Cardiovascular Flashcards
What is an aneurysm?
Dilated area of vasculature due to weakness of vessel walls
What is a true aneurysm?
Involves all layers of arterial wall
What is a false aneurysm?
Involves a collection of blood in the outer layer only
What is an AAA classified as?
> 50% dilation of aortic diameter
Name 3 risk factors for AAAs
Age
- ) Male sex
- ) Family history
- ) Smoking
- ) Hypertension
- ) Hypercholesterolaemia
How are AAAs found?
Clinically silent, found on abdominal examination or plain XR
Name 4 things rapid expansion or rupture of an AAA may cause
- ) Severe pain
- ) Hypotension
- ) Tachycardia
- ) Profound anaemia
- ) Hypovolaemic shock
- ) Sudden death
What type of pain is there in an AAA rupture?
Severe, epigastric pain radiating to the back
Who is screened for an AAA?
All men >65
What is the treatment for an AAA?
Stent, graft, lifestyle changes
What size AAA should be operated on?
> 5.5cm or growing at >1cm/year
In who do ascending TAAs occur?
Marfan’s syndrome, hypertensives
In who do descending TAAs occur?
Atherosclerosis
Rapid expansion of a TAA causes what 4 symptoms?
- ) Severe chest pain
- ) Stridor
- ) Haemoptysis
- ) Hoarseness
What is an aortic dissection?
A tear in the intima of the aorta allows blood to be pumped under, creating a false lumen between the layers
What is the precursor to dissection?
Intramural haematoma
What occurs in IMH?
Rupture of vasa vasorum in aortic media
Who has a predisposition to aortic dissection?
Autoimmune rheumatic disease, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danos syndrome
What are the 2 ways of classifying aortic dissection?
Length of time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis being made, anatomically
What are the 2 anatomical types of aortic dissection?
Type A (70%), type B (30%)
What does type A of aortic dissection involve?
Aortic arch and aortic valve proximal to L subclavian artery, includes De Bakey type 1 and 2
What does type B of aortic dissection involve?
Descending thoracic aorta distal to L subclavian artery, includes De Bakey 3
Name 4 symptoms of an aortic dissection
- ) Sudden tearing chest pain and possible radiation to back
- ) Hemiplegia
- ) Unequal arm pulses
- ) Unequal BP
- ) Acute limb ischaemia
- ) Paraplegia
- ) Anuria
Name 3 other symptoms of an aortic dissection
- ) Shock
- ) Neurological
- ) Aortic regurgitation
- ) Inferior MI
- ) Cardiac tamponade
- ) Acute kidney failure
- ) Acute lower limb ischaemia
What does a CXR of an aortic dissection show?
Widened mediastinum
Which type of aortic dissection should have surgery?
Type A
What medical treatment of aortic dissection is there?
Antihypertensives, IV beta blockers (metoprolol), vasodilators (GTN)
What is angina?
Condition of chest pain arising from the heart as a result of myocardial ischaemia
What is an example of an ischaemic metabolite?
Adenosine
What are the 3 main types of angina?
Stable/classic, unstable, Prinzmetal’s
Which angina is induced by effort and relieved by rest?
Stable/classic
Which angina is caused by coronary artery spasm, and when does it occur?
Prinzmetal’s, rest
What is unstable angina?
Angina of increasing frequency or severity, occurs on minimal exertion or at rest, associated with very increased MI risk
When do symptoms occur? (in relation to the lumen)
Diameter of the lumen below 75% of original
Name 3 causes for angina
Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, thromboembolism, artery spasm, collateral blood vessels, arteritis
What are the pathophysiological steps of angina? (5)
1) Resistance high due to sclerosis
2) Resistance tries to fall in exercise to increase the flow
3) Resistance cannot fall anymore, so flow cannot meet metabolic demand
4) Myocardium becomes ischaemic, pain
5) Resting reduces demand and thus pain
Name 5 risk factors for angina
DM, smoking, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, family history, physical inactivity, stress, sex (male), increasing age, obesity
What is the presenting complaint of angina?
