Cardiovascular conditions Flashcards
What is the definition of hypertension?
Raised arterial blood pressure
what is the diagnosis of Hypertension?
Over 140/90 in clinic
stage 2 : 160/100mmhg
stage 3: 180/110mmhg
Epidemiology of Essential Hypertension?
common in men
common in black African (40-50%)
Primary aetiology of essential hypertension?
80-90% are idiopathic
Primary causes: FH , low birth weight (undernutrition = blood vessel changes)
Environmental(obesity , alcohol intake and stress)
Insulin resistance
Secondary aetiology of essential hypertension?
Cardiovascular: Aortic dissection , atherosclerosis
CKD: Haematunia Renal Disease(80%): polycystic kidneys , renovascular disease
Endocrine: Conn’s disease , Adrenal hyperplasia , Cushing syndrome
Drugs: NSAID , oral contraceptive , steroids ,carbenoxolone
Pre-eclampsia
Pathophysiology of essential hypertension?
increase in cardiac output with increased pulse rate and circulating catecholamines
Resistance vessels , structural changes in HPT , leads to increase wall thickness and reduction in vessel lumen diameter.
Increase in peripheral resistance that maintain BP.
Pulse wave travels to arterial wall (each systolic contraction)
what are the renal changes that occur in pathophysiology in hypertension ?
Reduced renal perfusion reduces GFR = reduction in sodium and water excretion. Leading to continuous production of RAAS system
What are the risk factors of hypertension ?
Age
Gender - males
Ethnicity - black African and African Caribbean
Genetics
Social deprivation - more likely to have HBP
Excessive alcohol intake
Stress and anxiety
Thyroid , Kidney and Sleep apnoea
Signs and Symptoms of essential hypertension ?
Fatigue visional problems chest pain Difficulty breathing(LV hypertrophy, cardiac failure , angina) Irregular heartbeat Haematuria Palpation of ears , chest and neck Weakness
Differentials for HBP?
Malignant hypertension
(systolic >200 and Diastolic >130)
Isolated systolic hypertension in those over 60 years >160mmg /90mmg
Postural Hypertension
Conservative treatment for essential hypertension ?
Have a target BP <140/85 For diabetic patients <130/80 - use AMBPM
Lifestyle changes: Reduced alcohol and sodium intake
Increase exercise and aim to reduce weight
Pharmacological Approach of Hypertension?
1st line drug <55 years old and not black (ACE: end in April OR ARBS)
55years > & black - CCB : Amlodipine
If not tolerated , give thiazide like diuretics
BB not preferred choice of treatment - used in younger patients
2nd line - methyldopa
Add a third drug if needs = do not double it
what are the investigations for hypertension ?
Basic U&E , Creatinine , cholesterol , blood glucose , urine (for protein and blood )
Renal USS , Renal angiography
For secondary causes:
24 Hours - urinary metanephrines , urinary free cortisol
BP readings - 3 x both arms
Complications of hypertension ?
Heart attack
Aneurysm
Heart failure
torn blood vessels in the eyes
What is orthostatic/Postural Hypertension ?
Abnormal drop in BP lower than 90/60mmhg
Epidemiology of postural hypertension?
common with increasing age , >50 years
Associated with fainting
Aetiology of postural/ orthostatic hypotension?
Parkinson's disease Anaemia Blood loss Dehydration Medication such as: Sildenafil and BB , antidepressants
what are the conditions associated with postural hypotension?
MI , Diabetes , Alcohol neuropathy
Phaechromocytoma
Parkinson’s disease
Pathophysiology of postural hypertension?
Baroreceptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinus activate autonomic reflexes to rapidly return BP to normal.
The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and contractility and increases vasomotor tone of the capitance vessels.
pooling of the blood in lower limbs
Risk factors of orthostatic hypotension ?
Chronic alcohol and drug use
pregnancy(as pregnancy progresses , the volume of the circulatory system expands , BP reduces)
old age
Diabetes
smoking
Anaemia
Symptoms and signs of orthostatic hypotension?
Excessive sweating
Dizziness
light-headedness
Blurred vision fatigue weakness palpitations headache SOB confusion Raised JVP Edema Vomitting
Differentials of orthostatic hypotension:
HF
MI
AF
Conservative treatment of orthostatic hypotension?
changes in food , reduce alcohol and drug intake
Avoid triggers e.g. high temperature
head up 20-30cm
Adequate fluid intake
Regular BP Monitoring
Pharmacological treatment of postural hypotension?
1st choice - Fludrocorisone (low dose)
Alpha - receptors: Midodrine is recommended for monotherapy or in combined with Fludrocortisone
Somatostatin analogue octreotide
Investigations of orthostatic hypotension:
Blood pressure management · Electrocardiogram (ECG) · Blood test: Glucose levels, FBC, U&E · Tilt-table testing (to confirm orthostatic hypotension · Echocardiogram – if they have an underlying cardiac problem
Complication of postural hypotension ?
Severe hypotension: Repeated Syncope , Stroke due to the reduced blood supply to the brain, coma. Severe postural hypotension = deprivation of oxygen to heart and brain
what is hypovolaemic shock ?
Life threatening condition when the body loss of blood volume or fluid volume (More than 1/5 of the body’s fluid or blood supply makes the heart unable to pump enough blood into the body = organs failure
Epidemiology of hypovolaemic shock ?
