Ch_1 - Cardiology Flashcards
Starting with III. ARRHYTHMIAS
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The most important issue for anyone admitted with an arrhythmia is ….?
…hemodynamic stability
What is hemodynamic instability? [4]
- Hypotensive (SBP < 90)
- Dyspnea
- Altered mental status/confusion d/t inadequate perfusion.
- Chest pain
Mnemonic for hemodynamic instability
things are LOW – low BP, Shortness (low) of breath, low mentation and the oddball – chest pain.
What must you, as the medical student, do when you find a pt who is hemodynamically unstable?
- Call your resident!
- Recheck BP
- Normal saline is REQUIRED
- Repeat EKG
T/F Palpitations are very non-specific
True
T/F Patient w/ palpitations has no disease at all 50% of the time.
True
What must you do first if your patient has palpitations?
EKG!
Pt with palpitations gets an EKG and it is normal. Next step?
Outpatient - Holter monitor
Inpatient - Telemetry
T/F Pt with palpitations should not be medicated if no objective pathology is found.
True
What must you exclude in a patient with palpitations? [3]
- Thyroid disease
- Alcohol excess (can cause transient episodes of afib)
- Excessive caffeine intake
T/F The testing and treatment are essentially the same for a-fib and a-flutter
True
What is the classic presentation of a pt with afib/aflutter? [5]
- Palpitations of fluttering of the chest
- Lightheaded
- “Racing” heart
- LOC is rare, but possible
- Chest pain in SOME.
T/F loss of consciousness is possible with atrial fibrillation.
True, but it is rare.
Your patient has atrial fibrillation. What questions of the patient would your resident/attending most likely ask you in regards to the afib? [6]
Basically, their PMH and diagnostic studies.
- Hypertension (most common)
- CHF or cardiomyopathy of any kind
- Thyroid dz
- Alcohol or cocaine use
- Rheumatic fever, particularly of immigrants
- Previous EKG/Holter/ECHO
What is the most important feature of a-fib on physical exam?
irregularly irregular rhythm.
What is a wrong way to measure heart rate in patient with afib?
By palpating the radial pulse.
Why is palpating the radial pulse a bad way to measure heart rate in afib patient?
All beats are not transmitted sufficiently and may not be felt at the radial pulse b/c the heart is only partially full during a number of beats.
What SBP is necessary to feel a radial pulse?
SBP > 90 mm Hg. Weak contractions will not transmit.
What does an EKG show for afib? [3]
- absent P waves
- QRS < 100 msec
- Irregularly irregular rhythm based on RR intervals.
May also see fibrillatory waves.
For what patients would a Holter monitor be used?
outpatients
For what patients would telemetry be used?
inpatients
Afib pts would get CK-MB and/or troponin ordered for who?
patients with acute episodes of rapid rate.
Afib pts would get ECHO when?
EVERYONE, if not done in last 6 months.
Why do an ECHO on afib pt? [2]
- Detect valve dz (may have led to afib)
2. Look for clots (if present –> anticoagulate)
T/F Valvular disease that leads to afib/aflutter needs warfarin in many cases
True
Would you do a stress test in an afib pt?
Maybe. They are sometimes useful.
An atrial arrhythmia is generally caused by…
…dilated atrium.
T/F Ischemia is a frequent cause of atrial arrythmias
False, the cause is generally dilation (eg, volume expansion from heart failure causes dilation)
What is the first step in the management of afib/aflutter?
slowing the RATE.
What is the heart rate goal in afib/aflutter?
HR< 100-110/min
What are the 2 best therapies for afib/aflutter?
- Metoprolol: 5 mg IV q5 minutes for 3 doses. Then start PO 50 mg bid. Max 200 bid.
- Diltiazem: 0.25 mg/kg with a second IV dose of 0.35 mg/kg. Then start PO 30 mg qid. Max 120 mg qid.
How long does it usually take for Metoprolol and Diltiazem to control the rate?
Within 30 min.
If one of these (Metoprolol, Diltiazem) doesn’t work and SBP is >90-100 mm Hg, you can do what?
add the other med (ie, if Metoprolol was given alone and BP is over 90, then you can add diltiazem).
What is the brand name for metoprolol?
Lopressor
What is the brand name for diltiazem?
Cardizem
If SBP is low or borderline (ie, < 90), what drug can be used to control the rate in an afib/aflutter pt?
Digoxin
Why is digoxin not the first choice in controlling the rate in stable afib/aflutter pts?
b/c it’s not good in controlling the HR on exertion.
