Cardiology Flashcards
Initial NSTEMI treatment
Aspirin (chewed/dispersed in water - alert if aspirin given before hospital),
Clopidogrel (ticagelor, prasugrel in some patients that have a PCI),
O2 (extra care needed if COPD),
Nitrates ( GTN sublingual then IV/Buccal or iso) and Morphine for pain
STEMI treatment
Initial = Aspirin (chewed/dispersed in water alert if aspirin given before hospital), Clopidogrel (ticagelor, prasugrel in some patients that have PCI),
O2 (extra care needed if COPD),
Nitrates ( GTN sublingual then IV/Buccal or iso) and Morphine for pain (antiemetic too)
PCI/thrombolytic drug (reperfusion therapy) to open artery, PCI preferred.
glycoprotein iib/iiia inhibitors can also be used e.g.abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban to reduce occlusion
What beta blockers should be used if Left ventricular dysfunction
bisoprolol, carvedilol, metoprolol
What CCB to use if beta blockers are contraindicated in those with left ventricular dysfunction
Diltiazem and verapamil
What diuretic is used for left ventricular dysfunction heart failure
Epleronone
How to manage Von Willebrand Disease haemophilia
Desmopressin
what fibrinolytic (plasminogen activator) treats DVT
Streptokinase
What drug inhibits fibrinolysis
Tranexamic acid
what fibrinolytic (plasminogen activator) treats PE
Alteplase
Role of hydralazine
adjunct to other antihypertensives for resistant HT, hypertensive crisis, heart failure
Concerns with Thiazides in renal impairment
Not to be used below 30mL/minute/1.73 m2 (Metolazone can still be used)
Thiazide use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not to be used in pregnancy but alright in breastfeeding women
What are the side effects of minoxidil and how are risks reduced
Increasing cardiac output and fluid retention so needs to be given with beta blockers and diuretic, causes excessive hair growth too
What is methyldopa
a centrally acting antihypertensive, can be used in pregnancy
What is clonidine
a centrally acting antihypertensive
Aspirin’s cardiovascular uses
MI, CVD secondary prevention, AF, post CABG, strokes, and stent placement
Common clopidogrel side effects
Diarrhoea; gastrointestinal discomfort; haemorrhage; skin reactions
Long Term STEMI treatment
Dual antiplatelet therapy, Beta blocker, ACE, Statin
Length of clopidogrel treatment for NSTEMI
Initially 300 mg, then 75 mg daily for up to 12 months
Length of clopidogrel treatment for STEMI
Initially 300 mg, then 75 mg for at least 4 weeks. (if >75yo then 75mg)
Dipyradimole uses
An adjunct to oral anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolism associated with valve replacements, the MR version can be used in secondary prevention of strokes/TIA
When is DAPT needed
After PCI
DAPT combinations
Aspirin +cangrelor, clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor(unlicensed).
Aspirin used indefinitely
How long is aspirin used post-PCI
Indefinitely
How is clopidogrel used with bare metal stent
With Bare metal stent, clopidogrel used for at least a month
How long is clopidogrel used with a drug eluting stent
For drug eluting stent, clopidogrel used for at least 6 months ( typically 12 months)
Risk of re-endotheliasation if clopidogrel stopped prematurely in those with drug
Glucoprotein iib/iia inhibitors drugs
Abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban.
Glucoprotein iib/iia inhibitors use
Prevent platelet aggregation by blocking the binding of fibrinogen to receptors on platelets
Used to prevent ischemic complications , MI prevention
How is AF managed
controlling rate or rhythm control
When is electrocardioversion used
Life threatening insurances
When is rate control treatment preferred
If onset is more than 48 hours or there is uncertainty
What is preferred if there is structural heart disease in AF
Amiodarone
What drugs are used as urgent rate control
Beta blocker, verapamil
What form of AF treatment is preferred first
Rate
Rate control drugs
beta blockers(not sotalol), rate limiting CCB (diltiazem which is unlicensed, verapamil).
When is digoxin useful in AF treatment
Sedentary patients, and CHF
What happens if monotherapy treatment for AF fails
Combination of two drugs (beta blocker, digoxin and diltiazem) given, if this doesn’t work then rhythm-control is considered.
