Cardiology (Quesmed) Flashcards
What are the main causes of Acute Bradycardia?
Sinus/ AV Nodal Disease
Drug Induced (Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers)
Electrolyte Abnormalities- hyperkalaemia and hyponatremia
Hypothyroidism
What is the 4 step management of Acute Bradycardia?
What is given if beta blockers are the cause?
Assess via DRABCDE
You do NOT need to treat unless symptomatic
Then ECG Monitoring and identify any reversible causes
If any Adverse Features (Heart Failure, Myocardial Ischaemia, Shock, Syncope),
1) Give 500mcg IV Atropine
If these don’t work,
2) Repeat Atropine up to 3mg
3) Transcutaneous Pacemaker can be given while waiting for Transvenous/ Permanent Pacemaker
4) Give Isoprenaline and Adrenaline
Give GLUCAGON if Beta blockers cause the Bradycardia
What JVP Waveform is seen in Complete Heart Block?
Cannon A waves
What is Acute Myocarditis? What are the signs of Acute Myocarditis?
What kinds of heart sounds (S sounds) may be heard?
It is an inflammatory disease of the Myocardium
Signs
- FEVER
- Cardiac-type Chest Pain
- Fatigue
- Palpitations
- Symptoms of Heart Failure
- PULMONARY OEDEMA
Suspect in young people with a new onset flu-like illness and chest pain with pulmonary edema
Signs of heart failure may be evident along with S3 and S4 gallops. If Pericarditis is associated, Auscultation can reveal a Pericardial Friction Rub
What 5 investigations should be ordered in Acute Myocarditis?
What does the ECHO show in Myocarditis?
What is the gold standard?
1) ECG shows ST Elevation and T wave Changes
Ectopic Beats and Arrhythmias may be present
2) Troponin may be elevated
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3) Echocardiogram reveals Ventricular Dysfunction in the form of Diastolic Dysfunction or Regional Wall Motion Abnormalities
4) Cardiac MRI Findings can help confirm the diagnosis of Myocarditis by showing the presence and extent of the Inflammation
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5) Endomyocardial Biopsy via Cardiac Catheterisation is the GOLD STANDARD diagnostic tool. BUT it is INVASIVE so has its own risks
What is the management of Myocarditis?
*What should be given for viral myocarditis?
Address the Underlying cause- ANTIBIOTICS if bacterial
ITU support may be required as the patients may need VASOPRESSORS
Corticosteroids are sometimes needed if they have Viral Myocarditis
After Recovery- they should limit activity for a few months
What is the management of Narrow Complex Tachycardia?
What is done if there are HISS features?
And if there are no HISS features, what is given if it is regular?
If it is irregular, what is given if there was AF in the last 2 days?
And if AF was >2 days ago?
1) ABCDE
2) If HISS Features- Synchronised DC Cardioversion is needed- UP TO 3
3) If Haemodynamically Stable
- Regular= Carotid Sinus Massage/ Vagal Manouevre, if it fails then 6mg IV Adenosine, then 12mg, then 18mg
- Irregular=
a) AF within last 2 days- Rhythm Control= LMWH and Flecainide if there is no Structural Heart Disease or Amiodarone if there is Structural Heart Disease
b) > 2 days ago Rate Control= BETA BLOCKERS/ Verapamil, or Digoxin (if Heart Failure) AND Anticoagulation
What is Aortic Dissection and what are the 4 risk factors for it?
A tear in the Tunica Intima causes blood to flow between the Inner and Outer Walls of the Aorta
Risk Factors-
- Hypertension
- Connective Tissue Disorder (Marfan’s- Tall with Pectus Excavatum)
- Valvular Heart Disease
- Cocaine/ Amphetamine Use
What are the 2 types of Aortic Dissection?
Type A- Ascending Aorta
Type B- Descending Aorta
What are the signs of Aortic Dissection?
