Cardiology General Knowledge

Question 1

________ (right/left) heart failure will presents with pulmonary findings (i.e., dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)

Answer 1

left heart failure

This is because left-heart problems cause a backup of pressure onto the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure, thus, transudation of fluid into the alveolar spaces (pulmonary edema). Sometimes this can also cause pleural effusion.

Question 2

Left atrial pressure (LAP) =

Answer 2

pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)

Therefore, if there is left heart pathology, PCWP is high. When the PCWP is normal, there is nothing wrong with the left heart.

Question 3

High PCWP and low BP means … ?

Answer 3

cardiogenic shock