Rhythm control treatment
Beta blocker if not then antiarrhythmic e.g.sotalol, flecainide, propafenone, amiodarone, dronedarone
Amiodarone and cardioversion
Started 4 weeks before cardioversion and up to 12 months afterwards to maintain sinus rhythm
When are flecainide and propafenone contraindicated
If known ischaemic or structural heart disease and in paroxysmal AF
CHADSVASC and HAS-BLED are used to …
evaluate stroke and bleeding risk
CHADVASC risk factors
prior ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attacks, or thromboembolic events, heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, females, and patients over 65 years
When is oral anticoagulation offered in AF
In confirmed diagnosis in whom sinus rhythm has not been restored within 48 hours of onset or at high risk of AF recurrence e.g. structural heart disease, previous history of AF/cardioversion and when stroke risk outweighs bleeding risk
Atrial flutter treatment
Responds less well to drug treatment than AF
Direct current cardioversion is used and catheter ablation.
Flecainide and propafenone can be used
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia treatment
With adenosine or verapamil, cardioversion, catheter ablation and prevented by usual suspects e.g. diltiazem beta blockers including sotalol
Treating bradycardia
IV dose of atropine. If risk of asystole give atropine/adrenalin
How to restore sinus rhythm
Direct current cardioversion given to restore sinus rhythm
Treating sustained ventricular tachycardia
Amiodarone if haemodynamically stable
Cause of torsade de pointes
Often drug induced or caused by hypokalemia, severe bradycardia and genetics.
Result of torsade de pointes
self limiting but can result in impairment and loss of consciousness
Drugs that act on supraventricular arrhythmias:
Verapamil (adenosine can be used against paroxymal SVT due to its short action)
Drugs acting on supraventricular and ventricular:
Amiodarone, beta blockers, flecainide, propafenone
What arrhythmia can lidocaine potentially treat
Ventricular
Digoxin and ventricular
Digoxin lows ventricular response in AF and atrial flutter
Amiodarone characteristics
It has a very long half-life. Weeks or months needed to achieve steady state.
Sotalol is used in what arrhythmias
Sotalol used in management of ventricular arrhythmias
Nitrates and tolerance and what to do
Many patients on long-acting or transdermal nitrates rapidly develop tolerance (with reduced therapeutic effects). Reduction of blood-nitrate concentrations to low levels for 4 to 12 hours each day usually maintains effectiveness in such patients.
Statins and pregnancy
Statins should be avoided in pregnancy (discontinue 3 months before attempting to conceive) as congenital anomalies have been reported and the decreased synthesis of cholesterol possibly affects fetal development.
Statin Mechanism of Action
Inhibit HMG COA reductase
When do GTN tablets expire
8 weeks
Nicorandil class
Potassium channel activator
Nicorandil indication
Prevention and long term treatment of angina
Notable nicorandil side effects
ulceration
Ivabadrine effect and indication
lowers heart rate used in angina and CHF
Where do beta blockers act
Heart, peripheral vasculature, bronchi, pancreas and liver
What is intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA/Partial agonist activity)
Capacity of beta-blockers to stimulate and block adrenergic activity
What beta blockers have ISA
Celiprolol, pindolol, acebutolol and oxprenolol (CAPO)
What is the advantage of ISA activity
Less bradycardia and coldness of extremities
Advantage of water soluble beta blockers
Less likely to enter brain and cause sleep disturbance/nightmare
Name water soluble beta blockers
Sotalol, Atenolol, Nadolol and Celiprolol - SANC
Disadvantage of water soluble beta blockers
Excreted by kidneys so dose reduction may be needed in renal impairment
What beta-blockers have OD regimen/ long duration of action
Atenolol, bisoprolol, celiprolol, nadolol - BANC
Who are beta-blockers contraindicated in
2nd/3rd degree heart block, unstable heart failure, Asthma, COPD
What beta blockers have arteriolar vasodilating action
Labetalol, celiprolol, carvedilol and nebivolol
Stance on beta blockers in asthma/COPD
Cause bronchospasm so try to avoid but use if necessary in well-controlled asthma or COPD for heart failure or post MI. use cardioselective blockers
Cardioselective beta blockers
Acebutolol Atenolol. Betaxolol. Bisoprolol. Celiprolol Metoprolol. Nebivolol. Esmolol.