Usually Men over 50 years old
Sudden, Tearing Interscapular Pain Radiating to the back- in the CHEST or UPPER BACK
WEAK or ABSENT PULSE
Can also present with (depending on how far the Dissection Extends):
- Limb/ Bowel Ischaemia
- Renal Failure
- Syncope
1) Radio-radial Delay (Ascending)
2) Radio-Femoral Delay (Descending)
3) Blood Pressure Differences between Arms
What investigations should be ordered in Aortic Dissection?
What is seen on CT?
What is seen in Echocardiography?
What is seen on Chest Xray and ECG?
What is diagnostic?
The following sings MAY or MAY NOT be there:
1) Diagnostic- CT, if not Trans-Oesophageal Echocardiography (TOE)- FALSE LUMEN IS SEEN
2) ECG- Ischaemia in Specific Territories if Dissection extends into the Coronary Arteries- mainly INFERIOR RCA
3) Echocardiography- Pericardial Effusion and Aortic Valve Involvement
4) Chest Xray- Widened Mediastinum
5) Bloods-
- Troponin may be raised
- D-Dimer may be positive
What is the Initial and Definitive Management of an Aortic Dissection?
1) Resuscitation
2) Cardiac Monitoring
3) Strict Blood Pressure Control (IV Metoprolol/ Labetalol) and Opioid Analgesia
Definitive
- Type A- Surgical Management= Aortic Graft
- Type B- Conservatively with Blood Pressure Control UNLESS there is End-Organ Damage, then Surgery may be performed
What are the Complications of Aortic Dissection?
- Death due to Internal Haemorrhage
- Rupture
- End-Organ Damage (Renal or Cardiac Failure)
- Cardiac Tamponade
- Stroke
- Limb Ischaemia
- Mesenteric Ischaemia
What are the 4 AcuteCauses of Aortic Regurgitation?
Which 2 should you remember?
1) Infective Endocarditis (destroys and perforates the valve)
2) Aortic Dissection (impedes valve closure)
3) Traumatic Rupture of Valve Leaflets (blunt chest trauma or deceleration injury)
4) Iatrogenic Causes- Balloon Valvotomy or TAVI
Most Common Causes- Infective Endocarditis and Aortic Dissection
Valve Replacements can be complicated by Aortic Regurgitation- leading to the degeneration of a tissue valve or thrombosis of a mechanical one
What are the Chronic Causes of Aortic Regurgitation?
What are the 2 main causes and the different causes of these causes?
What is the most common cause in the developing and developed world of Aortic Regurgitation?
Valve Disease or Aortic Root Dilatation
Valve Disease
1) Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (Age Related)
2) Myxomatous Degeneration
3) Congenital Disease (Bicuspid Aortic Vale)
4) Rheumatic Heart Disease (Most Common in the Developing World)
5) Infective Endocarditis
6) Rheumatic Causes (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Antiphospholipid Syndrome)
Aortic Root Dilatation
1) Congenital Bicuspid Aortic Valve
2) Genetic Cause- Marfan’s, Ehler’s Danlos
3) Systemic Vasculitides- Giant Cell Arteritis
What are the signs of Acute Aortic Regurgitation?
Sudden Cardiovascular Collapse
Pulmonary Oedema
Pallor
Sweating
Peripheral Vasoconstriction
What are the signs of Chronic Aortic Regurgitation?
If it is severe enough, what can it lead to?
(Usually Asymptomatic for years and then Insidious Presentation)
The Pulmonary Heart Failure Signs
Exertional Dyspnoea
Orthopnoea
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea
If Severe Enough, can lead to Stable Angina even if there are no Coronary Artery Diseases present. This is due to a reduction in diastolic Coronary Perfusion
What are the Examination Findings of Aortic Regurgitation?
What are De Musset’s and Quinke’s signs?
What kind of heart sounds are heard- S sounds?
What is the pulse pressure like?
What investigations should be ordered? What is definitive?
