Cardiovascular Flashcards
Acute coronary syndrome
Umbrella term for what?
- STEMI
- NSTEMI
- Unstable angina
Acute coronary syndrome
Pathophysiology
- RFs lead to initial endothelial damage (pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, proliferative and reduced NO bioavailability)
- Gradual build-up of atherosclerotic plaques (LDLs) in walls of arteries
- Monocytes migrate from blood and differentiate into macrophages -> phagocytose the oxidised LDL -> large foam cells
- As macrophages die -> further inflammation
- Smooth muscle proliferation and migration from tunic media into intima -> fibrous capsule covering fatty plaque
Leads to:
- gradual narrowing -> angina
- sudden occlusion -> MI
- aneurysm -> rupture
Acute coronary syndrome
Risk factors
- Male
- Older age
- Fx
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- DM
- HTN
- Hypercholesterolaemia
- Obesity
Acute coronary syndrome
Presentation
- Central, constricting chest pain
- May radiate to jaw or left arm
- SOB
- Palpitations
- Sweating and clamminess
- Nausea and vomiting
- General observations (HR, BP, SpO2) may all be normal
Acute coronary syndrome
Who may have atypical MI?
- Elderly
- Diabetic
- Females
Acute coronary syndrome
Mainstay investigations
First = ECG
- STEMI = ST elevation or new LBBB
- No ST elevation -> do Troponin
Troponin
- Raised +/- other ECG signs (T wave inversion, pathological Q waves, ST depression) -> diagnose NSTEMI
- Normal troponin and ECG -> unstable angina or other cause (e.g. MSK)
Acute coronary syndrome
Other investigations
- Physical exam
- FBC for anaemia
- U&Es (prior to ACE-Is)
- LFTs (prior to statins)
- Lipid profile
- TFTs
- CXR (other causes of chest pain and pulmonary oedema)
- ECHO (assess functional damage)
- CT coronary angiogram (coronary artery disease)
Acute coronary syndrome
STEMI criteria
Clinical symptoms consistent with ACS (generally of ≥ 20 minutes duration) with persistent (> 20 minutes) ECG features in ≥ 2 contiguous leads of:
- 2.5 mm (i.e ≥ 2.5 small squares) ST elevation in leads V2-3 in men under 40 years, or ≥ 2.0 mm (i.e ≥ 2 small squares) ST elevation in leads V2-3 in men over 40 years - 1.5 mm ST elevation in V2-3 in women - 1 mm ST elevation in other leads - New LBBB (LBBB should be considered new unless there is evidence otherwise)
Acute coronary syndrome
Initial management
MONA
Morphine
Oxygen if sats < 94%
Nitrates (SL or IV)
Aspirin 300 mg
Acute coronary syndrome
When should nitrates be used with caution?
In hypotensive patients
Acute coronary syndrome
Complications of MI
DREAD
Death Rupture of heart septum or papillary muscles E'Edema' (HF) Arrhythmias, aneurysm Dressler's syndrome
Acute coronary syndrome
Poor prognostic factors
- Age
- Development (or history) of heart failure
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Reduced systolic blood pressure
- Killip class*
- Initial serum creatinine concentration
- Elevated initial cardiac markers
- Cardiac arrest on admission
- ST segment deviation
CARDIOGENIC SHOCK carries 30-day mortality of 81%
Acute coronary syndrome
Secondary prevention
Lifestyle
- Stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Mediterrean diet
- Cardiac rehab
- Optimise Tx of other medical conditions (e.g. DM, HTN)
- Sexual activity may resume 4 weeks after an uncomplicated MI. Reassure that sex does not increase likelihood of further MI.
