Cardiology Flashcards
what is the systolic/diastolic level which defines hypertensive emergency?
> 180/>110
Which 2 medications are best chosen to RAPIDLY decrease BP in hypertensive emergency?
Sodium nitroprusside (Nitropress)
Labetalol
What do you need to be cautious of while rapidly lowering BP during hypertensive crisis?
too rapid of decrease can cause cerebral ischemia (brain damage)
Which 3 hypertension medications are safe for pregnancy?
Methyldopa
Labetalol
Nifedipine
what finding on Urinalysis is indicative of uncontrolled hypertension?
Proteinuria
How should hypertensive urgency (asymptomatic) be handled pharmacologically?
ORAL medications with monitoring: Clonidine, Hydralazine, nitrates.
When BP is lowered 20-30 mmHg, send home with longer-acting PO medication and follow up 3-4 days
what are the top 3 medication class choices for treating primary HTN?
Thiazide diuretics (HCTZ) CCB (long-acting): Amlodipine ACE/ARB (lisinopril)
which virus commonly causes pericarditis?
90% idiopathic, but 10% Coxsackievirus
NOTE: the culprit that causes hand, foot, mouth in kiddos
what is Dressler’s Syndrome?
A condition that occurs post-MI, characterized by chest pain with an audible friction rub, commonly a cause of Pericarditis
How does acute pericarditis present?
chest pain, worse with lying flat, relieved by leaning forward
What EKG findings will you see with pericarditis?
PR depression and DIFFUSE ST ELEVATION (ie you’ll see it in all leads)
Treatment of mild pericarditis (ie NO effusion, Viral in cause)
discharge w/ rest + ASA + anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs, Steroids)
What is Beck’s Triad?
Hypotension + JVD + Muffled Heart sounds
A sign of Cardiac Tamponade
What causes cardiac tamponade?
rapid filling of pericardial sac that inhibits venous return and inhibits ventricular filling. Can be FATAL
Treatment Cardiac Tamponade?
Pericardiocentesis
which valve is most commonly affected in endocarditis in IV drug users?
Tricuspid
Treatment for Staph aureus endocarditis?
Amoxicillin for 4-6 weeks
other than IV drug use, what is the underlying risk of contracting endocarditis?
Underlying valve disorders: PDA, VSD, prosthetic valve, rheumatic fever, stenosis, regurgitation, congenital heart disease…
what is the most common valve affected by rheumatic fever?
Mitral valve
patient presents with joint pain in BOTH hips, shortness of breath, chest pain. Physical exam reveals painless serpiginous rash on trunk. His history reveals illness with sore throat but he never went in to get treatment. What is likely diagnosis?
Rheumatic fever
what symptoms may be present in a patient with acute rheumatic fever?
symmetrical joint pain, bilateral, large joints
erythema marginatum (rash, snake-like)
chest pain
shortness of breath
what is the JONES criteria used to diagnose
rheumatic fever
when to order ABI on a patient?
- when c/o exertional lower extremity pain (intermittent claudication)
- nonhealing ulcers
(this can r/o nerve impingement vs other vasculitidies)
what is the rate at which the SA node paces?
60-100 bpm
what is the rate at which the AV node paces?
40-70 bpm
how do you treat SVT in a stable, asymptomatic patient?
IV Adenosine 6 mg
How do you treat SVT in an unstable, hypotensive patient?
cardiovert
heart auscultation: low, diastolic rumble with an opening SNAP after s2
mitral stenosis
high pitched blowing, pansystolic murmur that radiates into the axilla. Heard best at apex
Mitral regurgitation
BNP >800 is concerning for heart failure or COPD?
heart failure
heart auscultation: mid-to-late systolic click
Mitral Valve Prolapse
what is the criteria used to diagnose Endocarditis?
Duke’s
must see vegetation on TEE, serum culture positive for gram + cocci
what is the Treatment and duration for treating endocarditis?
Amoxicillin 4-6 weeks
What is Dressler’s Syndrome?
pericarditis that occurs after an MI (chest pain w/ audible friction rub)
patient presents with chest pain that is relieved by leaning forward. What is at the top of your differential
Pericarditis/pericardial effusion