Cardiology Investigations Flashcards
What is an echocardiogram?
an ultrasound to image the heart
In what two ways can a stress echo be performed?
before and after exercise
or before and after dobutamine
In what cases is an echo the first line investigation?
heart failure
valve disease
coronary artery disease
What is the LV ejection fraction? What can it be used to diagnose?
% of blood pumped out of left ventricle each heart beat
heart failure
What are the two most common types of valve disease?
aortic stenosis
mitral regurgitation
When would you carry out exercise testing?
angina
risk stratification after MI
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
arrhythmia treatment assessment
What is considered a satisfactory heart rate in exercise testing?
85% of 220-age
In what cases may someone struggle to reach maximum heart rate?
deconditioning
if on beta blockers
What are the normal ECG changes seen during exercise?
increased P wave
decreased R wave
J point depressed
ST segment becomes up-sloping
QT interval shortens
T wave decreases in height
In what cases may an exercise ECG be difficult to interpret?
left ventricular hypertrophy
LBBB
if on digoxin
AF/ atrial arrhythmias
