Cardiology Flashcards
What is acute coronary syndrome?
Umbrella term that describes ST elevation MI, unstable angina, non-ST elevation MI
All have same pathology - plaque rupture leads to thrombosis and inflammation
Rarely due to emboli, coronary spasm and necrosis
What is an ST elevation MI?
Complete occlusion of a major coronary artery previously affected by atherosclerosis Full thickness damage of heart muscle Pathological Q waves some time after MI ST segment is elevated Tall T waves May be new LBBB in larger MIs
What is unstable angina?
Angina of recent onset
Cardiac chest pain with crescendo pattern
Deterioration in previously stable angina with symptoms frequently occurring at rest
Angina of increasing frequency or severity, occurs on minimal exertion or even at rest
What is a non-ST elevation MI?
Occurs by developing a complete occlusion of a minor vessel or partial occlusion of a major artery previously affected by atherosclerosis
Retrospective diagnosis made on troponin results
Partial thickness damage of heart muscle
Non-Q wave infarction - ST depression and/or T wave inversion
Thrombus occluding vessel, rise in serum troponin or creatinine kinase
What are the 5 types of MI?
Type 1 - spontaneous MI with ischaemia due to a primary coronary event
Type 2 - MI secondary to ischaemia due to increase O2 demand or decreased supply such as coronary spasm, coronary embolism, anaemia, arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension
Type 3,4,5 - MI due to sudden cardiac death, relatd to PCI and related to CABG respectively
Name 5 factors that could increase your risk of having an ACS
Age Male Family history of IHD - MI in first degree relative below 55 Smoking Hypertension DM Hyperlipidaemia Obesity, sedentary lifestyle
Name 5 causes of ACS
Atheroma/stenosis of coronary arteries impairing blood flow
Valvular disease
Aortic stenosis
Arrhythmia
Anaemia - loss O2 transported to heart muscles
What occurs to the heart during an ACS attack?
Death of cardiac myocytes due to myocardial ischaemia
Rupture or erosion of fibrous cap of coronary artery plaque
Leads to platelet aggregation and adhesion, localised thrombus formation, vasoconstriction, and distal thrombus embolisation
Thrombus formation -> fibrotic plaque -> atherosclerotic plaque -> plaque rupture/fissure and thrombosis -> MI or ischaemic stroke or critical leg ischaemia or sudden CVS death
Unstable angina - partial occlusion, plaque has necrotic centre and ulcerated cap
MI - plaque has necrotic core but thrombus results in total occlusion
How does unstable angina present?
Chest pain, new onset, at rest with crescendo pattern
Breathlessness
Pleuritic chest pain
Indigestion
Recent destabilisation of pre-existing angina with moderate or severe limitations of daily
exercise
Troponin normal, normal/undetermined ECG
How does MI present?
Acute central chest pain lasting more than 20 minutes associated with sweating, nausea, dyspnoea, fatigue, SOB, palpitations May present w/o chest pain in elderly or diabetics Distress/anxiety Pallor Increased pulse and reduced BP Reduced 4th heart sound Signs of HF - increased JVP Tachy/bradycardic Peripheral oedema
What could be a differential diagnosis of ACS?
Stable angina Pericarditis Myocarditis Aortic dissection Pulmonary embolism Pleurisy Oesophageal reflux/spasm Rib fracture, chest trauma, costochondritis GORD Anxiety/panic attack
How is ACS treated?
Pain relief - GTN spray (angina), IV opioid Anti-emetics Oxygen - if hypoxic Antiplatelets - aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa agonists Beta-blockers Statins ACE inhibitors Coronary revascularisation Risk factor modifications
How does ischaemia present on an ECG?
ST depression and T wave flattening
What investigations would you do on a patient with suspected unstable angina?
FBC - anaemia aggravates it
Cardiac enzymes - excludes infarction
ECG - when pain shows ST depression
Coronary angiography
What is a myocardial infarction?
Plaque rupture leads to clot formation that occludes one of the coronary arteries causing myocardial cell death and inflammation
What are the symptoms of an MI?
Acute central chest pain radiating to jaw or shoulder Lasting > 20 mins Nausea SOB Plapitations
What are the signs of an MI?
Clammy and pale
4th heart sounds
Pansystolic murmur
May later develop peripheral oedema
How would you manage an acute MI?
12 lead ECG
O2 if stats < 94%
IV access for bloods and enzymes
Brief history = RFs pulse, BP, JVP, murmurs, signs of congestive cardiac failure
300mg aspirin PO
Morphine 5-10mg IV and an anti-emetic
Refer for PCI or thrombolysis ASAP as long as not contraindicated
B-blocker IV and ACE-I if evidence of HF and patient normotensive
What management would you put in place for a patient who had had an acute MI?