Most common type in children, most commonly due to diarrheal illness in the developing world
Aetiology of hypovolaemic shock?
Increasing age Comorbidities Myocardial infarction Cardiomyopathy
Risk factors of hypovolaemic shock ?
Dehydration Aneurysm rupture Heart failure Severe infection (eg. Sepsis) Renal failure
Symptoms and signs of hypovolaemic shock
Shortness of breath Chest Pain Abdominal cramps
cold , pale , slate-grey
slow capillary refill , clammy Kidneys: Oliguria, anuria Brain: Drowsiness, confusion and irritability · Increased sympathetic tone Tachycardia, narrowed pulse pressure , ‘weak’ or ‘thready’ pulse Sweating Blood pressure: 25% reduction in circulating volume if the patient is young and fit = hypotension · Metabolic Acidosis Compensatory tachypnoea
treatment of hypovolaemic shock?
Medical Emergency
stop fluid loss and stabilise blood volume levels
Replace lost blood volume with intravenous(IV)fluid called crystalloids.
Potentially, if high blood volume is lost, transfusion of plasma (the fluid of component of blood or RBCs.
Investigations of hypovolaemic shock ?
Blood tests : Blood chemistry(U&E) FBC- to rule out any infections, haematocrit and haemoglobin levels Creatinine Lactic acid test • Urea nitrogen blood test, CT Scan Echocardiogram Endoscopy((to look at the bleeding source in the gastrointestinal tract) A right heart catheter to show how well the heart is pumping blood
complication of shock ?
Kidney failure, heart dysfunction, respiratory failure, and multiple organ
what is the definition of cardiogenic shock ?
Is a state of inadequate tissue perfusion primarily due to cardiac dysfunction. It may occur suddenly or after progressively worsening heart failure
Aetiology of cardiogenic shock ?
The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is a heart attack
Pathophysiology of cardiogenic shock ?
Low cardiac output state secondary to extensive LV infarction , development of a mechanical defect(e.g. Ventricular septal defect
Risk Factors of cardiogenic shock ?
Elderly Diabetes History of previous infarction Cerebrovascular disease peripheral vascular disease Multi-vessel atheroma
Anterior and RV MI are associated with an increased risk
Signs and Symptoms of Cardiogenic shock ?
Signs of myocardial failure e.g. raised jugular venous pressure(JVP) ,
‘gallop’ rhythm , basal crackles , pulmonary oedema.
Symptoms:
Chest pain Nausea and vomiting Dyspnoea Profuse sweating Confusion/Disorientation Palpations Faintness/Syncope Signs:
Pale, mottled , cold skin with slow capillary refill and poor peripheral pulses
Hypotension Tachycardia/Bradycardia Raised JVP Peripheral Oedema Heaves , thrills or murmurs Altered mental state
Differentials of cardiogenic shock ?
PE
Pericardial tamponade
Tension pnuemothorax
Myocardial suppression due to sepsis
Beta blockers - suppression of myocardial contractility
metabolic disturbance e.g. hypokalaemia
thyroid storm (excessive release of thyroid hormones (THs)
treatment and management of cardiogenic shock ?
Treat underlying causes e.g. management of MI
ABCD
Monitor BP
Give opiate analgesia (relieve symptoms if needed)
Dopamine is given
Intra aortic balloon pump counterpulsation (increases cardic output and improves coronary artery blood
Investigations of cardiogenic shock ?
Urine pregnancy test in women. LFTs. FBC to exclude anaemia. Cardiac enzymes, including troponins. Arterial blood gases. Brain natriuretic peptide
ECG (may show acute MI )
CXR( Rule out pneumothorax)
Complications of cardiogenic shock ?
cardiopulmonary arrest
Renal failure
Stroke
Death
Definition of Phlebitis ?
Inflammation of a vein
Definition of thrombosis ?
Blood clot in a vein
What is the definition of a thrombophlebitis ?
superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein under the skin e.g leg
Epidemiology of thrombophlebitis ?
Common
common with those with history of DVT
Aetiology of thrombophlebitis ?
Injury
Pregnancy
High dose oestrogen therapy (e.g contraceptive pill )
Pathophysiology of thrombophlebitis ?
When a superficial vein , usually the long saphenous vein of the leg or its tributaries becomes inflamed and the blood within its clots
Risk factors of thrombophlebitis?
Varicose veins - prone to minor injuries = inflammation
Cannulation - injures veins and triggers inflammation
IV drug abuse use Age(60>) Smoking Obesity Prolonged immobilisation , trauma Pregnancy (6 weeks post birth)
HRT
Cancer
CHF(congestive HF)
Signs and symptoms of thrombophlebitis?
Pain Swelling Tenderness Redness Warmth of skin Vein distension in leg
Differentials of thrombophlebitis?
DVT
Cellulitis(acute bacterial infection of dermis)
Lymphagnitis - inflammation of lymphatic vessels
Management of thrombophlebitis?
Management
Treat pain with a simple analgesic (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug – NSAID) Paracetamol Manage swellings and discomfort with compression stockings
Conservative: A warm , moist towel/flannel applied to affect limb for symptomatic relief Keep legs elevated whilst sitting- reduces swelling Keep active
Pharmacological Paracetamol NSAIDS If infected superficial thrombophlebitis(Flucloxacillin 500mg) Erythromycin Clarithromycin
Investigations of thrombophlebitis ?
examine affected area
Special uss