Central, crushing, tight/heavy chest pain that may radiate to arms, neck, jaw, teeth
What is angina bought on by?
Exertion
What is angina relieved by?
Rest
What is angina exacerbated by? (3)
Emotion, cold weather, heavy meals
What are other symptoms of angina?
Dyspnoea, nausea, sweating, faintness, dizziness
What are the criteria of chest pain for angina? (3)
1) Heavy, central chest pain radiating to arms, jaw, neck
2) Bought on by exertion/exercise
3) Relieved by rest/ sublingual GTN spray
What scores are given in the chest pain criteria for angina? (3)
3/3 - typical angina
2/3 - atypical angina
<1/3 - non-anginal pain
What is the medical treatment for angina?
- ) Statins (if hyperlipidaemia)
- ) Aspirin
- ) GTN nitrate spray for pain
- ) Beta blockers (atenolol, propranolol)
- ) Calcium channel blockers (if b blockers CI)
- ) Anti platelets (clopidogrel)
What is the surgical treatment for IHD?
CABG, PCI, PTCA
What does CABG stand for?
Coronary artery bypass graft/surgery
What does PCI stand for?
Percutaneous coronary intervention
What does PTCA stand for?
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
What 3 conditions does ACS refer to?
STEMI (Q wave infarction), NSTEMI (non Q wave), unstable angina (UA)
What is the common pathology of ACS?
Plaque rupture, thrombosis and infarction
What are the 2 main differences between an MI and UA?
1) MI has myocardial damage
2) MI has rise in serum troponins
Name 3 non-modifiable risk factors for ACS
Age, male gender, family history of IHD
Name 3 modifiable risk factors for ACS
Smoking, hypertension, DM, hyperlipidaemia, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, cocaine use
What are 2 possible risk factors for ACS?
Stress, type A personality, LVH, raised fibrinogen
When does a MI occur?
When there is the death of cardiac myocytes due to prolonged myocardial ischaemia
What is troponin?
Protein complex that regulates actin and myosin contraction, highly sensitive marker for cardiac muscle injury, can be positive in other conditions
What is the pathophysiology of an MI?
Rupture/erosin of a coronary artery atheromatous plaque can lead to the prolonged occlusion of the coronary artery
Name 4 symptoms of an MI
- ) Central crushing chest pain >20 minutes
- ) Sweatin
- ) Breathlessness
- ) Nausea
- ) Vomiting
- ) Restlessness
- ) Pale &grey
- ) Syncope
- ) Pulmonary oedema
Name 4 signs of an MI
- ) Distress
- ) Anxiety
- ) Pallor
- ) Raised/lowered pulse
- ) Raised/lowered BP
- ) 4th heart sound
- ) Signs of HF
- ) Pan systolic murmur
- ) Low grade fever
What will be seen on an ECG in an MI?
ST elevation (STEMI only), tall peaked T waves, T wave inversion after few hours, pathological Q waves (not always)
What does a CXR show in an MI?
Cardiomegaly, pulmonary oedema, wide mediastinum
What are the 2 biochemical cardiac markers, and when do they peak in an MI?
1) Cardiac troponin - peaks at 24-48
2) Creatinine kinase - peaks at 24
Name 3 differential diagnoses of an MI
Angina, pericarditis, myocarditis, PE, aortic dissection
What are the 5 mainstays of MI treatment?
1) Symptom control (pain)
2) Modify risk factors
3) Optimise cardioprotective medications
4) Revascularisation
5) Manage complications
What 2 drugs do we manage chest pain with?
GTN nitrate PRN and opiates
What are the 5 main drugs given in an MI?
1) Antiplatelets (aspirin and clopidogrel)
2) Anticoagulate (fondaparinux)
3) Beta blockers (start low and increase slowly)
4) ACEI or ARB (in LV dysfunction, hypertension, DM)
5) Statin (atorvastatin)
What may be given with anti platelets?