Aspirin 75mg OD, reduces risk of repetition
B-blocker - long term, if contraindicated then verapamil
ACE-I if in HF
Statin - reduced cholesterol post-MI beneficial
Address modificable risk factors
Return to work after 2 months
Encorage exercise and no air travel for 2 months
What is an acute myocardial infarction?
Necrosis of cardiac tissue (myocyte death) due to prolonged myocardial ischaemia due to complete occlusion of artery by thrombosis
How common are MIs?
5/1000 per annum in UK of STEMI
STEMI most common medical emergency
Worse prognosis in elderly and those with left ventricular failure
Early mortality - 30% outside hospital, 15% in
Late mortality - 5-10% first year, 2-5% annually after
What are the 2 types of MI?
STEMI - complete occlusion of major coronary artery previously affected by atherosclerosis
NSTEMI - complete occlusion on minor or partial occlusion of major coronary artery
Name 5 risk factors for development of an MI
Increasing age Male History of premature coronary heart disease Premature menopause Diabetes Smoking Hypertension Hyperlipidaemia Obesity and sedentary lifestyle Family history of IHD - MI in first degree relative below 55
What pathology occurs in a STEMI?
Sub-endocardial myocardium initially affected but continued ischaemia, infarct zone extends through sub-endocardial myocardium, producing a transmural Q wave MI
Early reperfusion may salvage regions of myocardium - reducing future mortality and morbidity
How does an NSTEMI present on an ECG?
Diagnosis made retrospectively after troponin results
ST depression and T wave inversion
Troponin I or T increased
Myoglobin released
Name 5 complications of an acute MI?
Sudden death - due to ventricular fibrillation
Arrhythmias - electrical instability following infarction
Pericarditis - transmural infarct resulting in inflammation of pericardium in STEMI
Cardiac rupture
Ventricular aneurysm - due to stretching of newly formed collagenous scar tissue
What is angina?
Chest pain or discomfort as a result of reversible myocardial ischaemia
Usually implies narrowing of one or more of the coronary arteries
Tends to be exacerbated on exertion and relieved by rest
How common is angina?
More common in men
1.7% deaths per year
7% CV events per year
What are the different types of angina?
Stable angina - induced by effort, relieved by rest
Unstable angina - crescendo angina, angina of recent onset (less than 24h) or deterioration in previously stable angina with symptoms frequently occurring at rest, occurs on minimal exertion or even at rest
Prinzmetal’s angina - caused by coronary artery spasm (rare)
Give 5 risk factors for developing angina
Smoking Sedentary lifestyle Obesity Hypertension DM Family history Genetics Age Hypercholesterolaemia Depression/anxiety Stress - high demand/low control Hostile, competitive behaviour
Give 5 possible causes of angina
Atheroma/stenosis of coronary arteries impairing blood flow (most common)
Valvular disease
Aortic stenosis
Arrythmia
Anaemia - less O2 transported to heart muscle
What occurs during angina?
Mismatch between blood supply and metabolic demand
Ischaemic metabolites including adenosine stimulate nerve endings producing pain
Athersclerosis
Plaque continues to encroach upon lumen - increased risk of haemorrhage or exposure to tissue HLA-DR antigens which might stimulate T cell accumulation
Drives inflammation reaction against part of plaque contents
Complications develop including ulceration, fissuring, calcifcation and aneurysm change
How does Ohm’s law link to angina?
Adaptation
As plaque progresses to 50% vascular lumen size, vessel can no longer compensate by re-modelling and becomes narrowed
Drives variable cell turnover within plaque with new matrix surfaces and degradation of matrix
May progress to unstable plaque
How does stable angina present?
Central chest tightness and heaviness
Provoked by exertion, especially after meal or in the cold weather or by anger or excitement
Relieved at rest or by GTN spray
Pain may radiate to one or both arms, neck, jaw or teeth
Dyspnoea, nausea, sweatiness, faintness, palpitations, syncope
How is stable angina diagnosed?
12 lead ECG - often normal, possible ST depression, flat/inverted T waves, look for signs of past MI
Treadmill test - ECG whilst patient running uphill on treadmill, monitor time can exercise for, ST depression, sign of late ischaemia, many patients unsuitable
CT scan calcium storing - CT heart if atherosclerosis in arteries calcium will light up white, significant Ca indicates angina
SPECT/myoview - radiolabelled tracer injected into patient, taken up into coronary arteries as good blood supply, areas of little blood supply will not light up, no light after exercise indicative of myocardial ischaemia
Cardiac catheterisation
Bloods - anaemia
CXR - heart size, pulmonary vessels
Angiogram - shows luminal narrowing
Name 5 differential diagnoses of angina
Pericarditis/myocarditis PE Chest infection Dissection of aorta GORD Costochondritis
How is stable angina treated?