T/F In hospital settings (ie, controlled environment), digoxin is very useful in controlling the rate when afib/aflutter is rapid and BP is low.
True
T/F Digoxin is faster than CCBs or BBs in controlling heart rate
False, it is slower acting.
T/F Digoxin can raise the BP when the rate of an afib/aflutter pt is controlled.
True! Probably b/c it increases contractility.
Dose of digoxin for afib/aflutter pts who have SBP < 90 mm Hg.
0.25 mg IV q 2 hours. PO q 6 hours.
Patients with afib/aflutter with SBP< 90 can get digoxin to control the HR. Most pts can be controlled with how many mg?
1-1.15 mg (Dose: 0.25 mg IV q 2 hours) - so in about 8 hours. Notice how this is much slower than with CCB or BB (where pts are controlled within 30 min).
What is the maximum dose of Metoprolol that can be given to afib/aflutter patient for rate control?
200 bid
What is the maximum dose of Diltiazem that can be given to afib/aflutter patient for rate control?
120 qid
200 bid (Jeopardy)
What is the maximum dose of Metoprolol that can be given to afib/aflutter patient for rate control?
120 qid
What is the maximum dose of Diltiazem that can be given to afib/aflutter patient for rate control?
What are other meds in addition to Metoprolol/Diltiazem/Digoxin that can be used for rate control of rapid atrial arrhythmias?
- CCB: Verapamil
- BBs: Esmolol (B1), Propranolol (B1, B2), Atenolol (B1)
note: Metoprolol is also B1 blocker.
T/F Afib/aflutter pt - Routine cardioversion to sinus RHYTHM is correct.
False, it is NOT correct, routinely.
T/F It is correct to slow the RATE with BB, CCB, and occasionally with digoxin.
True
When can you urgently cardiovert an afib/aflutter patient?
hemodynamically unstable pt.
What are the 2 ways to cardiovert patients into sinus rhythm?
chemically with drugs and electric shock
Why would chemical cardioversion with drugs like amiodarone, procainamide, propafenone, or dofetilide not done for afib/aflutter pts?
Most pts will not stay in sinus rhythm with the meds. Also, these meds can cause arrhythmias such as Torsades de pointes, especially with dofetilide and ibutilide.
The AFFIRM trial showed what?
AFFIRM = Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management
showed that RATE CONTROL is superior to rhythm control in treatment of afib.
Prior to electrically cardioverting a hemodynamically stable afib pt, what must you do?
an ECHO (usually TTE and then TEE if TTE is negative) to look for clots. Shocking with a clot present may cause emboli.
Patient with afib has a TEE positive for a clot in the heart. Next best step?
Anticoagulation with warfarin for at least 3-4 weeks before cardioversion and 4 weeks after cardioversion.
If TEE was negative, start IV heparin and perform CV within 24 hrs. Post-CV anticoagulation for 4 weeks still required.
When is cardioversion performed for afib?
After rate control if patient is YOUNG and has an otherwise anatomically normal heart.
T/F Afib patient with dilated left atrium or significant valve dz is unlikely to stay in sinus rhythm even after cardioversion.
True.
When is anticoagulation NOT indicated for an afib patient?
If the afib is “new” – ie, started < 48 hours ago.
If there is a significant risk for stroke in an afib patient, what should the pt get?
Anticoagulation therapy (eg, warfarin)
How do we quantify risk for stroke in afib pt to know whether pt should receive anticoagulation therapy?
CHADS2 score
What does CHADS2 stand for?
C - dilated Cardiomyopathy H - HTN A - old Age (>75) D - DM S - prior Stroke or TIA is clear indication
When CHADS score is 0-1, next step?
ASA or
ASA and Plavix (Clopidogrel)
Note: this is controversial – ask attending
CHADS 2+
anticoagulate with Warfarin, Dabigatran, or Rivaroxaban.
What lab parameter must be monitored with warfarin use?
INR – keep b/w 2-3 – problematic and takes several days to achieve.
Is there a need to use heparin to bridge to warfarin for afib patients?
Depends:
If clot is present, then yes. But usually/otherwise, not needed. Why? b/c heparin causes bleeding and thrombocytopenia.
T/F Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran don’t have to be monitored by INR
True, and that’s awesome for us and the patient!
T/F Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran are like warfarin in that they take several days to become therapeutic
False, they are therapeutic on the same day you start.
T/F Rivaroxaban and Dabigatran cannot be reversed.
True. Warfarin can with PCC, FFP, Vit K…
What is the eficacy of rivaroxaban and dabigatran as compared with warfarin?
at least as effective or even better.