Acute coronary syndrome
Secondary prevention
Medications
6 A’s
- Aspirin 75 mg OD
- Another antiplatelet (Clopidogrel or Ticagrelor) for up to 12 months
- Atorvastatin 80 mg OD
- ACE-I
- Atenolol (or other beta-blocker)
- Aldosterone antagonist (for those with clinical HF, e.g. Eplerenone) - initiate with 3-12 days and ideally after ACE-I
Acute coronary syndrome
STEMI management
Basic principle
- PCI within 2 hours
- Thrombolysis within 12 hours if not PCI
Acute coronary syndrome
STEMI management
PCI process
- Give within 120 minutes
- If patients present after 12 hours and still have evidence of ongoing ischaemia then PCI should still be considered
- Catheter into patients brachial or femoral artery → feeds up to coronary arteries under XR guidance → injects contrast to identify blockage → balloon dilatation or device to remove blockage → stent to keep artery open
Acute coronary syndrome
STEMI management
PCI drugs
Further antiplatelet prior to PCI (dual antiplatelet therapy - aspirin + another drug)
- If NOT taking an oral anticoagulant → Prasugrel - If taking an oral anticoagulant → Clopidogrel
Drug therapy during PCI:
- If undergoing with radial access: unfractionated heparin with bailout glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) - If undergoing with femoral access: bivaluridin with bailout GPI
Acute coronary syndrome
STEMI management
Thrombolysis process
- Offered within 12 hours of onset if primary PCI not delivered within 120 minutes of the time when fibrinolysis could have been given
- Injecting fibrinolytic medication → break down fibrin → rapidly dissolve the clot
- Significant risk of bleeding
- Repeat ECG after 60-90 minutes, if ECG changes have not been resolved → PCI
Acute coronary syndrome
STEMI management
Thrombolysis drugs
Streptokinase
Alteplase
Tenecteplase
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
Basic treatment
BATMAN B: Beta-blocker A: Aspirin T: Ticagrelor (or Clopi) M: Morphine A: Anticoagulant (Fondaparinux) N: Nitrates
Oxygen if sats < 94%
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
When might you not use fondaparinux?
- High bleeding risk
- Having immediate angiography
- Creatinine > 265
Give unfractionated heparin if either of the bottom two apply.
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
What score is used to assess recurrency risk?
GRACE score
Assesses 6 month risk of death or repeat MI after NSTEMI
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
GRACE Score
- Age
- HR/BP
- Cardiac and renal function
- Cardiac arrest on presentation
- ECG changes
- Troponin levels
0-3% = low risk 3-6% = intermediate risk >6% = high risk
PCI > 3% within 72 hours!
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
Criteria for angiography (and maybe also PCI)
- Clinically unstable, e.g. hypotensive
- Within 72 hrs if GRACE score > 3%
- If ischemia is subsequently experienced after admission
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
Conservative drug management
Dual antiplatelet therapy:
- NOT at high risk of bleeding - Ticagrelor
- IS at high risk of bleeding - Clopidogrel
Acute coronary syndrome
NSTEMI / Unstable angina management
PCI drugs
- Unfractionated heparin (regardless of already having fondaparinux or not)
- Further antiplatelet (dual therapy):
If not on oral anticoagulant → Prasugrel or Ticagrelor
If they are on oral anticoagulant → Clopidogrel
Dressler’s Syndrome
What is it? When?
