Cardiovascular II Flashcards
Rheumatic Fever
Multi-system inflammatory disease with major cardiac manifestations
Who does Rheumatic Fever often affect?
Children between 5-15 years of age
When does rheumatic fever usually occur?
1-4 weeks after an acute episode of tonsillitis
other infection caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococci
Diagnosis of RF is based on..
Jones criteria
- MAJOR AND MINOR CRITERIA
What is the major criteria for the diagnosis of RF?
Migratory polyarthritis
Carditis
Subcutaneous nodules
Erythema marginatum - long lasting rash
Sydenham’s chorea - involuntary movements
What is the minor criteria for the diagnosis of RF?
Fever
Joint pain
Previous rheumatic fever
Raised ESR
Prolonged PR interval on ECG
Pathogenesis of RF
Complications of RF
Permanent damage to the heart caused by inflammation of RF. The damage results in:
- Valve stenosis
- Valve regurgitation
- Damage to heart muscle
- Atrial fibrillation
- Heart failure
Investigation of RF
Throat swab for group A β-hemolytic streptococci
Anti-streptolysin O titer and sometimes antistreptokinase titers are raised.
ESR and C reactive proteins are usually elevate
Treatment of RF
Complete bed rest
Aspirin, and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation
Antibiotics to remove residual streptococcal infection and long-acting penicillin monthly injection for 5 years, in case of carditis this treatment for 40 years.
What is blood pressure?
The amount of force on the walls of the arteries as the blood circulates around the body.
Regulation of blood pressure =
cardiac output x peripheral resistance
Cardiac output =
cardiac output = stroke volume x heart rate
CO = SV X GR
What is the average cardiac output for an adult?
5 L/min and in exercise it may rise to 35 L/min.
What is hypertension?
high blood pressure