Cardiovascular System Flashcards
What is the initial treatment plan for a patient with atrial fibrillation?
- High flow O2 (always for acutely unwell patients)
- 250ml IV fluids & review their BP & HR
- Digoxin (antiarrhythmic) for rate control
- Cardioversion
What are the other possible drugs you could prescribe to treat atrial fibrillation?
- B-blockers (antiarrhythmic)
2. Amiodarone (antiarrhythmic)
What sign might you encounter in pulmonary oedema?
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea (PND)
What are 2 cardiovascular causes of syncope?
- Heart block
2. Paroxysmal arrhythmias
What are 3 possible cardiovascular causes of fatigue?
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Drugs
What may leg pain on walking indicate?
Claudication secondary to peripheral vascular disease
What does a sternotomy scar possible indicate?
- CABG
- Valve replacement
What 3 cases would you see peripheral cyanosis?
- Vasoconstriction
- Shock
- Heart failure
What are the clinical signs of infective endocarditis?
- Splinter haemorrhages
- Janeway lesions
- Olser’s nodes
- Splenomegaly
What is collapsing pulse a sign of?
Aortic regurgitation
What are the 2 clinical signs of hyperlipidaemia?
- Xanthelasma
2. Corneal arcus
What is malar flush a sign of?
Mitral valve disease
What are the 3 possible causes of an un-palpable apex beat?
- Obesity
- Hyperinflation
- Pleural effusion
What are the 3 possible causes of a displaced apex beat?
- Cardiomegaly
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Pneumothorax
What is tapping a sign of in the cardiovascular examination?
Mitral stenosis
What is heaving a sign of in the cardiovascular examination?
- Hypertension
- Aortic stenosis
What is a positive parasternal heave a sign of in the cardiovascular examination?
Right ventricular hypertrophy
What does a loud 1st heart sound sometimes suggest?
AV stenosis
What does a quiet 1st heart sound sometimes suggest?
- Mitral regurgitation
- Heart failure
What valves closing make up the 1st heart sound?
Mitral & Tricuspid
What valves closing make up the 2nd heart sound?
Aortic & Pulmonary
What are 3 possible causes of non-benign murmurs?
- Valve defects
- Hyperdynamic circulation
- Atrial/ventricular septal defects
What do ascites suggest?
- Increased central venous pressure
- Heart failure
What 2 things can cause a radio-femoral delay?
- Atherosclerosis
2. Aortic stenosis
What 3 things can a thready carotid pulse suggest?
- Heart failure
- Shock
- Valve disease
What does a slow rising carotid pulse suggest?
Aortic stenosis
What is JVP a measure of?
Indirect measure of right atrial pressure
What 2 things can a decrease in central venous pressure suggest?
- Hypovolaemic shock
2. Dehydration
What can an increase in central venous pressure suggest?
Right heart failure
What does SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) do?
Shows the perfusion of the heart
Why can MRI be helpful for the cardiovascular system?
- Locating masses
- Malformations including aneurysms
Why can Angiography be helpful?
- Cardiac pumping function
- Locate blockages (emboli)
Why can Echocardiography be helpful?
- Enlarged heart
- Abnormal cardiac movements