Reassure
Modify modifiable risk factors
Treat underlying conditons
Drugs - aspirin, statins, b-blockers, GTN spray, CCB, ivabradine
Revascularisation - stents, only when patient not stable on drugs
CABG, PCTA
What is a coronary artery bypass graft?
Bypass surgeries Internal mammary artery for left side Saphenous vein for right side Good prognosis but longer recovery Not for frail
What is PCTA?
Stenting or ballooning the narrowing, risk of restenosis or thrombosis, less invasive
What is atherosclerosis?
Deposition of fatty deposits within inner walls of arteries
Causes hardening of arteries
Formation of focal elevated lesions in intima of large and medium sized arteries such as coronary arteries
Fatty streaks present from around 10 years of age
What coronary arteries are most commonly occluded by atherosclerosis?
LAD, circumflex and right coronary
Name 5 risk factors for developing atherosclerosis?
Age - tends to be over 50s, progressive, chronic disease Tobacco smoking - free radicals damage endothelium High serum cholesterol Obesity - metabolic syndrome, increase systemic lipids Diabetes FHx Hypertension - shearing forces Sex Race Sedentary lifestyle Alcohol consumption Stress
What is that pathophysiology of atherosclerosis?
Formed of lipid, necrotic core, connective tissue, fibrous cap
Injury to epithelial cells leading to endothelial dysfunction
Activation of endothelial cells - signals sent to circulating leukocytes which accumulate and migrate into vessel wall - monocytes and T helper cells
Inflammation
LDL deposited in intima, accumulates in arterial wall, undergoes oxidation and glycation
Monocytes -> macrophages that then phagocytose LDLs and become foam cells
Foam cells promote migration of SMC from media to intima and SMC proliferation
Increase SMC proliferation leads to more collagen synthesis
Foam cells die releasing contents driving growth of plaque
Growth of plaque increases pressure causing plaque to rupture leading to coagulation cascade in blood vessel leading to thrombosis
Name 5 conditions atherosclerosis can cause
MI
Angina - stable and unstable
Stroke
Gangrene
How is atherosclerosis treated?
Percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI) Toxal, sirolimus Aspirin - COX-1 inhibitor Clopidogrel/ticargrelor Statins
How is an atherosclerotic plaque composed?
Central lipid core
Cap of fibrous tissue
Covered by arterial endothelium
Cap - made of collagen (produced by SMCs), inflammatory cells reside here (macrophages, T lymphocytes, mast cells)
What are foam cells?
Macrophages that have phagocytosed oxidised lipoproteins, also release chemokines to attract more macrophages, release IGF1 (growth factor) causing SMC to migrate to intima and to proliferation, proinflammatory cytokines, DNA
Why is diabetes a risk factor for atherosclerosis?
Increased free radicals which increases oxidation of LDLs
Less NO so less relaxation of blood vessels
What primary prevention methods could you use to prevent atherosclerosis?
Lifestyle changes
- Decrease alcohol intake
- Improve diet - less fats, salt and sugar
- Increase amount of physical activity
- Stop smoking
- Try to lose some weight
What secondary prevention methods could you used to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis?
Statin treatment Aspirin Anti-hypertensives Help with nicotine replacement therapies to help stop smoking Lifestyle advice Diabetic clinic and refer to dietician GTN spray Gym voucher Weight loss groups
What is heart failure?
Inability of heart to deliver blood and oxygen at a rate commensurate with the requirements of the metabolising tissues despite the normal or increased cardiac filling pressures
Impairment of heart contractility - LV systolic dysfunction most common
State where heart unable to pump enough blood to satisfy the needs of metabolising tissues
Symptomatic condition where breathlessness, fluid retention and fatiuge are associated with a cardiac abnormality that reduces CO
What is heart failure with diastolic function?
Heart requires energy to relax, problem with not relaxing (hypertension)
Preserved ejection fraction
What is ischaemic HF?
Reduced blood supply to heart
What is valvular HF?
Damage or defect in one of four valves
What is myopathic HF?
Disease of heart muscle, makes it harder to pump blood around body
What is hypertensive HF?
Due to overworking of heart
What is cor pulmonale?
High BP in pulmonary arteries leading to right sided HF
How common is HF?
Common 2-20% 2% NHS expenditure Disabiling Deadly 80% HF death within 5 years Treatable Median age 80 Majority chronic
What are the different types of HF?
Actute HF = acute decompensated CHF
- Generally under 70, male, LV ejection fraction < 40%
Acute heart failure - 71-76, equally male and female, 50% LVEF > 40%
Chronic HF
What is the NYHA classification?