Waterhammer Pulse
De Musset’s Sign- bobbing of Head
Quincke’s Sign- Pulsation of Nail Beds
Traube’s Sign- Pistol Shots heard in Femoral Pulse
Muller’s Sign- bobbing of Uvula
Widened Pulse Pressure due to LOW DIASTOLIC PRESSURE
Early Diastolic Murmur- Heard best when patient is leaning forward and exhaling
Soft S1 and occasionally an Ejection Flow Murmur
Imaging-
- DEFINITIVE Echocardiogram
- Cardiac MRI if Echo isn’t enough
- Invasive Cardiac Catheterisation and Angiography once Non-Invasive tests are inconclusive
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What is the management of Aortic Regurgitation?
What 5 things indicate a TAVI/ surgery?
Medical-
- Beta Blockers AND/OR Losartan- to slow Aortic Dilatation
- If Severe and Asymptomatic, monitor them yearly
Surgical (Surgical Replacement) TAVI unless they are too weak to tolerate the Surgery)
- Indicated if:
1) Significant Enlargement of Ascending Aorta
2) Symptomatic Aortic Regurgitation
3) Asymptomatic Aortic Regurgitation WITH:
- Poor LVEF (<50%)
- Left Ventricular End Diastolic Diameter>70 or Left Ventricular End Systolic Diameter> 50 (S50, D70)
- Infective Endocarditis doesn’t get helped by Medical Therapy
What are the signs of Aortic Stenosis?
What is the pulse pressure?
What is the carotid pulse like?
What is the apex beat like?
What are the Heart Sounds (S sounds) like in Aortic Stenosis?
(End Stage)
1) Heart Failure
2) Angina
3) Syncope
4) Exertional Dyspnoea and Reduced Exercise Tolerance
5) SLOW RISING Carotid Pulse
6) Narrow Pulse Pressure
7) Heaving, Non-displaced Apex Beat
- ABSENT S2
- S4 if SEVERE
EVEN NUMBER HEART SOUNDS affected in Aortic Stenosis
8) Ejection Systolic Murmur (heard best at second intercostal space at the right)- Harsh sound transmitted to the Carotids
9) Ejection Click may be heard
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What are the Investigation Findings for Aortic Stenosis?
These MAY be seen or may not be seen so don’t worry too much
What is a sign of severity that warrants surgery?
1) ECG- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy MAY be seen
- Sokolov-Lyon- S wave depth in V1 + tallest R wave height in V5-V6 > 35 mm
- Left Axis Deviation
- Poor R Wave Progression
2) CXR
- Cardiomegaly or Calcified Aortic Valve MAY be there
3) Echocardiogram
- MAIN TEST for DIAGNOSIS
- Severe if:
- Peak Gradient> 40- SURGERY IF THIS IS THE CASE
- Valve Area<1
- Aortic Jet Velocity>4
Exercise Testing to assess Severity
Cardiac MRI to assess Severity
What are the 5 indications for Intervention in Aortic Stenosis?
2 are also indications for Aortic Regurgitation Surgery
What about the BNP?
Also something about the BLOOD PRESSURE in Aortic Stenosis??
1) Symptomatic
2) Asymptomatic with LVEF<50%
3) Asymptomatic with LVEF>50% but BP falls during exercise (EXERCISE TOLERANCE)
4) High BNP/ Severe Calcification
5) Peak gradient >40
What is the management of Aortic Stenosis?
TAVI or Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
1) Surgery is preferred if Low Risk and <75 years old
2) TAVI is preferred if High Risk (previous heart surgery, frail, restricted mobility) or >75 years old
How is Aortic Stenosis treated if they can not have the TAVI or Surgical Replacement?
YOU ONLY NEED TO MANAGE IF THEY ARE SYMPTOMATIC or GRADIENT>40- otherwise just observe them for Aortic Stenosis
Heart Failure Treatment- ACE Inhibitors, Beta Blockers, Diuretics
They should be checked on every 6 months
What is Aortic Sclerosis?