In afib, what is the ATRIAL rate (about)?
~400 bpm
In afib, what is the VENTRICULAR rate? why is it lower than the atrial rate?
b/w 75-175 b/c most atrial impulses are blocked by the AVN.
What are the causes of Afib?
- Heart dz (CAD, MI, HTN, mitral valve dz)
- Pericarditis, pericardial trauma (eg, surgery)
- Pulmonary dz (including PE)
- Thyroid dz (hyper/hypo)
- Systemic illness (eg, sepsis, malignancy, DM)
- Stress (eg, postop)
- Excess alcohol (“Holiday heart syndrome”)
- Sick sinus syndrome
- Pheochromocytoma.
Clinical features of afib?
- Asymtomamtic
- fatigue, exertional dyspnea
- palps, dizzy, angina, syncope
- irregularly irregular pulse
- blood stasis –> intramural thrombi –> emboli to brain –> TIA or stroke sx
Tx: Acute Afib in hemodynamically unstable pt
Immediate electrical cardioversion to sinus rhythm.
Three main goals of afib/aflutter management
- control ventricular rate.
- restore NSR.
- Assess need for anticoagulation.
Rate control in afib goal?
60-100 bpm
What drug is preferred for rate control?
BB > CCB
If LV systolic dysfxn is present, consider what drugs?
Digoxin or Amiodarone (useful in rhythm control)
After rate control of afib, what is next step?
convert to sinus rhythm via cardioversion if patient is a candidate for cardioversion.
What are the candidates for cardioversion? [3]
- hemodynamically unstable
- worsening sx
- first ever case of afib (<48 hrs)
What is risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in patient with “lone afib” (ie, absence of cardiovascular risk factors or underlying heart dz)?
1% per year
What is risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in patient with afib + underlying heart dz?
4% per year
I. INTRODUCTION
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Chest pain
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How many pts coming into the ED actually have an MI?
<10%
What qs must be asked if pt has chest pain?
OLDCARTS
- When did pain start?
- Does it get better/worse with change in position or breathing?
- How long does it last?
- Did anything make it better or worse? (eg, rest/exertion)
- What is the “quality” of the pain? (eg, sharp vs. dull, squeezing vs. pinpoint)
- Radiate?
- Use any meds?
To evaluate for chest pain, consider these 3 things
- Is pain cardiac?
- Does pain change with bodily position or respiration?
- Is there chest wall tenderness?
If pain changes with position or respiration or there is chest wall tenderness, what is the percentage that the pain is ischemic?
~5% - very low!
T/F “Yes” to pain on exertion (eg, walking or climbing stairs) means the pain is very likely to be ischemic
True
T/F “No” to pain on exertion (eg, walking or climbing stairs) means the pain is very unlikely to be ischemic
False, it is inconclusive.
If patient has chest pain, should an EKG be done?
Yes!
If chest pain is cardiac in nature, what meds should be given?
Chewable ASA Nitroglycerin (NTG) Statin BB (metoprolol 25 mg PO bid) Possibly ACEI No O2 unless hypoxic.
T/F In cases of chest pain, you should always get the old EKG
True!
EKG shows ST depression. Next step in management?
LMW Heparin
EKG shows ST elevation. Next step in management?
Get Cardiology immediately so they can do Angioplasty or thrombolytics.
Diabetes can cause what kind of MI?
“Silent” MI (painless)
Case #1
Patient has pleuritic chest pain that changes with respiration. Pt has fever, cough, sputum, SOB.
MLDx?
Mx?
MLDx = PNA
Mx: CXR, Oximeter, ABG
Case #2
Pt has pleuritic CP. Sharp, SOB, sudden onset.
MLDx?
Mx?
MLDx = Pneumothorax or PE
Mx = CXR, Oximeter, ABG
CTA for PE
Case #3
Pt has pleuritic CP. It is positional and is relieved when sitting up.
MLDx?
Mx?
MLDx - Pericarditis
Mx - EKG and NSAIDs.
Case #4
Pt has tearing CP that radiates to back. CXR shows wide mediastinum.
MLD?
Mx?
MLDx - Aortic dissection
Mx - CTA, MRA, TEE
Case #5
Pt with chest point tenderness.
MLDx?
Mx?
MLDx = Costochondritis
No test necessary. May use NSAIDs to relieve pain.
Case #6
Pt with burning epigastric pain, bad taste in mouth.
MLDx?
Mx?