- Occurs 2-3 weeks after MI
- Caused by a local immune response
- Causes pericarditis
Dressler’s Syndrome
Features
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Low grade fever
- Pericardial rub on auscultation
Dressler’s Syndrome
Diagnosis
ECG
- Global ST elevation - saddle-shaped ST
- T wave inversion
ECHO - pericardial effusion
Raised inflammatory markers
Dressler’s Syndrome
Management
- NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Steroids if severe (e.g. Prednisolone)
- May need pericardiocentesis to remove fluid
Dressler’s Syndrome
Complications
- Pericardial effusion
- Pericardial tamponade (fluid constricts heart and prevents function) - rare
Hypertension
Definition
- > 140/90 in clinic
- > 135/85 with ambulatory or home readings
Hypertension
Causes of secondary
ROPE
R: Renal: glomerulonephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, adult PCKD, renal artery stenosis
O: Obesity
P: Pregnancy/pre-eclampsia
E: Endocrine: Phaeochromocytoma, Cushing’s, Liddle’s, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (11-beta hydroxylase deficiency), acromegaly, PRIMARY HYPERALDOSTERONISM (CONNS) - do renin:aldosterone blood test
Other causes:
- Coarctation of the aorta
Drugs: steroids, NSAIDs, COCP, MAOIs, leflunomide
Hypertension
Features
Does not typically present with symptoms unless VERY high (>200/120 mmHg):
- Headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Seizures
Hypertension
Diagnosis
- Check BP every 5 years to screen for HTN
- Measure more often in borderline (140/90) or every year in T2DM
- Gold-standard = 24-hour BP readings or home readings
- Check in BOTH arms, if differ by > 20 → repeat readings, take highest reading
Hypertension
Monitoring checks
- Fundoscopy - hypertensive retinopathy
- Urine dipstick - renal disease (consequence or cause)
- ECG - LVH or IHD
- HbA1c - co-existing DM
- Lipids - hyperlipidaemia
Hypertension
Management
Lifestyle
- Low salt diet (< 6g/day), ideally 3g/day
- Reduced caffeine intake
- Stop smoking, drink less aclohol, eat balance diet, exercise more
Hypertension
Management
When to admit?
- Retinal haemorrhage/papilloedema
- New onset confusion
- Chest pain
- Signs of HF
- AKI
- If suspect phaeochromocytoma (labile or postural hypotension, headache, palpitations, pallor and diaphoresis)
Hypertension
Management
Medications
Step 1
Patient < 55-years-oldor a background oftype 2 diabetes mellitus:
- ACE inhibitor orAngiotensin receptor blocker (ACE-i orARB):(A)
- Angiotensin receptor blockers should be used where ACE inhibitors are not tolerated (e.g. due to a cough)
Patients >= 55-years-oldor ofblack African or African–Caribbean origin:
- Calcium channel blocker(C)
- ACE inhibitors have reduced efficacy in patients of black African or African–Caribbean origin are therefore not used first-line.
Hypertension
Management
BP targets
< 80 yrs
Clinic: 140/90
ABPM/HBPM: 135/85
> 80 yrs
Clinic: 150/90
ABPM/HBPM: 145/85
Hypertension
Complications
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Cerebrovascular accident (i.e. stroke or haemorrhage)
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Hypertensive nephropathy
- Heart failure
Hypertension
When might you suspect renal tubular acidosis as cause?
If very high BP and not responding to Tx
Hypertension
Management
Medications
Step 2
- If already taking A, add C or D (thiazide-like Diuretic)
- If already taking C, add A or D
For those of black African or Afro-Caribbean originally taking a CCB, add ARB in preference to ACE-I
Hypertension
Management
Medications
Step 3
Add a third drug:
- If already taking (A+C), then add D
- if already taking (A+D), then add C
Hypertension
Management
Medications
Step 4
Either add fourth drug or seek specialist advice
First, check:
- Confirm elevated BP with ABPM/HBPM
- Assess for postural hypotension
- Discuss adherence
Then:
- If K+ < 4.5mmol/l: add low-dose spironolactone
If K+ > 4.5mmol/l: add alpha- (doxazosin) or beta-blocker (propanolol/atenolol)