An Asymptomatic Condition caused by Senile Degeneration of the Valve causing IRREGULAR VALVE THICKENING and FOCAL INCREASED ECHOGENICITY
ONLY EJECTION SYSTOLIC MURMUR- nothing else is there
- Ejection Systolic Murmur that does NOT radiate to the valves
- Normal S2- (Absent in Aortic Stenosis)
- Normal Pulse Character- is NOT Slow Rising and does NOT have Narrow Pulse Pressure
- Peak DOPPLER VELOCITIES are normal (raised in Aortic Stenosis)
What is Atrial Flutter?
It is when the MacroCircuit within the Right Atrium becomes Aberrant (deviates from the norm)
This activates the AV Node but because this node has a long refractory period it is not able to conduct the impulses down the His-Purkinje System at such a fast rate
Instead there is a degree of block meaning that only 2:1 (2 p waves per 1 QRS complex), 3:1, 4:1 or rarely 5:1 AV Blocks are conducted to the ventricle
What are the causes of Atrial Flutter?
*COPP ATICS
Pulmonary Disease
1) COPD
2) Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
3) Pulmonary Emboli
4) Pulmonary Hypertension
Other causes
1) Alcohol
2) Thyrotoxicosis
3) Ischaemic Heart Disease
4) Cardiomyopathy
5) Sepsis
What are the symptoms of Atrial Flutter?
Asymptomatic
Palpitations
Dizziness
Chest Pain
What are the ECG signs of Atrial Flutter?
What is the HR of a 2:1 Atrial Flutter?
What is the rhythm (regular/ irregular)? What are the QRS complexes like in Atrial Flutter?
Regular Rhythm
Sawtooth Baseline with Repetition at 300bpm (these are atrial flutter waves)
NARROW QRS Complexes
Ventricular Rates which depends on the level of AV Block
- 150bpm if 2:1
- 100bpm if 3:1
- 75bpm if 4:1
- 60bpm if 5:1
Sometimes they may have variable block which makes the rhythm irregular and can make it look like AF
What is the management of Atrial Flutter?
What should be done in septic or dehydrated Atrial Flutter patients which will also fix the Atrial Flutter?
What is the first line? What should be done if this fails? (remember it is similar to Atrial Fibrillation)
What is usually curative?
Similar to AF- so doesn’t really matter if you successfully differentiate them
Haemodynamic Stable-
- Fluid Resuscitation in Septic or Dehydrated Patients can reverse Atrial Flutter into Sinus Rhythm
1) RATE CONTROL- Beta Blocker or Calcium Channel Blocker should be attempted First Line
- If it Fails to Respond then Cardioversion
ELECTRICAL CARDIOVERSION is better
But if contraindicated- PHARMACOLOGICAL CARDIOVERSION
1) Amiodarone
2) Sotalol
3) Verapamil
4) Digoxin
FURTHER MANAGEMENT-
- CURATIVE= Catheter Ablation of the Cavotricuspid Isthmus
- If Symptomatic Despite Rate Control
What are the causes of Atrial Fibrillation? What is the most common cause in the UK? And the most common cause in the developing world?
(Similar to Atrial Flutter)
Cardiac Causes
- Ischaemic Heart Disease (Most common cause in UK)
- Rheumatic Heart Disease (usually of Mitral Valve)- (most common in Less Developed Countries)
- Hypertension
- Peri-Myocarditis
Non-Cardiac Causes (EE PIED)
- Environmental Toxins (Alcohol Abuse)
- Electrolyte Disturbances (Hypokalaemia, Hypomagnesaemia)
- Pulmonary Causes (Pneumonia or Pulmonary Embolism)
- Infective Causes (Sepsis)
- Endocrine Causes (like Hyperthyroidism)
- Dehydration
What are the signs of Atrial Fibrillation?
What is the JVP like
(similar symptoms to Atrial Flutter)
What is the Pulse like?