MLD = GERD
Mx = improves with liquid antacids/PPIs
Important things to do when pt is hypotensive (SBP<90): [4]
- Repeat BP manually. Don’t use automatic machine
- Position pt with feet up and head down.
- Call resident immediately.
- Give FLUIDS: bolus of 250-500 ml NS over 15-30 min.
T/F Hypotension is the number 1 condition in which correction with fluids is more important than getting a specific diagnosis.
True
T/F treat low BP first and diagnose later.
True
DDx of hypotension [8]
- Dehydration
- Sepsis
- MI
- Arrhythmia
- Drug s/e
- Orthostasis
- Anaphylaxis
- PE
There are many others!
Initial clues of dehydration?
High BUN:Creatinine ratio (>15-20:1)
Confirm dehydration how?
Low Urine Na+ (500 mOsm/L)
Initial clues of sepsis?
Leukocytosis
Fever
Confirm sepsis?
blood cultures
Initial clues of MI causing cardiogenic shock?
Rales
S3
JVD on exam
Confirming MI/Cardiogenic shock
CXR
ECHO
High BUN
Troponin
Initial clues of arrhythmia?
Palpitations
Syncope
Confirm arrhythmia?
EKG
What drugs commonly cause/predispose to hypotension?
BB, CCB; confirm with Medication Hx
Initial clues of orthostasis?
BP normalizes lying flat
How to diagnose orthostasis?
tilt-table test
initial clues of anaphylaxis?
Foods (seafood, crab, lobster, milk); insect bite; drug rxn
confirm anaphylaxis how?
Allergy Hx
Elevated Eosinophils
initial clues of PE?
sudden SOB
recent surgery
confirm PE with?
CTA
pt with hypotension. You want to start an antiplatelet agent. What should you consider prior to starting tx?
Bleeding risk
If pt is currently bleeding, these drugs are CI!
What are commonly prescribed anti-platelet agents?
ASA, Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor.
If pt is currently bleeding, these drugs are CI!
pt with hypotension. You want to start heparin or enoxaparin. What should you consider prior to starting tx?
Bleeding risk. If pt is currently bleeding, these drugs are CI!
pt with hypotension. You want to start ASA. What should you consider prior to starting tx?
Allergy.
ASA is CI if pt has allergy.
pt with hypotension. You want to start BB agent. What should you consider prior to starting tx?
Check for Low BP, severe asthma, COPD.
B1B is not necessarily CI, but should be avoided if possible.
pt with hypotension. You want to start NTG. What should you consider prior to starting tx?
pt is hypotensive, NTG is CI!
pt w/ hypotension. You want to give them a statin. When should you not do this?
Liver dysfxn, Myositis
When should you not give ACEI?
patient has cough
Hyperkalemic
When should you avoid ARB, Spironolactone, Eplerenone?
Hyperkalemia
When should you avoid spironolactone?
Gynecomastia, Hyperkalemia
Patient has heme-positive brown stool. Can he be given an anti-platelet agent such as ASA, Plavix, Effient, ticagrelor or heparin?
If that’s the ONLY finding, then it’s OK to give.
Intro Part 3: ACS
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What is the most important part of ACS management?
getting a good History!!!
Aren’t elevated Troponin and CK-MB and EKG important too?
Yes, but less so than Hx b/c they take 3-4 hours to elevate.
T/F Enzymes are usually normal when first test is done, even when ischemic event occurs.
True!
If Hx = ACS but EKG =/= ACS, should you treat it as if it’s ACS?
YES!
T/F ACS = Hx + EKG
True
From Hx, what clues tell you that the pain is ischemic?
- Substernal
- Pain on exertion
- Lasts 15-30 min
- Doesn’t change w/ position, respiration, or palpation
- Dull, squeezing, pressure
What are the 3 different types of Acute Coronary Syndromes?
Unstable angina
NSTEMI
STEMI
From Hx, what clues tell you the pain is NOT ischemic?
- Left or right sided
- Worsens OR improves with position or breathing
- Sharp (knife like)
- Stabbing or point-like
- Few seconds in duration
- Continuous for hours and hours or 1-2 days
What is the worst and most dangerous risk factor for ACS?
Diabetes Mellitus
What is the most commonly found risk factor?
HTN
What is the relevance of FH in ACS?
only significant if it’s PREMATURE in relative (<65 in female)
What are the common RFs of ACS?
- DM
- HTN
- Tobacco use
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Premature dz in 1st-degree relative (parents, siblings)
Why are RFs of ACS important in Mx?
Because if Hx/EKG/Enzymes is equivocal, then RFs are used.