New York Heart Association classificaiton
Class I - high risk of developing HF
Class II - slight limitation (mild HF)
Class III - marked limitation (moderate HF)
Class IV - inability to carry out any physical activity without discomfort (severe HF)
What are the stages of HF?
A - high risk of developing HF
B - asymptomatic HF
C - symptomatic HF
D - end-stage HF
Name 5 causes of HF
Hypertension Alcohol excess Cardiomyopathy Endocardial Pericardial MI Obesity Superimposed infection AF and arrhythmias Excess alcohol Endocrine NSAIDs
Name 5 risk factors for developing HF
Hypertension Cardiomyopathy Hypertension Coronary artery disease Heart attack Diabetes Certain medications - NSAIDs Congenital heart defects Valvular heart disease Viruses Alcohol, smoking Obesity Irregular heart beats
What are the symptoms of HF?
SOB Fatigue Ankle swelling Non-specific symptoms Cold peripheries
What are the signs of HF?
Acute - pleural oedema
Chronic - ankle oedema and abdominal ascites
Crackles and tachycardia non-specific but sensitive
Murmurs
How is HF diagnosed?
CXR/blood tests - FBC, LFTs, U&Es, BNP, TFTs, B-type natriuretic peptide (raised in HF)
Cardiac enzymes - creatinine kinase, troponin I and T
ECG
Echo (TTE) - done within 48 hours
Myocardial perfusion imaging
Raised NTproBNP - 72% chance of having HF
CXR
Name 5 differential diagnoses of HF
COPD PE Pneumothorax Anaphylaxis Asthma Pneumonia Foreign body obstruction ACS
How is HF treated?
Loop diuretics - to treat severe oedema, symptomatic treatment of congestion
ACE-I
Aldosterone antagonist
B-blockers
ARB (angiotensin II receptor blockers) - instead of ACEI if contraindicated
Calcium glycoside
Surgery - mitral/aortic valve repair/replacement
Defibrillator
Palliative care
1st line - ACEI, low dose, slow uptitration
2nd line - aldsoterone antagonist
Digoxin/ivabradine
Lifestyle - education, obesity control, diet, smoking cessation, cardiac rehab
Give 5 complications of HF
Renal dysfunction Rhythm disturbances Systemic thromboembolism DVT and PE LBBB and bradycardia Hepatic dysfunction Neurological and psychological complications
How is CO calculated?
CO = HR x SV
What is the difference between systolic HF and diastolic HF?
Sytolic - Failure to contract - EF < 40% - IHD, MI, CM Diastolic - Inability to relax and fill - EF > 50% - Constritive pericarditis, cardiac tamponade (accumulation of fluid in pericardial space), hypertension
What is the difference between low output HF and high output HF?
Low
- Decreased CO, fails to increase with exertion
- Could be due to pump failure, excessive pre-load, chronic increased afterload
High
- Anaemia
- Pregnancy
- Hyperthyroidism
What occurs during HF?
Once heart begins to fail compensatory changes occur
As HF progresses, these compensatory changes become overwhelmed (pathological)
What compensatory changes occur in HF?
Sympathetic stimulation - increases afterload by causing peripheral vasoconstriction
RAAS - salt and water retention, increases afterload and preload (increases volume and vasoconstriction)
Cardiac changes - ventricular dilatation, myocyte hypertrophy
Increased preload
What are the symptoms of left-sided heart failure?
Exertional dyspnoea
Fatigue
Paroxysmal noturnal dyspnoea
Nocturnal cough - pink, frothy sputum
What are the signs of left-sided heart failure?
Cardiomegaly (displaced apex beat) 3rd and 4th heart sounds Crepitations in lung bases Weight loss Reduced BP Tachycardia Cool peripheries Heart murmur
What are the symptoms of right sided HF?
Peripheral oedema
Ascites
Nausea
Anorexia
What are the signs of right sided HF?
Raised JVP Hepatomegaly Pitting oedema Ascites Weight gain (fluid)
What can cause right sided HF?
LV failure
Pulmonary stenosis
Lung disease (cor pulmonale)
What can be seen on a CXR in HF?
ABCDE Alveolar oedema Kerley B lines (interstital oedema) Cardiomegaly Dilated prominent upper lobe vessels Pleural Effusion
How do you treat acute HF?
100% oxygen Nitrates - GTN (dilate vessels) IV opiates IV furosemide (to reduce fluid overload) Inotropic drug - to increase contractility of dilated vessels
How do you treat chronic HF?
ACEI/ARB (valsartan)
B-blockers
CCB and other vasodilators
Diuretics and digoxin (furosemide)
What is the difference between primary and secondary hypertension?
