal values)
What are the 2 stages of HTN?
- Stage 1:
- Systolic: 140-159
- Diastolic: 90-100 - Stage 2:
- Systolic: > 160
- Diastolic: > 100
What is the most common cause of HTN and secondary cause?
- Primary HTN “Essential” most common
2. Renal disease (Most common secondary cause)
What are the symptoms of HTN?
- Asx or HA (Even though some sources deny the claim)
When suspicious of HTN what should one be cautious of and what orders should be performed?
End Organ Damage
- U/A
- Urine micro albumin
- EKG
- CBC
- BMP
- Lipid panel
What should the physical examination include is HTN is suspected?
- Fundoscopy (Hemorrhage or Papilledema)
- Thyroid
- Carotid / Renal bruits
- Size and rhythm of heart
- Crackles in the lungs
- Pedal edema
- Confusion or weakness
What is the INITIAL treatment for HTN?
- LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
- Diet “DASH”
- Weight loss
- Smoking cessation
- ETOH moderation
- Sodium moderation
- Exercise
*IF these DO NOT work then initiate pharmaceutical approach.
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN?
Stage 1 (140-160 / 90-100)
- Diuretic (HCTZ / Chlorthalidone) or
- ACE/ARB’s or
- Amlodopine
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
2 Drug regimen (Diuretic + Another drug)
*The other drugs is typically indicated based on their current co-morbid condition.
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + DM?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + ACE/ARB’s (Protects the kidney)
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + CHF/Ischemia/CAD?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + Beta Blockers or ACE/ARB’s
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + Angina?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + Beta Blockers or Ca Channel Blockers
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + BPH?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + Alpha Blockers
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + Hyperthyroid?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + Beta Blockers
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + CKD?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + ACE/ARB’s
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + Reynauds?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + Ca Channel Blockers
What is the typical pharmaceutical approach for treatment of HTN + Migraines?
Stage 2 (> 160 / >100)
Diuretic + Beta Blockers or Ca Channel Blockers
What is the definition of resistant HTN?
HTN that is non responsive to at least 3 medications (1 must be a diuretic)
Who should you begin to evaluate for secondary causes of HTN?
- Resistant HTN
2.
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Renal Artery Stenosis”?
-Abdominal Bruit
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Hyperaldosteronism”?
-Hypokalemia + Hypernatremia
Low K) + (High Na
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Primary Kidney Disease”?
Elevated creatinine
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Pheocromocytoma”?
ACUTE episodes of HTN + HA + Palpitations + Sweating
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Cushings”?
- Moon Face
- Central Obesity
- Buffalo Hump
- Proximal muscle weakness
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Sleep Apnea”?
-Obese men who snore
What are clues that secondary HTN may be due to “Coarctation of Aorta”?
- HTN as a child
- HTN of UE + Diminished in the LE (Low pulses)
What is the definition of a HTN urgency?
-Severely elevated HTN systolic > 180 / diastolic > 120
What are the complications associated with HTN urgency?
The patient is typically Asx and NO end organ damage
What is the treatment for a HTN urgency?
DO NOT BRING DOWN TOO QUICKLY = MI or CVA
*CONTRAINDICATED = Sublingual Nifedipine (Drops to quickly)
One should aim to lower the blood pressure gradually over 1-2 days by initiating control with 2 BP medications then f/u in 2 days
What is the definition of a HTN emergency?
Severely elevated HTN systolic 120
What are the complications associated with HTN emergency?
INCLUDES End organ damage
- Malignant HTN
- Hypertensive Encephalopathy
What is the definition of malignant HTN?
- HTN emergency
- Ophthalmolgical findings (Papilledema + Exudates + Retinal hemorrhages)
- AKI (Hematuria / Proteinuria) and/or
- Focal neurological findings
What is the definition of HTN Encephalopathy?
- Cerebral edema:
- HA
- Confusion > Seizure > Coma