Palpitations
Chest Pain
Shortness of Breath
Dizziness
Single Waveform on JVP (there is the loss of the A wave which usually represents atrial contraction)
Irregularly Irregular Pulse
APICAL to RADIAL PULSE DEFICIT
What is the Chronic management of Atrial Fibrillation? (no need if CHADSVAS= 0 and no symptoms)
What should be done if there are HISS features?
What should be done in terms of pharmacological management (if <2 days / >2 days)?
What should be done if Electric Cardioversion Rhythm Control is needed (<2 days/ >2 days since onset)?
What are the options for Rate control and Rhythm control?
What is CURATIVE
*4 steps
RATE OR RHYTHM if Onset< 48 hours, otherwise RATE
ABCDE Approach
Assess for HISS Features and DC Cardiovert if present
Consider Reversible Causes-
- Infection- Antibiotics and Fluids
- Dehydration- Fluids
- Replace Abnormal Electrolytes
If there are no reversible causes or if AF persists- Rate Control FIRST/ Rhythm Control/ Cardioversion
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1) Rate Control (MONOTHERAPY remember) -
- Either Beta-blocker (Bisprolol) or Calcium-channel blocker (Dilitiazem or Verapamil) (monotherapy)
- If >7 days and they are sedentary- then Digoxin can be added
2) Rhythm Control-
- Electrical Cardioversion or Pharmacological (Beta blockers, Dronederone, AMIODARONE (if Heart Failure)) Cardioversion
- (if <48 hours- cardiovert asap, if >48 hours- ANTICOAGULATION for 3 weeks then cardiovert
3) Based on CHADVASC- Anticoagulation for 2 months if 0, or for life if >1 (if =1, anticoagulate for males only)
- Anticoagulation for 4 weeks prior to catheter ablation
4) Catheter Ablation is CURATIVE
????????- Ignore this one
What is the Acute management of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation?
If <48 hours ago- DC cardioversion with sedation
If > 48 hours ago or onset is uncertain- Anticoagulate for 3 weeks then DC Cardioversion (Check ORBIT score to ensure they can have anticoagulation)
- No NEED for management if ASYMPTOMATIC with CHADVAS=0
or They can have a Transoesophageal ECHO to rule out Thrombus in the Left Atrial Appendage before Cardioversion takes place
What are the 3 Specific Drugs given for Atrial Fibrillation?
Give info on Flecainide, Amiodarone and Sotalol
Flecainide
- Can be either given regularly or as a “pill in the pocket” when symptoms come on.
- Is preferred in young patients who have structurally normal hearts because it can induce fatal arrhythmias in structurally abnormal hearts.
- it is the CHOICE for PAROXYSMAL AF
Amiodarone
- Extremely effective drug in controlling both rate and rhythm.
- However it comes with a massive list of significant side-effects so should normally only be given to older, sedentary patients.
Sotalol
- This is a beta blocker with additional K channel blocker action
- Used for those that don’t meet the demographics for either flecainide or amiodarone.
What are the Anticoagulation options in Atrial Fibrillation?
Just remember DOACS are the preferred option
For what specific type of Atrial Fibrillation is Warfarin given for? What must you remember about LMWHs?
1) DOACS are generally preferred
- Do not require monitoring and less bleeding risks than Warfarin
2) Warfarin
- Requires cover with LMWH for 5 days when initiating treatment as Warfarin is initially Prothrombotic
- INR can be affected by a whole host of drugs and foods
- It is the only Oral Anticoagulant licensed for Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (USUALLY MITRAL STENOSIS)
3) LMWH (like Enoxaparin)
- Only if they can’t tolerate Oral
- It needs Daily Treatment Dose Injections
What are the complications of Atrial Fibrillation?
There are technically just 3
Heart Failure
Systemic Emboli- Ischaemic Stroke, Mesenteric Ischaemia, Acute Limb Ischaemia
Bleeding- GI/ Intracranial
What are the contradictions for Warfarin?