Primary - high BP that doesn’t have a secondary cause
Secondary - high BP that does have a secondary cause eg kidney disease, adrenal disease, thyroid problems, obstructive sleep apnoea, high aldosterone
Most cases primary
What is the epidemiology of hypertension?
Often symptomless - requires screening Major risk factor in CVD Remains under diagnosed, under treated and poorly controlled Prevalence in those older than 35 More common in men
What is stage 1 hypertension?
More than or equal to 140/90mmHg clinic BP
Daytime ABPM greater than or equal to 135/85mmHg
Don’t need to treat unless increased risk of CVS events due to diabetes/end-organ damage (stroke, TIA, MI) or high QRISK
30-40% increased risk of death per 10mmHg
5 year lower life expectancy on average if untreated
What is stage 2 hypertension?
More than or equal to 160/100mmHg clinic BP
Daytime averge ABPM greater than or equal to 150/95mmHg
What is stage 3 hypertension?
Clinic systolic BP greater than or equal to 180mmHg and/or diastolic greater than or equal to 110mmHg
Start immediate anti-hypertensive drug treatment
What are the possible causes of essential/primary hypertension?
Primary cause unknown Multifactorial involving Genetic susceptibility Excessive sympathetic nervous system activity Abnormalities of Na/K membrane transport High salt intake Abnormalities in RAAS
What are the potential causes of secondary hypertension?
Renal disease
Pregnancy
Endocrine causes - Cushing’s (corticosteroids), Conn’s (aldosterone), phaemochromocytoma (catecholamines - vasoconstriction, increased cardiac contractility, increased in HR)
Coarctation of aorta
Drugs - corticosteroids, cyclosporin, erythropoietin, contraceptive pill, SSRIs, NSAIDs, immunosuppressives, cold cures
Alcohol, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine
Name 5 risk factors for developing hypertension
FHx Age Race - more common in Afro-Caribbean population Overweight/obese Sedentary lifestyle Smoking Too much salt Alcohol Diabetes Stress
What vascular changes occur in hypertension?
Accelerates atherosclerosis due to shearing forces exerted on vessel walls
Thickening of media of muscular arteries
Smaller arteries and arterioles typically affected
Results in endothelial cell dysfunction associated with impaired NO mediated dilatation and enhance secretion of vasoconstrictors including endothelins and prostaglandins
What is hypertension a major risk factor for?
IHD
Intracerebral haemorrhage
Renal disease (cause and result) - kidney size often redued, small vessels show intimal thickening and medial hypertrophy, numbers of sclerotic glomeruli increased
What is malignant hypertension?
Markedly raised diastolic pressure, usually over 120mmHg and progressive renal disease
Rare
Renal vascular changes prominent and usually evidence of acute haemorrhage and papilloedema
Can occur in previously fit individuals, often black males in 30s-40s
How does malignant hypertension present?
Proteinuria - if affecting kidneys
Haemorrhages/papilloedema (swelling of optic nerve) - worse prognosis than cancer
How is malignant hypertension diagnosed?
Look for end-organ damage
Urinalysis - albumin-creatinine ratio, protein, haematuria
Blood tests - serum creatinine, eGFR, fasting glucose, cholesterol
Fundoscopy/ophthalmoscopy
ECG - LV hypertrophy, past MI
Echo - LV hypertrophy
24h ABPM
How is hypertension treated?
Treatment goal 140/90mmHg Change diet - high consumption of fruit/veg and low fat Regular physical exercise Reduce alcohol intake Reduce salt intake Lose weight if obese Stop smoking - increases CVS risk ACD pathway Lifelong treatment Check BP every 6 months Withhold certain drugs in pregnancy Withhold during surgery
What is the ACD pathway?
For treating hypertension in under 55s or non-Afro-Caribbeans
ACE-I eg ramipril (or ARB if ACE-I contraindicated)
CCB
Diuretics
Beta-blockers if combination of all 3 don’t work
Also consider addition of spironolactone, high dose thiazide-like diuretic, alpha-blocker
How do you treat hypertension in over 55s and Afro-Caribbeans?
CCB 1st line
Add ACEI/ARB after CCB not working
What are the potential complications of hypertension?
Stroke MI HF Angina T2DM Vascular dementia
What are the two types of aortic aneurysm?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm - aortic diameter exceeding 3cm
Thoracic abdominal diameter
When is AAA more common?
More commonly occurs below renal arteries
Incidence increases with age
More common in men
5% of population over 60
When is TAA more common?
Ascending thoraco-abdominal aneurysms occur more commonly in patients with Marfan’s or hypertension
Descending/arch TAAs secondary to atherosclerosis
Name 5 risk factors for developing AAA?