PPI for gastric protection
What drug may we give if a beta blocker is contraindicated?
Calcium blocker (verapamil or diltiazem)
What is the surgical treatment for an MI?
STEMI and high risk NSTEMI - angiography and PCI
What should patients with multi vessel disease have in an MI?
CABG
Name 5 complications of an MI
Cardiac arrest, cariogenic shock, LV failure, bradyarrhythmias, tachyrrhythmias, RV failure/infarction, percicarditis, systemic embolism, cardiac tamponade, mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal defect, late malignant ventricular arrhythmias, Dressel’s syndrome, LV aneurysm
Define cardiac failure
The failure of the heart to transport blood out
What is cardiogenic shock?
Severe failre
What is HFREF and HFPEF?
HFREF - redused ejection fraction HF <40%
HFPEF - preserved ejection fraction HF >50%
What is the most common cause of HF?
Myocardial dysfunction from IHD
Name 3 other causes of HF
Hypertension, alcohol excess, cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, anaemia, endocardial disease, pericardial disease
What is the pathophysiology of HF?
1) Compensatory mechanisms become overwhelmed
2) CO increases as venous return increases
3) Stretch capability of sarcomeres exceeded
4) Cardiac contraction force diminishes
5) Limit to pericardial contraction
Name 4 symptoms of HF
Breathlessness, tiredness, cold peripheries, leg swelling, increased weight
Name 4 signs of HF
- ) Tachycardia
- ) Displaced apex beat
- ) Added heart sounds and murmurs
- ) Raised JVP (when R side affected)
- ) Hepatomegaly
- ) Ascites
- ) Oedemas
What are the 8 types of HF?
1) Systolic HF
2) Diastolic HF
3) LV failure
4) RV failure
5) Acute HF
6) Chronic HF
7) Low-output HF
8) High-output HF
What occurs in systolic HF?
Ventricle is unable to contract properly, reduced CO and EF <40%
What occurs in diastolic HF?
Ventricles unable to relax and fill properly, increase in filling pressure, stiffer heart, EF >50%
What occurs in LV failure?
LV unable to pump out sufficient blood
What occurs in RV failure?
RV unable to pump blood out properly
What is congestive cardiac failure?
LV and RV failure together
What occurs in acute HF?
New onset acute or decompensation of chronic characterised by pulmonary and/or peripheral oedema +/- peripheral hypoperfusion
What occurs in chronic HF?
Progresses slowly, venous congestion common
What occurs in low output HF?
CO is decreased and fails to increase normally with exertion
What occurs in high output HF
Output is normal or increased in the face of significantly increased demands, normal or somewhat raised CO fails to meet these needs
Name 5 symptoms of LV failure
Dyspnoea, nocturnal cough, wheeze, nocturne, cold peripheries, muscle wasting, weight loss
Name 5 symptoms of RV failure
Peripheral oedema, ascites, nausea, anorexia, facial engorgement, neck and face pulsation, epistaxis
Name 3 causes of RV failure
LVF, pulmonary stenosis, lung disease
What are the 4 classes of HF?
Class I - no limitation, asymptomatic
Class II - slight limitation, mild
Class III - marked limitation, moderate
Class IV - inability to carry out any physical activity without discomfort, severe
What are the 4 stages of HF?
A - high risk of HF
B - asymptomatic HF
C - symptomatic HF
D - end stage HF
What are the major Framingham criteria for the diagnosis of HF? (8)
SAW PANIC S3 heart sound Acute pulmonary oedema Weight loss Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea Abdominojugular reflux Neck vein distension Increased cardiac shadow on XR Crepitation
What are the minor Framingham criteria for the diagnosis of HF? (7)
HEART ViNo Hepatomegaly Effusion Ankle oedema, bilateral Exceptional dyspnoea Tachycardia Vital capacity decreased by 1/3 Nocturnal cough
What shows on a CXR of HF?
ABCDE Alveolar oedema Kerley B lines Cardiomegaly Dilated prominent upper lobe vessels Effusion (pleural)
What do we look for in bloods in HF?
B type natriuretic peptide, BNP
If ECG and BNP are normal, is HF likely?
No
What further test should be done with abnormal ECG and BNP?
Echo
What are the 4 parts of non medical treatment of HF?
Lifestyle changes, treatment of underlying cause, treatment of exacerbating factors, avoidance of exacerbating factors
What are the 6 drugs that should be given in HF?
1) Diuretics (loop, furosemide)
2) ACE-I or ARB
3) Beta-blockers (start low and go slow, carvedilol)
4) Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (still symptomatic, spironolactone)
5) Digoxin
6) Vasodilators (if intolerant to ACE-I and ARBs, hydrazine and isorbide dinatrate)
Give an example of a K+ sparing diuretic
Spironolactone
Give an example of a thiazide diuretic
Metolazone
What is the Fontan procedure?
Palliative surgical procedure for hearts with only one useable ventricle
What is a bicuspid aortic valve associated with? (2)
Coarctation and dilation of the ascending aorta, predisposition to IE
What is an atrial septal defect?
A hole in the septum that connects the artia
What are the 3 main types of atrial septal defect?
Primum, secundum, sinus venosus
What are secundum defects?
Most common, high up in septum
Which direction is the shunt in secundum defects?
L to R (not blue!) because pressure in LA is higher than in RA
Name 4 symptoms for atrial septal defects
- ) Dyspnoea
- ) Hypertension
- ) Cyanosis
- ) Arrhythmia
- ) Haemoptysis
- ) Chest pain
- ) Pulmonary flow murmur
- ) Fixed split-second heart sound (lub dub dub)
What 3 things are seen on a CXR for atrial septal defects?
Big pulmonary arteries, big heart, small aortic knuckle
What does the ECG for atrial septal defects show? (primum and secundum)
Primum - RBBB with L axis deviation and prolonged PR interval
Secundum - R atrial deviation
What symptoms does a large hole have (atrial septal defect) that a small hole doesn’t?
SOBOE, increased chest infections
What is a complication of atrial septal defects?
Eisenmenger’s complex
What is a ventricular septal defect?
A hole in the septum that connects the ventricles
What are the symptoms of a small ventricular septal defect?
Asymptomatic, signs of loud systolic murmur and thrill
What are the symptoms of a large ventricular septal defect?
Very high pulmonary blood flow, breathlessness, poor feeding, failure to thrive, increased resp rate, tachycardia, big heart on CXR
Which direction is the shunt in ventricular septal defects?
L to R
What are atrio-ventricular septal defects?
Holes in the centre of the heart, involving ventricular and atrial septum and mitral and tricuspid valves
What are the 2 types of atrio-ventricular septal defects?
1) Complete
2) Partial
What are the symptoms of a complete atrio-ventricular septal defect?
Breathlessness, poor weight gain, poor feeding
When does a partial atrio-ventricular septal defect present?
Late adulthood
What are the 3 locations for an atrio-ventricular septal defect to be?
1) Interatrial
2) Interatrial and interventricular
3) Interventricular
In what syndrome do atrio-ventricular septal defects often occur?
Down’s syndrome
What is coarctation of the aorta?
Congenital narrowing of the descending aorta
Where does a coarctation of the aorta usually occur?
Just distal to the origin of the L subclavian artery (at the site of insertion of the ductus arteriosus)
What is coarctation of the aorta associated with? (2)
Bicuspid aortic valve and Turner’s syndrome
What does severe coarctation of the aorta present with?
Collapse with HF
What does mild coarctation of the aorta present with?
Hypertension, incidental murmur
How do we repair coarctation of the aorta?
Surgery or balloon and stenting
Name 3 clinical signs of coarctation of the aorta
1) R arm hypertension
2) Bruits (buzzes) over scapulae and back
3) Murmur
4) Radiofemoral delay and weak femoral pulse
Name 3 long term problems of coarctation of the aorta
1) Hypertension (CAD, strokes, sub arachnoid haemorrhage)
2) Re-coarctation
3) Aneurysm formation at site of repair
What is tetralogy of Fallot?