Bleeding Disorders
Severe Hypertension
Pregnancy
Peptic Ulcer Disease
What is the CHA2DS2VAS Score?
1- Congestive Heart Failure
1- Hypertension
2- (Age) 75 years old or older
1- Diabetes Mellitus
2- (Stroke) Previous Stroke or TIA
1- Vascular Disease
1- (Age) 65-74 years old
1- (Sex) Female
(Anticoagulation if Males score 1 or more and Females score 2 or more)
What are the ECG features of Ventricular Fibrillation?
Polymorphic Irregular Bord Complex Tachycardias
This is usually Pulseless as well
What is the management of Ventricular Fibrillation?
- Basic Life Support - ABCDE and CPR
- VF is Shockable- so Administer Defibrillation (Unsynchronised Cardioversion using a 200J Biphasic Shock)
- Resume Chest Compressions
- 1mg Adrenaline (10ml 1:10,000) plus 300mg Amiodarone after the 3rd Shock. Then give Adrenaline after every other shock
What are the ECG Features of Ventricular Tachycardia?
Tachycardia (>100bpm)
Absent P Waves (as beats originate in the Ventricles)
Monomorphic Broad QRS Complexes (which means longer ventricular depolarisation)
What is the management of Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia?
Same as Ventricular Fibrillation lol
- Basic Life Support - ABCDE and CPR
- It is a Shockable Rhythm so a 200J Biphasic Unsynchronised shock should be administered
- CPR should be resumed for 2 minutes before rechecking the Rhythm
- Intravenous Adrenaline (1mg of 10ml 1:10,000 solution) and Amiodarone (300mg) should be administered after the 3rd Shock. Then give Adrenaline every other shock
What is the management of Ventricular Tachycardia with a Pulse with Adverse Features?
(HISS FEATURES)
- DC Shock- How many times? (3 attempts)
- Then Expert Help and then 300mg IV Amiodarone over 20 minutes, followed by 900mg over 24 hours
What is the management of Ventricular Tachycardia with a Pulse and No Adverse Features?
300mg IV Amiodarone over 20 minutes (same as what you give after shocking if pulseless), followed by 900mg over 24 hours
What is Torsades de Pointes?
What type of arrhythmia is it exactly?
What causes it?
QRS Complexes Twisting around the Isoelectric Line
It is a Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia caused by QT Prolongation
What are the causes of Torsades de Pointes?
What is the main cause?
What are the 4 drugs causes of Torsades de Pointes? (AA/AA/K)
Which HYPOTHs (2) lead to Torsades de Pointes?
Congenital Long QT Syndrome (Romano Ward Syndrome and Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome)
Medications (4 As and Ketoconazole)(Antiarrhythmics, Antibiotics (like Erythromycin), Tricyclics, Antipsychotics, Ketoconazole)
Myocardial Infarction
Renal/ Liver Failure
Hypothyroidism/ Hypothermia
AV Block
Toxins
What is the management of Torsades de Pointes in Haemodynamically Unstable Patients?
HISS FEATURES
- Direct Current Shock and IV Amiodarone (so similar to a Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia)
MINUS the Adrenaline
What is the management of Torsades de Pointes in Haemodynamically Stable Patients?
(Remember the FIRST LINE)
IV Magnesium Sulphate (2g over 10 minutes)
Stop Drugs that Prolong QT and Correct Electrolyte Abnormalities
Isoprenaline Infusion and Pacing may be considered. These may be used in patients with recurrent Torsades de Pointes despite Initial Therapy with Magnesium Sulphate
Which Broad Complex Tachycardia is often seen Post-MI?
So if they say there is a broad complex tachycardia after the patient has had an MI it is most likely….
Ventricular Tachycardia
What is Brugada Syndrome?
Which channel is affected and what is the inheritance of this condition?
How may patients present/ what does it increase the risk of patients getting?
What is it worsened by?