Severe atherosclerotic damage FHx Smoking Male Increasing age Hypertension COPD Trauma Hyperlipidaemia
Name 5 risk factors for developing TAA
Strong genetic link - autosomal dominant trait Certain connective tissue disorders - Marfan's, Ehler's-danlos, Loeys-dietz Mycotic aneurysm endocarditis Aortic dissection Weight lifting, cocaine, amphetamine use - rise in BP Hypertension Increasing age Smoking Bicuspid/unicuspid aortic valves Atherosclerosis COPD Renal failure Previous aortic aneurysm repair
Why does an AAA occur?
Degradation of elastic lamellae resulting in leukocyte infiltrate causing enhanced proteolysis and SMC loss
Dilatation affects all 3 layers of vascular tunic
Doesn’t then pseudoaneurysm
Why does TAA occur?
Inflammation, proteolysis and reduced survival of SMCs in aortic wall
Once aorta reaches crucial diameter, loses all distensibility so rise in BP to around 200mmHg can exceed the arterial wall strength and may trigger dissection or rupture
How does an unruptured AAA present?
Often asymptomatic
Picked up via routine examination
Pain in abdomen, back, loin or groin
Pulsatile abdominal swelling
How does a ruputred AAA present?
More likely if hypertension, female, smoker, strong FHx Intermittent/continuous abdominal pain (radiating to back, iliac fossa/groin) Pulsatile abdominal swelling Collapse Hypotension Tachycardia Profound anaemia Sudden death
How does a TAA present?
Most asymptomatic Diagnosed incidentally Pain in chest/neck/upper back/mid-back/epigastrium Aortic regurgitation Fever if infective cause Symptoms due to compression of local strucutures Acute pain Collapse, shock, sudden death Cardiac tamponade Haemoptysis
Give 5 differential diagnoses of AAA
GI bleed Ischaemic bowel MSK pain Perforated GI ulcer Pyelonephritis Appendicitis
Give 4 differential diagnoses of TAA
Thoracic back pain
Arterial ischaemia
Collapse
MI
How is an AAA diagnosed?
Abdominal ultrasound - can assess aorta to degree of 3mm
CT an MRI angiography scans
How is TAA diagnosed?
CT/MRI
Aortography - assess position of key branches relative to aneurysm
Transoesophageal echo
Ultrasound
How is an AAA treated?
Small aneurysms below 5.5cm generally monitored
Treat underlying causes
Modify risk factors
Smoking cessation
Vigorous BP control
Lowering of lipids in blood
Surgery - if larger than 5.5cm and expanding yearly and symptomatic - open surgical repair/endovascular repair
How is a TAA treated?
Immediate urgent surgery required for ruptured Symptomatic - surgery regardless of size Regular CT/MRI monitoring every 6 months Rigorous BP control with B-blockers Smoking cessation Treat underlying cause
What is an aortic dissection?
Tear in aorta causing inner and middle layer of aortic wall to separate
How common is aortic dissection?
Medical emergency that can lead to death
Affects more men than women
Most common between 50-70, rare below 40
Very rare in children
How is aortic dissection classified?
Classified by timing of diagnosis from origin of symptoms
Acute - less than 2 wks
Subacute - 2-8 wks
Chronic - more than 8 wks
What are the potential causes of aortic dissection?
Inherited
Degenerative eg cystic medial disease (degenerative disease of aortic wall)
Atherosclerotic
Inflammatory eg giant cell arteritis
Trauma eg shearing stresses in RTA
Connective tissue disorders eg Marfan’s and Ehlers-Danlos
What occurs when an aortic dissection happens?
Begins with tear in intima
Blood under pressure then penetrates the diseased medial layer and flows between the layers of the aorta, forcing the layers apart resulting in dissection
Blood forms a haematoma separating the intima from the adventitia and creating a false lumen
False lumen extends for a variable distance in either direction - anterograde/retrograde
Where is an aortic dissection most likely to happen?
Within 2-3cm of aortic valve
Distal to left subclavian artery in descending aorta
How does an aortic dissection present?
Sudden onset of severe and central chest pain radiating to back and down arms - mimics an MI
Pain often described as tearing in nature - may be migratory
Hypertension
Pain maximal from time of onset - unlike MI where pain gains in intensity
Shock
Neurological symptoms secondary to loss of blood supply to spinal cord
Aortic regurgitation, coronary ischaemia and cardiac tamponade
Distal extension may produce acute kidney failure, acute lower limb ischaemia or visceral ischaemia
Peripheral pulses may be absent
Name 5 differential diagnoses for aortic dissection
ACS, MI, aortic regurgitation without dissection, MSK pain, pericarditis, cholecystitis, atherosclerotic embolism
How is aortic dissection diagnosed?