Stable angina
Pathophysiology
- Narrowing of the coronary arteries reduced blood flow to the myocardium
- During times of high demand e.g. exercise, there is insufficient blood supply to meet demand
Stable angina
Features
- Constricting chest pain
- +/- radiation to jaw or arms
- Brought on by exercise
- Relieved by GTN
Stable angina
Investigations
CT coronary angiography = gold-standard
- Inject contrast and take CT images timed to heart beat
- Detailed view of coornary arteries, higlighting any narrowing
All patients should have baseline:
- Physical examination - ECG - FBC (check for anaemia) - U&Es (prior to ACEi and other meds) - LFTs (prior to statins) - Lipid profile - Thyroid function tests (check for hypo / hyper thyroid) - HbA1C and fasting glucose (for diabetes)
Stable angina
Basic management
RAMP: R: Refer to cardiology A: Advise them about diagnosis, management and when to call an ambulance M: Medical treatment P: Procedural or surgical interventions
Stable angina
Medical management
Immediate symptom relief:
- GTN, then again at 5 mins, if not relieved after further 5 mins then call ambulance
Long-term symptom relief:
- B-blockers
- CCBs
- Try monotherapy then dual therapy
- Others: isosorbide mononitrate ivabradine, nicorandil, ranolazine
BEWARE patint may develop tolerance to nitrates, necessitating a change in dose regime. Can use asymmetric dosing interval to maintain a daily nitrate-free time of 10-14 hours
Secondary prevention:
- Aspirin
- Atorvastatin
- ACE-I
- Beta-blocker (already on for symptom relief)
Stable angina
Surgical management
- PCI with coronary angioplasty
- CABG
Aortic dissection
Pathophysiology
- Break or tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta → allows blood to flow between the layer of the wall of the aorta
- 3 layers of aorta: intima, media, adventitia
- In dissection → blood enters between the INTIMA and MEDIA → creation of a false lumen
Aortic dissection
Risk factors
- Hypertension- heavy lifting/cocaine cause sudden increase in BP
- Male
- Older age
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Reduced physical activity
- Raised cholesterol
- Aortic conditions:
- Biscuspid aortic valve
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Aortic valve replacement
- CABG
- Connective tissue disorders:
- Marfan’s Syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Aortic dissection
Classifications
The Stanford System:
- Type A: Affects the ascending aorta, before the brachiocephalic artery
- Type B: Affects the descending aorta, after the left subclavian artery
The DeBakey System:
- Type I: Begins in ascending aorta and involves at least the aortic arch (if not whole aorta)
- Type II: Isolated to ascending aorta
- Type IIIa: Begins in descending aorta and involves only the section above the diaphragm
- Type IIIb: Begins in the descending aorta and involves the aorta below the diaphragm
Aortic dissection
Features
- Chest/back/abdo pain
- Severe and sharp
- Tearing in nature
- Maximal at onset
- Chest = more common in Type A
- Back = more common in Type B
- Radial pulse deficit
- Difference in BP between arms (> 20 mmHg)
- Aortic regurgitation
- Diastolic murmur
- Hypertension → hypotension as progresses (poor prognosis)
- Collapse/syncope
- Other features from involvement of specific arteries:
- Coronary arteries → angina
- Spinal arteries → paraplegia
- Distal aorta → limb ischaemia
Aortic dissection
Investigations
CT angiography of chest, abdo and pelvis = investigation of choice
- Suitable for stable patients and for planning surgery - False lumen = key finding
Transoesophageal echo (TOE) - More suitable for unstable patients
- CXR: widened mediastinum
- ECG: exclude other causes (e.g. MI), but may be normal and therefore falsely reassuring
- Important to exclude MI as Tx for MI (thrombolysis) could cause fatal progression of dissection
Aortic dissection
General management
- Surgical emergency!