It is a genetic condition caused by Sodium Channelopathies
It is autosomal DOMINANT
Patients may be Asymptomatic or present with Palpitations and Syncope due to Arrhythmias such as AV Nodal Re-entrant Tachycardias (AVNRTs), VT or VF
This is worsened by FEVERS
How is Brugada Syndrome diagnosed?
What is given to make the diagnosis easier?
ECG changes and a clinical sign (Palpitations and Syncope that gets worse AFTER Fever)
- Brugada Sign- ST Elevation (>2mm) in V1-2 and Negative T Waves
Flecainide and Ajmaline can help make the diagnosis easier
What investigations should be ordered for Brugada?
Genetic Testing (as it is genetic- AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT), Family History and Special Provocation Tests (like Ajmaline/ ECG)- also used for diagnosis
Also remember ECG
What can precipitate symptoms in Brugada Syndrome?
What electrolyte abnormalities can cause the symptoms?
1) Fever
2) Excess Alcohol
3) Dehydration
4) Medication-
- Antidysrhythmics like Flecainide
- Verapamil
- Antidepressants like Amitriptyline
5) Electrolyte Abnormalities (HYPOKALAMEIA and HYPOMAGNESAEMIA)
What is the management of Brugada Syndrome?
How can we stop it turning into VF/VT
ICD Defibrillation to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death due to VT/VF
What is the management of Brugada Syndrome?
How can we stop it turning into VF/VT
Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) to reduce risk of death from VF and VT
What are the Indications for Cardiac Catheterisation?
1) Imaging- (Contrast Dye into Coronary Vessels to image anatomy and blood supply)
2) Angioplasty- Ball Dilatation and Stenting (PCI)
3) Valvuloplasty- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
4) Repair- Transcatheter Repair of Septal Defects
5) Electrophysiology- Studies and catheter ablation (for AF, Atrial Flutter, Wolff-Parkinson-White)
6) Measurement- Pressures within Heart and Great Vessels
7) Biopsy- Endomyocardial Biopsies for Inflammatory or Infiltrative Disorder Diagnosis
What is the role of Cardiac Catheterisation in Coronary Artery Disease and Post-MI?
Cardiac Catheterisation is regularly conducted if Post MI or with Coronary Artery Disease for Diagnostic Purposes and if necessary- PCI and Angioplasty
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What are the complications of Cardiac Catheterisation?
What is the most common complication?
Bleeding is the most common Complication, which occurs due to Arterial Puncture
Arterial Thrombosis causing Occlusion of the Radial or Femoral Artery can cause Ischaemia of the Distal Limb. Loss of Distal Pulse can be caused by Arterial Vasospasm
Arrhythmias can also occur but are Transient and include Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation. Bradycardia can also occur
Allergic Reaction to Iodine Contrast or Local Anaesthetic
Perforation of the Great Vessels which leads to Tamponade
What is Cardiac Myxoma?
Myxomas are benign and composed of unspecialised Mesenchymal cells with a Mucopolysaccharide Stroma (which gives it a smooth Gelatinous Appearance)
What are the signs of Cardiac Myxoma?
May be systemic and include FEVER and WEIGHT LOSS
Other signs include-
- Audible Tumour Plop
- Nail Clubbing due to Embolisation
- Symptoms of Mitral Obstruction and Stenosis (like Atrial Fibrillation)
What Investigations should be ordered in Cardiac Myxoma?
Raised ESR and CRP
What is Carney Complex?
What can it cause? (remember the 2 main things it can cause)
Myxomas can occur secondary to Carney Complexes which is an Inherited AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT DISORDER characterised by Myxomas, Schwannomas, Endocrine Tumours (Pituitary, Adrenal, Testicular) and Abnormal Skin Pigmentation
Therefore it can cause Cushing’s Syndrome
What are the 4 types of Cardiomyopathies?
Which is the most common?
Dilated (most common)
Hypertrophic (most common cause of death out of all of these)
Restrictive
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy