Cardiovascular Flashcards
What is dilated cardiomyopathy and some clinical manifestations associated with it?
Systolic dysfunction, leading to a dilated, weak heart.
Systolic heart failure symptoms such as dyspnea/fatigue (left-sided) and edema/JVD/hepatomegaly (right-sided)
What is a hallmark physical exam finding of dilated cardiomyopathy?
S3 gallop (due to filling of the dilated ventricle)
What is the diagnostic test of choice for determining dilated cardiomyopathy and what will be found?
Echocardiogram
Left ventricular dilation, thin ventricular walls, decreased EF
How is dilated cardiomyopathy managed?
Standard systolic heart failure treatment:
- ACE-I
- Beta blockers
- Symptom control with diuretics
Implantable cardioverter/defibrillator if EF is less than 35-30%
What are some etiologies of dilated cardiomyopathy?
- Idiopathic (most common)
- Viral infections (Coxsackievirus B)
- Alcohol abuse
- Doxorubicin (anthracycline)
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
What is stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy?
Transient systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle that can imitate MI but is not associated with obstructive CAD or evidence of plaque ruptures.
What are risk factors for stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy?
Post-menopausal women exposed to physical or emotional stress
What is the pathophysiology of stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy?
Thought to be multi-factorial including catecholamine surge during physical or emotional stress, microvascular dysfunction, and coronary artery spasm
What are clinical manifestations associated with stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy?
Substernal chest pain, dyspnea, syncope
***Similar to ACS
In a patient with stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy, what will likely be found on EKG, cardiac enzymes, coronary angiography, and echo?
EKG: ST elevations (especially in the anterior leads)
Cardiac enzymes: Often positive
Coronary angiography: Absence of acute plaque rupture or obstructive CAD
Echo: Transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, especially apical left ventricular ballooning
What is the management for stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy?
Initially treated similar to ACS due to similar presentation (aspirin, beta blocker, heparin, coronary angiography to rule out obstructive CAD)
Conservative and supportive care is mainstay of treatment including beta blocker and ACE-I for 3-6 months with serial imaging to assess for improvement.
What is restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Diastolic dysfunction in a non-dilated ventricle which impedes ventricular filling (decreased compliance)
What are some etiologies of restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Infiltrative disease:
- Amyloidosis (most common)
- Sarcoidosis
- Hemochromatosis
- Metastatic disease
- Endomyocardial fibrosis
What clinical manifestations are associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- Right-sided heart failure symptoms (peripheral edema, JVD, hepatomegaly, ascites)
- Left-sided heart failure symptoms (dyspnea most common)
- Kussmaul’s sign (increase in JVP with inspiration)
What is the diagnostic test of choice for determining restrictive cardiomyopathy and what will be found?
Echocardiogram
Non-dilated ventricles with normal thickness, diastolic dysfunction, marked dilation of both atria
What diagnostic study will provide a definitive diagnosis of restrictive cardiomyopathy?
Endomyocardial biopsy (not used often)
What is the management for restrictive cardiomyopathy?
- Treat underlying disorder
- Gentle diuresis for symptoms, vasodilators
What are clinical manifestations associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
- Dyspnea (most common symptoms)
- Angina
- Arrhythmias
- Sudden cardiac death (especially during times of extreme exertion due to V-fib)
What can be found on physical examination in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
- Harsh systolic murmur best heard at the left sternal border
- May have loud S4
In a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, what will cause the associated murmur to increase or decrease in intensity?
Increased intensity with valsalva and standing (decreased venous return)
Decreased intensity with squatting, supine, hand grip, leg raise (increased venous return)
***Valsalva and standing will decrease intensity of all other murmurs
What will be seen on echocardiogram in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Asymmetric ventricular wall thickness (especially septal)
What will be seen on EKG in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Left ventricular hypertrophy
What is the first-line medical management for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Beta blockers
What are the management options for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Medical: Beta blockers (first-line), CCB (alternative)
Surgical: Myomectomy in young patients refractory to medical therapy
Patient should avoid dehydration, extreme exertion, and exercise. Cautious use of Digoxin, Nitrates, and diuretics
What are some etiologies associated with myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)?
- Infectious: viral most common (especially the enterioviruses - Coxsackievirus B)
- Autoimmune
- Medications (Clozapine)
What are clinical manifestations associated with myocarditis?
- Viral prodrome followed by symptoms of systolic dysfunction (dilated cardiomyopathy)
- Heart failure symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, S3 gallop)
- Megacolon
- Pericarditis (pericardial friction rub)
What is the gold standard diagnostic study for determining myocarditis?
Endomyocardial biopsy (infiltration of lymphocytes; reserved for severe or refractory cases)
What will be seen on CXR and echo in myocarditis?
CXR: Cardiomegaly
Echo: Ventricular systolic dysfunction
What is the management for myocarditis?
Standard systolic heart failure treatment:
- ACE-I
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
What is the first-line treatment for sinus tachycardia?
What should be considered if the tachycardia is persistent?
Treat underlying cause as first-line.
Beta blockers used for persistent tachycardia.
What is the first-line treatment for symptomatic or unstable sinus bradycardia?
What should you consider if this treatment does not work?
Atropine is first-line
Epinephrine or transcutaneous pacing if not responsive to atropine
If EKG shows signs of a 1st degree AV block, how does the treatment vary for an asymptomatic patient versus a symptomatic patient?
Asymptomatic: Observation, possible cardiology consult
Symptomatic: Atropine is first-line, epinephrine, pacemaker definitive if persistent
If EKG shows signs of a 2nd degree AV block - Type I, how does the treatment vary for an asymptomatic patient versus a symptomatic patient?
Asymptomatic: Observation, possible cardiology consult
Symptomatic: Atropine is first-line, epinephrine, possible pacemaker
What is the treatment for a 2nd degree Type II AV block?
Atropine or temporary pacing.
Permanent pacemaker is definitive treatment.
What is the management for a 3rd degree AV block?
Transcutaneous pacing often followed by permanent pacemaker placement
How does the acute management vary in a stable versus an unstable patient with atrial flutter?
Stable: Vagal maneuvers, rate control with beta blockers, or CCB
Unstable: Synchronized cardioversion
What is the definitive management of atrial flutter?
Radiofrequency catheter ablation
How does the acute management vary in a stable versus an unstable patient with atrial fibrillation?
Stable: Rate control with Beta Blockers or CCB (Digoxin may be used when BB/CCB are contraindicated)
Unstable: Synchronized cardioversion. Anticoagulation must be continued for 4 weeks after cardioversion.
What is the first-line medical management of stable SVT (narrow complex) if vagal maneuvers are not effective?
Adenosine
What is the first-line medical management of stable ventricular tachycardia?
Anti-arrhythmic (Amiodarone, lidocaine, procainamide)
What is the management for unstable ventricular tachycardia with a pulse?
Synchronized cardioversion
What is the management for unstable ventricular tachycardia without a pulse?
Defibrillation (unsynchronized cardioversion) + CPR
What is the management for Torsades de pointes?
IV magnesium sulfate
What is the management for ventricular fibrillation?
Defibrillation (unsynchronized cardioversion) + CPR (initiate ACLS)
What is the management for pulseless electrical rhythm (PEA)?
CPR + epinephrine + checks for “shockable” rhythm every 2 minutes
What are some side effects of cardio selective beta blockers?
Bradycardia, AV blocks, may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia
When using non-selective beta blockers, what should you be cautious with?
Nonselectives may cause bronchospasm in patients with asthma and COPD
If giving adenosine to a patient, what side effects should you warn them about?
Chest discomfort, dyspnea, flushing, headache, but note that they are very common and short-lived
What is amiodarone most commonly used for?
Stable wide-complex tachycardias
What is the most common adverse effect of IV amiodarone?
Hypotension
What are some common adverse effects associated with long-term use of amiodarone?
Thyroid disorders, pulmonary fibrosis, increased LFTs
What is the function of the foramen ovale?
Shunts blood from the right atrium directly into the left atrium
What is the function of the ductus arteriosus?
Shunts blood from the pulmonary artery directly into the aorta, bypassing fetal lungs
What medications are given to keep the ductus arteriosus patent?
Prostaglandin analog (Alprostadil)
What is the most common innocent mumur?
What is the pathophysiology behind it?
Still murmur
Thought to be due to the vibration of the valve leaflets.
Describe a still murmur.
Musical, vibratory, noisy, twanging, low-pitched best heard at the left lower sternal border and apex
What is the most common continuous benign murmur?
Cervical venous hum
Describe a cervical venous hum murmur.
Soft, low-pitched, continuous murmur best heard in right sternal border and right infraclavicular area.
What will increase and decrease the intensity of a cervical venous hum murmur?
Increase: Sitting or upright position with head extended
Decrease: Supine, jugular compression, rotation/flexion of the head, valsalva
Where is a pulmonary ejection murmur best heard?
Best heard in mid-systole in second left intercostal space
What may be found on physical exam in a patient with an atrial septal defect?
- Systolic ejection murmur at the pulmonic area (left upper sternal border)
- Wide, fixed split S2 that does not vary with respirations
What is the best diagnostic study to make the diagnosis of an atrial septal defect?
Echocardiogram
What may be seen on EKG in a patient with an atrial septal defect?
- Incomplete RBBB
- Crochetage sign (notching of the peak of the R wave in the inferior leads)
What is the management for an atrial septal defect?
- If small and less than 5 mm, may be observed (most spontaneously close in first year of life)
- Surgical correction if greater than 1 cm or symptomatic
What is Eisenmenger syndrome?
Pulmonary HTN and cyanotic heart disease occuring when a left-to-right shunt switches and becomes a right-to-left shunt (cyanotic). Patients may develop cyanotic lower extremities.
What may be found on physical exam in a patient with a patent ductus arteriosus?
- Continuous machine-like murmur loudest at the pulmonic area
- Wide pulse pressures (bounding peripheral pulses)
- Loud S2
What is the first-line medical treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus?
NSAIDs (IV indomethacin, ibuprofen)
***NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis
What is coarctation of the aorta?
Congenital narrowing of the aortic lumen at the distal arch or descending aorta, resulting in HTN in the arteries proximal to the lesion (primary arteries supplying the upper extremities) with relative hypotension in the lower extremities.
What are some conditions associated with coarctation of the aorta?
- Bicuspid aortic valve
- Turner syndrome
- Mitral valve defects
- Patent ductus arteriosus
What are some clinical manifestations that can be associated with coarctation of the aorta?
- Bilateral claudication
- DOE
- Syncope
- Failure to thrive and poor feeding 1-2 weeks after birth in infants
What may be found on physical exam in a patient with coarctation of the aorta?
Upper extremity systolic hypertension with lower extremity hypotension and/or diminished or delayed lower extremity pulses
What is the confirmatory diagnostic test for coarctation of the aorta?
Echocardiogram (shows narrowing of the aorta)
What will be found on CXR in a patient presenting with coarctation of the aorta?
- Posterior rib notching
- 3 sign
What is the management for coarctation of the aorta?
- Corrective surgery or transcatheter-based intervention
- Prostaglandin E1 (Alprostadil) preoperatively to stabilize condition by maintaining patent ductus arteriosus, reducing symptoms and improves lower extremity blood flow
Chest x-ray reveals posterior rib notching and “3-sign.” What should be on your differential?
Coarctation of the aorta
What is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease associated with a right-to-left shunt?
Tetralogy of Fallot
What are the four components of Tetralogy of Fallot?
- RV outflow obstruction
- RVH
- VSD
- Overriding aorta
What clinical manifestations are associated with Tetralogy of Fallot?
Infancy: Cyanosis most common (baby blue syndrome)
Older children: Tet spells (paroxysms of cyanosis) relieved with squatting
What may be found on physical exam in a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot?
- Harsh systolic murmur at left mid to upper sternal border (VSD)
- Right ventricular heave (RVH)
- Cyanosis
- Digital clubbing
What is the diagnostic test of choice to diagnosis Tetralogy of Fallot?
Echocardiogram
Chest x-ray reveals a boot-shaped heart. What is your likely diagnosis?
Tetralogy of Fallot
What is the management for Tetralogy of Fallot?
- Surgical repair (ideally in first 4-12 months of life)
- Prostaglandin infusion prior to surgery to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus to improve circulation
What clinical manifestations are associated with transposition of the great arteries (TOGA)?
Severe cyanosis and tachypnea within the first 30 days of life not affected by exertion or the use of oxygen
What is the gold standard to diagnose transposition of the great arteries (TOGA)?
Cardiac cath (rarely used)
How is transposition of the great arteries (TOGA) primarily diagnosed?
Echocardiogram
What is the management for transposition of the great arteries (TOGA)?
Arterial switch operation
What is the most common type of congenital heart disease in childhood?
Ventricular septal defect
What is the most common type of ventricular septal defect?
Perimembranous
What may be found on physical exam in a patient with a ventricular septal defect?
- High-pitched harsh holosystolic murmur best heard at the lower left sternal border
What is the management of a ventricular septal defect?
- If small and asymptomatic, observation (most close within 12 months)
- Patch closure if symptomatic or uncontrolled CHF, growth delay, recurrent respiratory infections. Large shunts repaired by 2 years of age to prevent pulmonary HTN.
List the congenital cyanotic heart disease.
The 5 T’s:
- Truncus arteriosus (1 vessel instead of 2)
- Transposition of the great arteries
- Tricuspid atresia (absence of tricuspid valve)
- Tetralogy of fallot
- Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (all 4 pulmonary veins connect to superior vena cava instead of left atrium)
What is the pathophysiology associated with pulmonary atresia?
Complete obstruction to right ventricular outflow. Blood is unable to flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and the lungs.
What clinical manifestations are associated with pulmonary atresia?
- Cyanosis
- Single heart sound (due to single semi-lunar valve - aortic valve)
What are some risk factors for CAD?
- Diabetes mellitus (worst risk factor)
- Smoking (most important modifiable risk factor)
- Hyperlipidemia
- Hypertension
- Men
- Age > 45 in men or > 55 in women
- Family hx of CAD
What symptoms are typically associated with angina pectoris (stable angina)?
- Substernal chest pain which is exertional and short in duration and relieved with rest or Nitroglycerin; pain may radiate
- Dyspnea, nausea, vomiting diaphoresis
- Dyspnea and epigastric or shoulder pain seen in women, elderly, obese
What is the initial test of choice when diagnosing stable angina?
What classic finding may be found with this test?
EKG
ST depression is classic finding
What is the typical outpatient management of stable angina?
- Daily aspirin
- Beta blocker (or CCB if BB contraindicated)
- Sublingual nitroglycerin
- Daily statin
- Reduction of risk factors through exercise, diet, and smoking cessation
What is the most useful non-invasive test in the diagnosis of CAD?
Stress testing
What is the gold standard for diagnosis of CAD?
Coronary angiography
What is the purpose of giving beta blockers in stable angina?
- Increase myocardial blood supply by increasing oxygen through prolonging coronary artery filling times
- Decrease demand
What is the purpose of giving aspirin in stable angina?
- Prevents platelet activation/aggregation (inhibits COX –> decreasing thromboxane A2)
- Decrease thrombosis risk
What is the purpose of giving nitroglycerin in stable angina?
- Increase myocardial blood supply by increasing blood flow and reducing coronary vasospasm
- Decrease cardiac demand by decreasing preload and afterload through vasodilation (vasodilation occurs due to stimulation of guanylate cyclase, which increases cGMP)
What are contraindications to giving nitroglycerin for angina?
- SBP < 90 (as nitro can cause hypotension via vasodilation)
- RV infarction
- Use of Sildenafil (Viagra) and other PDE-5 inhibitors (combo can lead to severe hypotension)
What are some etiologies of ACS?
- Atherosclerosis (most common cause of MI)
- Coronary artery vasospasm: cocaine-induced, variant (Prinzmetal) angina
What symptoms are typically associated with ACS?
- Chest pain that is severe and new in onset, occurs at rest, lasting > 30 minutes, and not relieved with rest or nitroglycerin; can radiate
- Dyspnea, nausea, vomiting diaphoresis
- Dyspnea and epigastric or shoulder pain seen in women, elderly, obese
What is the triad of right ventricular infarction?
Increased JVP + clear lungs + Kussmaul sign
What EKG leads will show ST elevations in an anterior wall infarction?
What artery is involved?
V1 through V4
Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
What EKG leads will show ST elevations in a lateral wall infarction?
What artery is involved?
Leads I, aVL, V5, V6
Left circumflex artery
What EKG leads will show ST elevations in an inferior wall infarction?
What artery is involved?
Leads II, III, aVF
Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
What EKG leads are involved with a posterior wall infarction?
ST depressions in V1-V2
What is the management for an anterior or lateral wall MI?
Initial: Aspirin (chewed), Nitroglycerin, Oxygen (if hypoxic), Morphine (if nitro fails) MONA
Adjunct: Heparin, Beta blockers, Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Long-term management with ACE-I slows progression to heart failure
Reperfusion/Cath lab (PCI) within 90 minutes of ER presentation and within 12 hours of chest pain onset
What medication should be avoided in an inferior or posterior wall MI?
Avoid Nitroglycerin and Morphine as right-sided MIs are preload dependent to maintain cardiac output (nitro is pre-load reducing)
What are some contraindications to giving beta blockers in CAD/ACS?
- CHF
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Severe reactive airway disease (severe asthma, COPD)
- Shock
- Cocaine-induced MI (causes unopposed alpha mediated vasoconstriction)
What are some adverse effects of nitroglycerin?
- Headache
- Flushing
- Hypotension
- Tachyphylaxis after 24 hours
What are some adverse effects of ACE-I?
- Angioedema
- Cough
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal insufficiency
- Hyperuricemia
What is the MOA of Alteplase (rTPA)?
Dissolves clot by activating tissue plasminogen –> plasmin
***Plasmin is a proteolytic enzyme that degrades fibrin