Notable uses of beta blockers
Anxiety, tremor, migraine prophylaxis and glaucoma
Dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers
Amlodipine, felodipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine hydrochloride, nicardipine hydrochloride, nifedipine, and nimodipine
What CCB can be used in heart failure
Amlodipine
Why can’t CCBs be used in heart failure
They further depress cardiac function and exacerbate symptoms
Verapamil indications
Angina, hypertension, arrhythmias (SVT), unstable angina when beta blockers can’t be used
How does verapamil work
Reduces cardiac output, slows heart rate, impairs atrioventricular conduction
Verapamil cautions
Precipitates heart failure, worsens conduction disorders, don’t use with beta blockers, constipation
What is verapamil
Negatively inotropic
Nifedipine mechanism of action
Relaxes vascular smooth muscle, dilates arteries
What drugs resemble nifedipine and what are they used for
Nicardipine, amlodipine, felodipine.
Treat angina/ hypertension
Side effects of dihydropyridines
Borne from vasodilation e.g. flushing, headache (gets better after a few days), ankle swelling
What is diltiazem used for
Angina, hypertension (long acting) when beta blockers can’t be used
What CCB is used for life threatening hypertension
IV nicardipine
Initial acute ischaemic stroke treatment
Alteplase if within 4.5 hours of symptoms by medical staff.
If intracranial excluded treat with aspirin asap within 24 hours +PPI if needed
How to treat stroke in those with AF
Give aspirin for two weeks then consider anticoagulant
What to do for patients already taking anticoagulant who have a stroke
Stop and substitute for aspirin for 7 days
Hypertension treatment and stroke management
stop hypertension treatment in acute phase of stroke unless considered for thrombolysis
Long term TIA / ischaemic attack treatment
Clopidogrel/ dipyridamole MR +aspirin/dipyradimole MR/aspirin (in preference order)
And
High intensity statin regardless of cholesterol level 48 hours after onset
When do you give long term treatment for strokes
Atrial fibrillation or other indications (such as a cardiac source of embolism, cerebral venous thrombosis or arterial dissection
Blood pressure target post stroke
<130/80 mmHg
Intracerebral haemorrage initial treatment
Surgery to remove haematoma , blood pressure lowering therapy within 6 hours, stop and reverse anticoagulant treatment
Digoxin cautions
Hypokalaemia, renal function, elderly (STOPP), hypercalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, hypoxia, thyroid disease
Initial endocarditis treatment
Amoxicillin maybe add gentamicin, give vancomycin if penicillin allergy, if severe sepsis riskfactors and gram negative give vancomycin and meropenem
Endocarditis caused by staphylococci treatment
Flucloxacillin for 4 weeks, if penicillin allergy/MRSA give vancomycin+rifampicin
Streptococci endocarditis treatment
Benzylpenicillin sodium
Endocarditis caused by enterococci treatment
Amoxicillin+gent/benzylpenicillin
HACEK endocarditis treatment
Amoxicillin
Heart failure effect/symptoms
Reduced cardiac output, SOB, coughing, wheezing, ankle swelling, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, pulmonary oedema/crackles, jugular venous pressure higher, pink frothy sputum
Reduced heart failure is
Left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally and therefore presents with an ejection fraction of less than 40%
Preserved heart failure
Left ventricle loses its ability to relax normally therefore the ejection fraction is normal or only mildly reduced
Heart failure non-pharmacological treatment
smoking stop, less alcohol, more exercise, weight control, healthy diet, report weight gain of more than 1.5kg in 2 days, salt restricted if intake already high9 less than 6 g of salt a day)
Why are diuretics recommended for treatment of reduced heart failure
Relieve breathlessness and oedema for those with fluid retention
Reduced Ejection fraction heart failure treatment
Beta blocker+ ACEi
Loop diuretic
Aldosterone antagonist - eplerenone
What to check when initiating ACE/ARB
serum potassium and sodium, renal function, and blood pressure
Thiazide use in HF
To relieve oedema due to chronic heart failure and, in lower doses, to reduce blood pressure.
