Cardiology Learning Plan Flashcards
What 2 things is a chest x-ray useful for detecting?
- Lung disorders (e.g. chest infections)
2. Signs of heart disease.
What is the role of chest x-rays in cardiology?
If you are having heart surgery, a chest x-ray will routinely be performed beforehand, and is often referred to during surgery.
Describe role of blood tests in heart surgery.
Before heart surgery, a doctor or nurse will take blood samples – about 30 mL is required.
What is an echocardiogram?
A painless test which uses ultrasound to create a picture of the heart.
What are 3 reasons an echocardiogram may be performed?
- to evaluate heart sounds and heart size
- to assess how well the heart and valves are working.
- Cardiac technicians perform the test in a laboratory, and the patient is awake. You can eat and drink before most echocardiograms.
How long do echocardiograms usually take?
About 30 minutes
Describe the procedure of an echocardiogram.
The technician places gel on your chest and moves a tool, similar to a hand-held microphone, to different places on your chest. The images of your heart are shown on a screen next to you, and the technician records them on a video as well as on paper.
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A test used to detect abnormal heart rhythms as well as sick or damaged heart muscle.
Describe the procedure of an electrocardiogram (ECG).
A nurse or ECG technician normally performs this simple, painless investigation. It takes about five minutes, and you can eat and drink as normal beforehand. The nurse or technician place electrodes on your chest, wrists and ankles which record the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG is a print-out of the heartbeat, showing how the electrical pathway is working.
What is exercise stress testing used to do?
Evaluate how well your heart copes with the extra demands placed on it during exercise.
What is the difference between a routine ECG and an exercise stress test?
A routine ECG is done when the heart is at rest.
Describe the procedure of an exercise stress test.
A technician and nurse do the testing, and a doctor is also often present. It usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You will be asked to walk on a treadmill. The speed and gradient are increased every 2–3 minutes, depending on the reason for the test. You need to push yourself as hard as you can, to achieve a result that shows your true capabilities. During the test your symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm, ECG and exercise ability will be monitored. It you experience chest pain, undue breathlessness, fatigue or significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate or ECG, the test will be stopped.
How should patients prepare for an exercise stress test?
You can eat and drink as normal before the test, but avoid a heavy meal beforehand, and wear loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
What is a gated blood pool scan used for?
To determine how well the heart is pumping blood around the body.
When is a gated blood pool scan particularly useful?
The procedure is useful for assessing if there is any damage to the main pumping chambers of the heart after a heart attack, or in other heart disorders.
Describe the procedure of a gated blood pool scan.
A small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein in the arm, outlining the heart chambers and blood vessels. This allows the amount of blood pumped from the heart to be measured. The test can show how different segments of the heart wall are working.
What is a Heart Scan?
A test which evaluates blood flow through the heart at rest and after exercise. It involves injecting a substance that is slightly radioactive.
How should patients prepare for a Heart Scan?
In the 24 hours before the test, you should not have any food or drink containing caffeine (including tea, coffee, chocolate, cola or cocoa). Some medications may also be stopped 24 hours before the test. Consult your doctor about this. On the morning of the test, you should not have breakfast, or anything to eat or drink (except water). Bring loose clothes and comfortable walking shoes or jogging shoes for walking on the treadmill.
How long does a Heart Scan procedure take?
The total time of the test is 4 to 5 hours.
Describe the procedure of a Heart Scan.
ECG dots are attached to your chest and a small needle is inserted into a vein in your arm. This remains in place until the end of the test.You then walk on a treadmill while your heart action and ECG are carefully monitored. (If you are unable to walk on the treadmill, a Persantin Sestamibi Heart scan may be ordered. The drug Persantin replaces the effect of exercise for this test, and acts by enlarging the arteries which supply blood to your heart.) When your heart rate reaches the limit for your age, a small dose of Sestamibi will be given through the inserted needle and you will be asked to continue walking for one more minute. You should not notice any reaction from the injection. Images (scans) of your heart will then be taken using a special camera. These show the distribution of blood supply to the heart muscle. It is important that you lie still during the scans. After the initial images you should continue fasting, and must not exercise in any way for three hours. The images will then be repeated. Sometimes extra pictures of the heart may need to be taken 18 hours later, the morning after the test. Further analysis of this test is done by a computer, so no result is available at the time you go home. The result will be sent to your doctor.
What is a transoesophaegal echo (TOE)?
A transoesophaegal echo (TOE) is a special type of heart ultrasound that involves taking pictures inside your oesophagus, which is the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. As your oesophagus is close to the back of your heart this allows your doctor to see clear pictures of your heart. During the test a small needle is inserted into the back of your hand so that intravenous medicine can be given to make you sleepy. Your throat will be sprayed with local anaesthetic to make it easier to swallow. A special mouthpiece will be put in your mouth to protect your teeth. The echo probe will be gently inserted into your oesophagus and pictures will be taken of your heart. The test will take between 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Your pulse, blood pressure, rate and regularity of your heart beat and oxygen levels will be monitored during the test. If you doctor has any concerns, the test may be stopped. At the end of your test the probe will be removed.
Describe the monitoring required for a TOE Test
Your aneasthetist will supervise your sedation during your TOE test. If you have had previous problems with an anaesthetic, or you have any severe allergies please inform the doctor as soon as possible.