PEx of ACS pt?
MCC finding – Absence of findings.
May find S3 Ventricular gallop and/or S4 atrial gallop, or rales.
T/F One EKG is good enough in the assessment of ACS
False! Make sure to do a repeat EKG. Also, make sure to compare to any previous EKGs pt had.
What are the different tests for ACS?
- Troponin
- CK-MB
- Mgb
- Cath
- BNP
- Stress test
- ECHO
- Telemetry
Troponin begins to rise…
at 3-4 hours
Max sensitivity to Troponin is at….?
12-18 hours
Troponin stays positive for..
1-2 weeks after event
Negative first troponin excludes disease?
No! It excludes nothing
Positive troponin suggests…
MI
False positive troponin increase is seen with?
Renal failure, CHF
CK-MB begins to rise…
at 3-4 hours
Max Sn for CK-MB?
12-18 hrs
CK-MB lasts…
1-2 days
Negative first CK-MB excludes…
nothing
Positive CK-MB…
suggests MI
CK-MB is best test for…
detecting re-infarction
Myoglobin rises at…
1-4 hours
T/F Myoglobin is very specific for MI
False
Mgb can exclude MI…
if negative test at 4 hours
If clear Hx of ACS and abnormal EKG, next step is?
Cath. If those 2 are unclear, then stress test.
Max medical therapy for ACS pt but pain continues. Next step?
Cath
Pt w/ possible ACS has SOB but etiology is unclear. Test?
BNP
Normal BNP…
excludes CHF
abnormal BNP…
is non-specific
When Hx and EKG are not clear, next step?
Stress test
What are you looking for in a stress test?
Reversible ischemia is the main thing to look for.
If stress test is abnormal, next step?
Cath
ECHO looks for?
Wall and valve motion
Estimates EF
Normal wall motion on ECHO…
excludes MI
High troponin with normal wall motion means what?
false positive troponin (eg, Renal failure)
What is telemetry?
Inpatient continuous EKG monitoring
T/F All ACS pts need telemetry.
True
When should a stress test NOT be done (although it is algorithmically indicated)?
If patient is in pain!
T/F Cath = Angiography
True
Which instances of ACS is Cath indicated?
- STEMI
- ST depression with persistent CP despite ASA, Plavix, Hep, Lopressor, and Nitrates
- ST depression with recurrent CP
- Recurrent episodes of ischemic-type CP with normal EKG
- Reversible ischemia on stress test.
All pts with ACS shouldreceive these meds (6)
- ASA 2+ tab, each 81 mg
- Metoprolol 25 mg bid
- NTG
- ACEI
- Statin
- Morphine during pain.
Patient with chest pain + EKG with ST depression or T wave inversion + elevated troponins = ???
NSTEMI
(possible) NSTEMI treatment?
ASA Plavix, Prasugrel, or ticagrelor LMW Hep (eg, Enoxaparin 1mg/kg bid) subQ Evaluate for Angio (cath) Place on telemetry or ICU
Should treatment of possible NSTEMI start before enzyme results return?
YES!
Hx + EKG = ACS
In NSTEMI, where would you most likely expect T-wave inversions?
Inferior leads (II, III, aVF)
Clopidogrel must be given to which subset of ACS pts?
all pts undergoing PCI w/ stent placement and those undergoing fibrinolytic tx.
Pt with STEMI. Tx?
ASA, plavix (or equivalent - prasugrel, ticagrelor)
Thrombolytics or Angioplasty for PCI
Which medication should not be used in STEMI?
Heparin
When cardio is doing an angioplasty stent w/ PCI, what meds may be used?
GpIIb/IIIa inhibitor such as Eptifibatide or abciximab.
Define Takotsubo CM
sudden ventricular dysfxn from overwhelming emotions. May stimulate MI w/ anterior wall STEMI
When would you know for sure whether a pt has Takotsubo CM or Prinzmetal angina?
after Angio
Conditions that can cause ST elevations unrelated to acute MI? [5]
- Early repolarization (benign)
- Hyperkalemia
- Pericarditis
- CM
- Prinzmetal’s variant angina (spasm causes temporary transmural ischemia?)
CCBs may be beneficial in [3]
- chest pain assoc w/ cocaine abuse
- Intolerance to BBs (eg, asthma)
- Variant/Prinzmetal’s angina
Serious complications of MI? [4]
- Arrhythmia
- Wall/valve rupture
- Hypotension
- Pericarditis
In first 2-3 days after MI, what is the most serious MI complication?
Arrhythmia