Loop diuretic use in HF
Pulmonary oedema due to left ventricular failure and in patients with chronic heart failure or in resistant hypertension
Thiazide mechanism
Inhibit sodium reabsorption at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule
Thiazide mechanism
Inhibit sodium reabsorption at the beginning of the distal convoluted tubule
When do thiazide diuretics work and how long for
Within 1-2 hours for 12-24 hours
Furosemide and bumetanide action and duration timings
Act in one hour and complete diuresis within 6 hours
Spironolactone indications
Cirrhosis, primary hyperaldosteronism, heart failure,oedema
Mannitol diuretic type
osmotic
dorzalamide/brinzolamide indication
Inhibit formation of aqueous humour and used in glaucoma
What to look out for when initiating ACE
First dose hypotension with heart failure patients taking loop diuretic, so may temporarily remove loop, this may need specialist supervision
What do fibrates do e.g. fenofibrate
Reduce triglyceride concentration
Risk of concomitant use of statin and fibrate
Muscle related side effects
High intensity statins and dose
atorva 20mg = rosuva 10mg = simvastatin 80mg
Low intensity statins
Simvastatin 10mg=prava 40mg=fluva 40mg
When should alteplase/streptokinase be given for MI
6-12 hours of MI, ideally within an hour
Hypertension lifestyle treatment
Clinic BP between 140/90 and 160/100 or >135/85 at home
When to consider treatment for patients of >80YO with hypertension
If >150/90
When to consider treatment for under 60 years old with hypertension
Stage 1 and estimated 10 year cv risk >10%
When to consider hypertension treatment under age of 80
established cardiovascular disease, renal disease, diabetes, or a 10 year cardiovascular risk ≥10%.
SIGN guidance on antihypertension treatment eligibility
Treatment offered if >140/90 regardless of age or stroke even if normal BP
Stage 2 hypertension
Clinic BP160/100 - 180/120 mmHg or 150/95 at home
When to refer hypertension patients on the same day
> 180/120, consider starting antihypertensive treatment immediately
Aspirin and hypertension caution
BP must be controlled before giving aspirin
BP target if under 80
140/90
BP target in over 80yo
<150/90
SIGN BP target
140/90
Strategy for: Hypertension with type 2 diabetes in all patients (any age or origin), or hypertension without type 2 diabetes in those aged 55 years or below and not of black African or African-Caribbean origin
- ACE/ARB
- CCB/thiazide like diuretic +ACE/ARB
- ACE/ARB+ CCB and a thiazide-like diuretic
- Seek advice
Hypdertension without type 2 diabetes in patients age 55 and over, or all ages of black African or African-Caribbean origin patients without type 2 diabetes
- CCB
- CCB+ACE/ARB/Thiazide
- ACE/ARB+CCB+Thiazide
- Seek advice + confirm
T1DM hypertension aim
135/85 mmHg
Antihypertensives with the potential of causing hypoglycaemia
Beta blockers
Antihypertensives with the potential of causing hyperglycaemia
Thiazide, CCB
Hypertension in pregnancy
intravenous labetalol hydrochloride, intravenous hydralazine hydrochloride, or oral nifedipine modified-release to achieve a target blood pressure of 135/85 mmHg or less.