Most common cyanotic congenital heart disorder, due to abnormalities in separation of truncus arteriosis into the aorta and pulmonary arteries
What are the 4 features of tetralogy of Fallot?
1) Ventricular septal defect
2) Pulmonary stenosis
3) RVH
4) Aorta overriding the septal defect
Which way is the shunt in tetralogy of Fallot?
R to L
Is tetralogy of Fallot cyanotic (blue?)
YES
Name 4 symptoms of tetralogy of Fallot
Child - restless, agitated, squatting, difficulty feeling, clubbing, failure to thrive
What does an ECG show in tetralogy of Fallot?
RVH with RBBB
What is the classic sign of tetralogy of Fallot on a CXR/echo?
Boot shaped heart
How do we treat tetralogy of Fallot? (5)
1) Oxygen
2) Place patient in knee to chest position (increases peripheral vascular resistance and decreases shunt)
3) Morphine (relaxes pulmonary outflow)
4) Long term beta blockers
5) Surgical repair with Blalock-Taussig shunt
What is Eisenmenger’s syndrome?
Reversal of shunt direction to R to L
Why does Eisenmenger’s syndrome occur?
High pressure pulmonary blood flow, resistance to blood flow to lung increases, RV pressure increases
What colour is the patient in Eisenmenger’s syndrome?
Blue
What is a patent ductus arteriosus?
Ductus arteriosus (between aortic arch and pulmonary artery) doesn’t close
What are 2 clinical signs of a patent ductus arteriosus?
Continuous ‘machinery’ murmur, Eisenmenger’s syndrome
What is pulmonary stenosis?
Narrowing of the outflow of the R ventricle
What are the 4 types of pulmonary stenosis?
1) Valvar
2) Sub valvar
3) Supra valvar
4) Branch
What are the symptoms and signs of a severe pulmonary stenosis?
RV failure as neonate, collapse, poor pulmonary blood flow, RVH, tricuspid regurgitation
What are 2 methods of treating pulmonary stenosis?
Balloon valvuloplasty, shunt
What is Marfan’s syndrome?
Connective tissue disorder with a decrease in extracellular microfibril formation and poor elastic fibres
What are the 4 major diagnostic criteria for Marfan’s syndrome?
1) Lens dislocation
2) Aortic dissection or dilatation
3) Dural ectasia
4) Skeletal features (arachnodactyly, arm span > height, pectus deformity, scoliosis)
How many major criteria are needed for a diagnosis of Marfan’s?
2
What are 3 minor signs of Marfan’s syndrome?
1) Mitral valve prolapse
2) Joint hypermobility
3) High arched palate
What is the treatment of Marfan’s syndrome?
Beta blockers to slow dilatation, annual echos, elective surgical repair when aorta >5cm
What gene causes Marfan’s syndrome?
Autosomal dominant fibrillin gene FBN1
Name 4 causes of mitral stenosis
- ) Rheumatic fever
- ) Infection with group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus
- ) Congenital
- ) Prosthetic valve
- ) Mucopolysaccharidoses
- ) Endocardial fibroelastosis
- ) Malignant carcinoid tumours
What are the steps of pathogenesis in mitral stenosis? (6)
1) Inflammation
2) Mitral thickening
3) Cusp fusion
4) Calcium deposition
5) Severely narrowed valve orifice
6) Progressive immobility of valve cusps
What do compensatory mechanisms in mitral stenosis lead to?
Compensatory mechanisms of increased LA pressure leads to LA hypertrophy and dilatation, thus pulmonary venous, pulmonary arterial, and right heart pressures also increase
What can the increase in pulmonary capillary pressure in mitral stenosis lead to?
Pulmonary oedema, particularly when there is AF with tachycardia
What does pulmonary hypertension lead to in mitral stenosis?
RVH, dilatation and failure with subsequent tricuspid regurgitation