CXR - widened mediastinum
Urgent CT, transoesophageal echo or MRI will confirm diagnosis
How is aortic dissection treated?
If hypertension - urgent anti-hypertensive medication to reduce BP to less than 120mmHg - IV B-blockers or vasodilators Analgesia - morphine Surgery to replace aortic arch Endovascular intervention with stents Long term follow up with CT or MRI
What is aortic stenosis?
Narrowing of aortic valve resulting in obstruction of left ventricular stroke volume leading to symptoms of chest pain, breathlessness, syncope and fatigue
Normal aortic valve 3-4cm2
Symptoms occur when valve area 1/4 of normal
What is aortic regurgitation?
Leakage of blood into LV from aorta during diastole due to ineffective coaptation of aortic cusps
Can be associated with aortic stenosis
What is the classification of aortic stenosis?
Supravalvular
Subvalvular
Valvular - most common
What are the main causes of aortic stenosis?
Calcific aortic valvular - essentially calcification of aortic valve resulting in stenosis
Calcification of congenital bicuspid aortic valve
Rheumatic heart disease
What are the main causes of aortic regurgitation?
Rheumatic fever
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve
IE
What are the risk factors that could lead to aortic stenosis?
Congenital bicuspid aortic valve
Male
What are the risk factors that could lead to aortic regurgitation?
Marfan’s and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
SLE
Aortic dilatation
IE or aortic dissection
What occurs during aortic stenosis?
Narrowing obstructed LV emptying and pressure gradient develops between LV and aorta resulting in increased afterload
Increased LV pressure and compensatory LV hypertrophy
Results in relative ischaemia of LV myocardium and consequent angina, arrhythmias and LV failure
Obstruction to LV emptying relatively more severe on exercise
When compensatory mechanisms exhausted LV function rapidly declines
What occurs during aortic regurgitation?
Reflux of blood from aorta through aortic valve into LV during diastole
LV dilation and hypertrophy to maintain total volume of blood ejected from LV
Progressive dilation leads to HF
Diastolic pressure falls due to regurgitation so coronary perfusion decreases
Large LV size mechanically less efficient, demand for O2 greater and cardiac ischaemia develops
Combined pressure and volume overload
How does aortic stenosis present?
Syncope Angina HF Dyspnoea on exertion due to HF Sudden death Slow rising carotid pulse and decreased pulse amplitude Heart sounds - soft/absent S2, prominent S4 due to LV hypertrophy, ejection systolic murmur (crescendo-decresendo) Pulsus tardus - late Pulsus parvus - weak
How does aortic regurgitation present?
Asymptomatic for years Exertional dyspnoea Orthopnoea - dyspnoea lying down Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea Palpitations Angina Syncope Wide pulse pressure Apex beat displaced laterally Early diastolic murmur at L sternal border Systolic ejection murmur Collapsing water hammer pulse Quincke's sign - capillary pulsation in nail beds De Musset's sign - head nodding with heart beat Pistol shot femoral - sharp bang heard
What could be a differential diagnosis for aortic stenosis?
Aortic regurgitation
Subacute bacterial endocarditis
What could be a differential diagnosis for aortic regurgitation?
HF
IE
Mitral regurgitation
How is aortic stenosis diagnosed?
Echo - LV size and function, doppler derived gradient and valve area, diagnostic
ECG - LV hypertrophy, LA delay, LV strain pattern due to pressure overload - depressed ST segments and T wave inversion in leads orientated towards LV
CXR - LV hypertrophy, calcified aortic valve
How is aortic regurgitation diagnosed?
Echo - evaluation of aortic valve and aortic root, measurement of LV dimensions and function, cornerstone decision making and follow up evaluation
CXR - enlarged cardiac silhouette and aortic root enlargement
ECG - LV hypertrophy due to volume overload, tall R waves and deeply inverted T waves in left-sided chest leads, deep S waves in R side leads
How is aortic stenosis treated?
Rigorous dental hygiene, IE prophylaxis in dental procedures
Limited role for medication as mechanical problem
Vasodilators contraindicated in severe as may trigger hypotension and syncope
Surgical aortic valve replacement definitive treatment - any patients with severe, decreasing EF, undergoing CABG with moderate/severe
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) - if not fit for surgery
How is aortic regurgitation treated?
Vasodilators such as ACEi improve stroke volume and reduce regurgitation but only if symptomatic
Serial echos to monitor progression
Surgery for valve replacement before LV dysfunction
What is atrial fibrillation?
Choatic irregular atrial rhythm at 300-600bpm, AV node responds intermittently, hence irregular ventricular rate
Mechanically ineffective
How common is AF?