- Analgesia → morphine
- BP and HR well controlled to reduce stress on aortic walls → beta-blockers
Aortic dissection
Management of Type A
- Open surgery (midline sternotomy) to remove section of aorta with defect and replace with graft
- Aortic valve may also need to be replaced during procedure
- BP should be kept at 100-120 mmHg systolic whilst awaiting intervention
Aortic dissection
Management of Type B
- Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR)
- Conservative management
- Bed rest
- Reduce BP → IV labetalol
Aortic dissection
Complications
Backward tear (rare):
- Aortic valve regurgitation
- Cardiac tamponade
- MI: inferior pattern due to R coronary involvement
Forward tear:
- Stroke
- Unequal arm pulses and BP
- Paraplegia
- Renal failure
Aortic aneurysm
Types
- True: All 3 layers of the arterial wall are involved
- False: Only a single layer of fibrous tissue forms the aneurysm wall
Aortic aneurysm
Risk factors
- Males
- Increased age
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Fx
- Existing CVS disease
- Diabetes
- Connective tissue disorders (Marfans, Ehlers-Danlos)
Aortic aneurysm
Features
- Most are asymptomatic
- Usually incidental finding on US, Abdo XR, CT
- Non-specific abdo pain
- Pulsatile and expansile mass when palpated with two hands
Aortic aneurysm
Screening
- All men are offered a screening US at 65 yrs old
- Patients with an aorta diameter above 3cm are referred to a vascular team (urgently if more than 5.5cm)
Aortic aneurysm
Investigations
- US
- CT angiogram - more detailed picture and helps guide surgery, generally reserved for >5 cm
Aortic aneurysm
Management of unruptured aneurysm
- Treat reversible RFs
- Screening and surveillance: yearly for 3 - 4.4 cm, 3 monthly for 4.5 - 5.5 cm
- Surgery: artificial graft, either open laparotomy or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) via femoral artery
Aortic aneurysm
Management of ruptured aneurysm
- Surgical emergency → 100% mortality without surgery
- Permissive hypotension → lower than normal BP to reduce pressure
- Haemodynamically unstable → directly to theatre, do not delay with imaging
- Haemodynamically stable → CT angiogram first
- In patients with co-morbidities that make the prognosis with surgery very poor, a discussion needs to be had with senior doctors, the patient and their family about palliative care
Aortic aneurysm
Prognosis
- 80% mortality if ruptured
- Poor prognosis if bleeds anteriorly into peritoneal cavity (about 20%)
- 100% mortality if ruptures and no surgery
Aortic aneurysm
features of rupture aneurysm
- Severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back or groin
- Haemodynamic instability (hypotension and tachycardia)
- Pulsatile and expansile mass in the abdomen
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness
Aortic aneurysm
Criteria for elective surgery
- Symptomatic aneurysm
- Diameter growing >1 cm per year
- Diameter > 5.5 cm
Coarctation of the aorta
Epidemiology
More common in males (despite association with Turner’s syndrome)
Coarctation of the aorta
Features
- Infancy: heart failure, poor feeding, grey floppy baby
- Adult: hypertension
- Radio-femoral delay
- Mid systolic murmur, maximal over back
- Apical click from the aortic valve
- LV heave (due to LVH)
- Notching of the inferior border of the ribs (due to collateral vessels) is not seen in young children
Growth failure, tachycardia and tachypnoea in the context of weak femoral pulses = consider coarctation in babies
Coarctation of the aorta
Associations
- Turner’s syndrome
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Berry aneurysms
- Neurofibromatosis
Coarctation of the aorta
What is it and pathophysiology
Congenital condition where there is a narrowing of the aortic arch, usually around the ductus arteriosus.
Narrowing of the aorta reduces the pressure of blood flowing to the arteries that are distal to the narrowing. It increases the pressure in areas proximal to the narrowing, such as the heart and the first three branches of the aorta.
Coarctation of the aorta
Management
- In babies: Prostaglandin E is used keep the ductus arteriosus open whilst awaiting surgery
- Surgery is then performed to correct the coarctation and to ligate the ductus arteriosus
Cardiac arrest
Shockable rhythms
- Ventricular fibrillation
- Pulseless ventricular tachycardia
(VF/pulseless VT)
Cardiac arrest
Non-shockable rhythms
- Asystole
- Pulseless-electrical activity
(asystole/PEA)
