Cardiovascular Flashcards
Name 8 risk factors for the development of IHD.
- Increasing age
- Family Hx
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Hypercholesterolaemia
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
What is the WHO definition of an AMI?
At least 2 of the following 3 features:
- Symptoms of myocardial ischaemia
- Elevation of cardiac markers (troponin or CK)
- Typical ECG pattern involving the development of Q waves, ST segment changes or T wave changes
What are the reperfusion options in AMI and how soon should they be implimented?
Options: percutaneous intervention or fibrinolysis
Should be performed within 90 minutes of symptom onset
When is fibrinolysis preferred over PCI for treatment of AMI?
- Early presentation
- Invasive strategy not an option
- There will be a delay to invasive option
What are the adjunctive therapies in AMI?
Oxygen, IV morphine, aspirin, IV heparin/clexane, IV GTN, additional antiplatelets if applicable
What are the benefits of starting a beta-blocker after AMI?
- Reduced rates of recurrent MI
- Reduced angina
- Reduced arrhythmias
- Improved LV function
What are contraindications to starting a beta blocker after AMI?
Hypotension, bradycardia, second- or third-degree heart block, severe asthma
In CCF following an AMI, what changes might you see on a chest X-ray?
Cardiomegaly, Kerley B lines, pleural effusions
What are cholesterol targets post-AMI?
Total cholesterol
What is the post-hospital management following a STEMI?
- Review at 1 month; then 6 monthly
- Repeat ECHO at 6 months
- Stress testing at 1 year
- Cholesterol profile, renal & liver function tests, CK, FBE 6 monthly
- Regular review of lifestyle changes
- Regular review of medication chart & compliance
What is the most common clinical presentation of a tachyarrhythmia?
Palpitations
What is the most common clinical presentation of a bradyarrhythmia?
Syncope/presyncope
Name 1 vital investigation in palpitations and 5 others you may consider.
- ECG
Others: Holter monitor, Event recorder, Loop recorder, Echocardiogram, Electrophysiology study, Stress testing
What is the usual management of premature ventricular/atrial complexes in an otherwise healthy patient?
- Reassurance
- Cut down caffeine
- Occasionally requires beta blockers or calcium channel blockers if very frequent & symptomatic
What is the usual management of AF?
- Rule out precipitant (eg/ hyperthyroidism, infection)
- Look for a cause (eg/ cardiomyopathy)
- Decide whether to rate control or rhythm control
- Evaluate the risk of stroke & how best to manage it (CHADS2)
Which 3 medications might be used in AF to maintain sinus rhythm (rhythm control)?
Sotalol, flecainide, amiodarone
Which 3 medications might be used to control rate in AF?
Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, digoxin
What location does an ablation procedure target in AF?
Pulmonary veins (4)
A majority of SVTs involve which part of the cardiac conduction system?
AV node
What are 3 possible acute treatments of SVT?
- Vagal manoeuvres
- IV adenosine (induces transient AV block)
- IV verapamil
What are the long-term options for treatment of SVT?
- No treatment
- Beta blockers or calcium channel blockers - ‘pill in the pocket’ approach
- Catheter ablation (>95% success rate)
42 year-old male who has occasional palpitations - sudden onset, at rest, regular, last 5-10 minutes, resolve spontaneously & suddenly. Presents with a further episode of palpitations lasting >1 hour. What is the likely arrhythmia causing his palpitations?
Supra-ventricular tachycardia
What is the acute management for a patient presenting with VT?
If unstable -> DC cardioversion
If stable, can try amiodarone before DC cardioversion
Always investigate & treat the cause
What are the ‘red flag’ features of palpitations?
- Past history of cardiac disease
- Evidence of cardiac disease on baseline tests
- Family history of sudden cardiac death
- Severe symptoms
- High risk work environment
- High level sporting activities
- Before/during pregnancy
What is the definition of syncope?
Transient LOC that is self-limiting. Onset is relatively rapid, leads to a fall. Recovery is complete, rapid & spontaneous.
What are some indications for a PPM?
- Symptomatic sinus bradycardia
- Sinus pauses >2s (day) or 2.5s (night)
- Symptomatic 2nd or 3rd degree AV block
- Intermittent 3rd degree AV block
What is the usual management of sick sinus syndrome?
- Insert PPM
2. Once PPM inserted, you can use AV nodal blocking agents to control tachycardias
What is a normal PR interval?
What does a bifid P wave suggest?
‘P mitrale’ - a sign of mitral stenosis
What does a peaked P wave suggest?
‘P pulmonale’ - a sign of lung disease
What is the Wenkebach phenomenon?
Progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a P wave is non-conducted (2nd degree heart block, Mobitz type I)
What is a normal QRS width?