First line pre-eclampsia/ hypertension pregnancy treatment if >140/90
Labetalol (nifedipine mr if unsuitable then methyldopa)
First line pre-eclampsia/ hypertension pregnancy treatment if 160/90
Labetalol if not then nifedipine, methyldopa
Severe hypertension and pregnancy
Magnesium in critical care setting
Methyldopa and pregnancy discontinuation
2 days before birth and switch
Hypertension medicines used in breastfeeding
Enalapril first line or nifedipine/amlodipine in afro-Caribbean
Nitrates action
Flushing, headache, and postural hypotension
Length of GTN effect
20-30 minutes
Nitrate indication
Angina prophylaxis, CHF adjunct
When is isosorbide dinitrate used
Infrequent and prophylaxis
Isosobide mononitrate use
Prophylaxis
Anticoagulant use reason
Prevent thrombus formation/extension in the slower venous side
Why are anticoagulants not that effective against artery thrombus prevention
Not that effective in preventing thrombus formation in arteries as they are faster flowing and the platelets have less fibrin
Vitamin k antagonists
Warfarin, acenocoumarol, phenindione
What anticoagulant is preferred before surgery
LMWH or heparin (can continue warfarin if already on it and at high risk of VTE)
INR 2.5 is for
DVT treatment Treatment pulmonary embolism AF MI Cardioversion (achieve at least 3 weeks before and 4 weeks after with higher targets may be used just to prevent cancellation)
When is an INR of 3.5 recommended
Recurrent DVT/PE in patients already receiving anticoagulation with an INR >2
Mechanical prosthetic heart valves
How to stop major bleeding from warfarin
Stop warfarin
Give phytomenadione IV , dried prothrombin complex or fresh frozen plasma (less effective) restart INR when <5.0
When to stop warfarin before elective operations (days)
Stop 5 days before elective surgery
At what INR do you still need to give phytomenadione if warfarin is stopped before surgery
Dose given the day before a procedure If INR greater than >1.5
Can bridge with LMWH
When to bridge warfarin
High risk of thromboembolism
Who is at high risk of thromboembolism
VTE in last 3 months
AF with previous stroke/TIA
Mechanical valve
Antiplatelet +anticoagulant indication
ACS
PCI
Why are LWMH preferred to heparin in VTE prevention
Equally effective and lower risk of HIT (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia)
Fondaparinux action
Synthetic pentasaccharide that inhibits activated factor X
Raynauds treatment
Smoking cessation
Aspirin
QRISK factors
Smoking status: non-smoker Diabetes status: none Angina or heart attack in a 1st degree relative < 60 Chronic kidney disease (stage 3, 4 or 5) Atrial fibrillation On blood pressure treatment Do you have migraines Rheumatoid arthritis Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Severe mental illness (this includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and moderate/severe depression) On atypical antipsychotic medication Are you on regular steroid tablets A diagnosis of or treatment for erectile disfunction Ethnicity Age BMI Cholesterol
When is heparin preferred to LMWH
Renal impairment
Who is at risk of hospital acquired blood clots
post-surgery, immobility, malignancy, obesity, acquired/inherited hypercoaguable states, pregnancy and postpartum, hormonal therapy,
Who should stockings be given to
acute stroke, thrombocytopenia, bleeding disorders
What to use in general or orthopaedic surgery when the risk of VTE outweighs the risk of bleeding
LWMH( first line) , fondaparinux, aspirin+ stockings /rivaroxaban/apixa/dabigatran
Who is at risk of hospital acquired blood clots
Post-surgery, immobility, malignancy, obesity, acquired/inherited hypercoaguable states, pregnancy and postpartum, hormonal therapy,
First line confirmed proximal DVT/PE
Apixaban / rivaroxaban if contraindicated then LMWH for 5 days then dabigatran/edoxaban or LMWH with vitamin K antagonist until INR is at least 2.0
Heparin antidote and downfalls
Protamine sulfate is a specific antidote to heparin (and LMWH but only partially reverse its effects)
Stable angina is characterized by
Predictable chest pain/pressure often due to physical exertion/stress increasing hearts oxygen demand.
Acute attack of angina
Treated with GTN, can also be used as a preventer, used just before activities known to result in attack.
How does angina pain radiate
Starts at front of chest and may go to neck, shoulders, jaws or arms
When are statin doses lowered
Lowered if side effects, low dose if CKD, high dose simvastatin avoided due to myopathy risk, maximum dose of 20mg when given with amlodipine
When and what statin alternatives are used
Ezetimbe and bile acid sequestrants when elevated CVD risk and statin contraindicated
Aim for reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol concentration with statins
> 40%
Who should be offered low dose atorvastatin
T1DM patients who are over 40 or have other risk factors , patients over 85
CVD risk greatest in>
South asian, men, family history, over 50 years,
Resus
CPR - adrenaline every 3-5 minutes chest compressions , can be given (lidocaine is an alternative) amiodarone
Long term angina prevention
beta-blocker first line
CCB if beta contraindicated
combine CCB and beta if monotherapy fails, try long acting nitrate monotherapy