Most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia
Males more than females
5-15% patients over 75
Paroxysmal (self-terminating) or persistent
How is AF classified?
Acute - onset within previous 48h
Paroxysmal - stops spontaneously within 7 days
Recurrent - 2 or more episodes
Persistent - continuous for more than 7 days and not self-terminating
Permanent
What can cause AF?
Idiopathic Any condition resulting in raised arterial pressure, increased muscle mass, atrial fibrosis or inflammation and infiltration of atrium Hypertension HF Coronary artery disease Valvular heart disease especially mitral stenosis Cardiac surgery Cardiomyopathy Rheumatic heart disease Acute excess alcohol intoxication Thyrotoxicosis
Name 5 risk factors for developing AF
Older than 60 Diabetes Hypertension Coronary artery disease Prior MI Structural heart disease
What occurs during atrial fibrillation?
Continuous rapid activation of atria by multiple re-entry waves 300-600/min
Rapidly depolarising automatic foci, located within pulmonary veins
Atria respond electrically at this rate, no coordinated mechanical action, only proportion of impulses conducted to ventricles due to refractory period of AVN
Ventricular response depends on rate and regularity of atrial activity, entry to AV node, balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tone
CO drops 10-20% as ventricles not primed reliably by atria
Higher risk of thrombotic events, blood pools and remains still and clots
HR - 120-180bpm
How does AF present?
Asymptomatic Palpitations Dyspnoea or chest pains Fatigue HF No P waves Rapid and irregular QRS rhythm Apical pulse rate greater than radial rate 1st heart sound variable intensity Irregularly irregular pulse
How is AF diagnosed?
ECG - absent P waves, irregular and rapid QRS complex
What could be a differential diagnosis of AF?
Atrial flutter
Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
How if AF treated?
Acute management - when due to acute precipitating event, cardioversion (conversion to sinus rhythm electrically or pharamcologically), ventricular rate control with drugs that block AV node eg CCB, B-blocker, digoxin, anti-arrhythmic
Long term and stable patient management
- Rate control - AV nodal slowing agents plus oral coagulation - B-blockers/CCB/digoxin
- Rhyhtm control - for younger, symptomatic and physically activate patients, cardioversion and amiodarone, anti-coagulation
Calculate stroke risk - 5x risk of stroke (embolism due to thrombus formed in atrium)
What is the target INR with treatment with warfarin?
2-3
What is atrial flutter?
Organised atrial rhythm with an atrial rate typically between 250-350bpm
How common is atrial flutter?
Often associated with atrial fibrillation and frequently require similar initial therapeutic approach
Paroxysmal or persistent
Much less common than atrial fibrillation
Name 5 things that can cause atrial flutter
Idiopathic Coronary heart disease Obesity Hypertension HF COPD Pericarditis Acute excess alcohol intoxication
What is a risk factor for developing atrial flutter?
Atrial fibrillation
What occurs during atrial flutter?
Continuous rapid activation of atria by multiple re-entry wavelets
Rapidly repolarising automatic foci, located within pulmonary veins
Atria respond electrically at this rate, no co-ordinated mechanical action, only proportion on impulses conducted to ventricles
Ventricular response depends on rate and regularity of atrial activity, entry to AV node, balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tone
CO drops 10-20% as ventricles not primed reliably by atria
Higher risk of thrombotic events, blood pools and remains still and clots
How does atrial flutter present?
Palpitations Breathlessness Chest pain Dizziness Syncope Fatigue Atrial rate - 300bpm Ventricular rate - 150bpm
How is atrial flutter diagnosed?
ECG - definitive
Regular saw-tooth like atrial flutter waves between QRS complexes due to continuous atrial depolarisation
F waves may be unmasked by slowing AV conduction by carotid sinus massage or IV adenosine
What could be a differential diagnosis of atrial flutter?
Atrial fibrillation
Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias
How is atrial flutter treated?
Electrical cardioversion but anti-coagulated before
Catheter ablation - create conduction block
IV amiodarone to restore sinus rhythm and use beta-blocker to suppress further arrhythmias
How is atrial flutter different to atrial fibrillation?
Atrial flutter - atria beat regularly but more often
Atrial fibrillation - atria beat irregularly and faster
What is a cardiac arrhythmia?
Abnormality of cardiac rhythm
Give 5 complications of cardiac arrhythmias
Sudden death Syncope HF Chest pain Dizziness Palpitations Asymptomatic
What is bradycardia?
Heart rate slow < 60 bpm during day and < 50 bpm at night
Usually asymptomatic unless heart very slow
Normal in athletes due to increased vagal tone and thus parasympathetic activity
What is tachycardia?
Heart rate fast > 100 bpm
More symptomatic when arrythmia fast and sustained