Cardiac arrest
Chest compressions:ventilation ratio
- Ratio of chest compressions to ventilation = 30:2
Cardiac arrest
Defibrillation
- A single shock for VF/pulseless VT
- Followed by 2 mins of CPR
- If witnessed cardiac arrest in a monitored patient (e.g. cardiac ward) –> three quick successive (stacked) shocks instead
Cardiac arrest
Drugs
Delivery routes
- IV access = first-line
- If not –> intraosseous route
Cardiac arrest
Drugs used and when
Adrenaline (1 mg):
- Non-shockable: ASAP
- Shockable: Once chest compressions have restarted after the third shock
- Repeat adrenaline 1mg every 3-5 minutes
Amiodarone:
- Shockable: 300 mg given after 3 shocks, further 150 mg after 5 shocks
- Lidocaine used as alternative
Thrombolytic drugs
- Given if PE is suspected
- Prolonged CPR for 60-90 minutes if given
Cardiac arrest
Reversible causes
4 H’s:
- Hypoxia
- Hypovolaemia
- Hyperkalemia, hypokalaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcemia, acidaemia (and other metabolic disorders)
- Hypothermia
4 T’s:
- Toxins
- Tamponade (cardiac)
- Thrombus
- Tension pnuemothorax (PEA)
Atrial flutter
Define
Form of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by a succession of rapid atrial depolarisation waves
- Re-entrant rhythm
- Electrical signal re-circulates in self-perpetuating loop due to extra electrical pathway
- Goes round and round atrium without interruption
Atrial flutter
ECG findings
- SAWTOOTH appearance
- Atrial rate of 300 bpm
- Ventricular rate of 150 bpm (signal conducts every second lap)
Atrial flutter
Associated conditions
- Hypertension
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Thyrotoxicosis
Atrial flutter
Management
- Rate/rhythm control with beta-blockers or cardioversion
- Treat underlying reversible conditions (e.g. htn, thyrotoxicosis)
- Radiofrequency ablation of the tricuspid valve - curative for most
- Anticoagulation based on CHA2DS2VASc
Aortic stenosis
Pathophysiology
- Outflow obstruction of the left ventricle
- Pressure gradient builds between left ventricle and aorta
- INCREASES the AFTERLOAD
- Initially, LV function is maintained by compensatory pressure HYPERTROPHY
- When compensatory mechanisms are exhausted → decline of LV function
Aortic stenosis
Features
- Normally asymptomatic
- Features tend to appear when 1/4 of size
- normal size = 3-4cm
SAD
S: Syncope - exertional
A: Angina
D: Dyspnoea - exertional
Aortic stenosis
Murmur
- EJECTION SYSTOLIC MURMUR
- Crescendo-descendo character
- Radiates to carotids
- Loudness does not correlate with severity
Aortic stenosis
Other signs
- Narrow pulse pressure
- Slow rising pulse
- Delayed ESM
- Soft-absent S2
- Thrill
- LVH or failure
Aortic stenosis
Investigations
- Transthoracic ECHO
- Valvular gradient (doppler-derived)
Aortic stenosis
Management
- Asymptomatic → observe
- Advise about dental hygiene
- Consider IE prophylaxis in dental procedures
- Symptomatic → valve replacement
- TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation)
Aortic stenosis
Criteria for surgery
- Symptomatic with severe AS
- Decreasing ejection fraction
- Undergoing CABG with moderate AS
Consider in asymptomatic patients with valvular gradient > 40 mmHg and features such as LV systolic dysfunction
Aortic stenosis
Causes
- DEGENERATIVE CALCIFICATION (most common >65 yrs)
- CONGENITAL BISCUSPID (most common <65 yrs)
- Rheumatic heart disease
- William’s syndrome (supravalvular aortic stenosis)
- Subvalvular: hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
Mitral regurgitation
Pathophysiology
- Mitral valve does not close properly
- Backflow of blood from LV → LA during systole
- Compensatory mechanisms = LA enlargement and LVH
- As it becomes more severe → body’s oxygen demand may exceed what the heart can supply → myocardium may thicken over time → may eventually feel more fatigued as a thicker myocardium becomes less efficient → finally results in congestive heart failure
Mitral regurgitation
Risk factors
- Female
- Low BMI
- Age - idiopathic weakening
- Renal dysfunction
- Prior MI
- Prior mitral stenosis or valve prolapse
- Collagen disorders, e.g Ehler-Danlos, Marfans
Mitral regurgitation
Causes
- IHD or post-MI: papillary muscles or chordae tendinae may be affected by cardiac insult
- Mitral valve prolapse - due to myxomatous degeneration
- Infective endocarditis: vegetations from organisms colonise the valve and prevent it from closing properly
- Rheumatic fever: inflammation of the valves
- Congenital