Circulation Flashcards
Atherosclerosis
The build up of plaque (fats/cholesterol) in and on artery walls leading to atheroma (hardening) and stenosis (narrowing). Increases SVR leading to hypertension and contributes to PAD/PVD. Increases risk of thrombosis/occlusion leading to PE, MI or CVA.
Hypertensive Crisis
A sudden, severe and persistent increase in blood pressure involving damage to vessels, tissues and organs due to elevated pressures.
SBP = 180+ OR DBP = 110+
Cardiac Cycle
Atrial diastole (S to p wave)- heart muscles relax and valves closed; systemic blood returns to atria.
Atrial systole (p to R wave) - atrial contraction and AV valves open; blood flows to ventricles.
Ventricular systole (S to T wave) - ventricular contraction and semilunar valves open; blood passes to aorta/pulmonary arteries
Ventricular diastole (T to S wave) - heart muscles relax and valves closed.
Cardiac Conduction System
Network of specialised cardiac cells (myocytes) and nerves that transmit electrical impulses to initiate contraction of the heart muscle, thereby controlling the rate and rhythm of heartbeats.
SA node initiates depolarisation > atrial contraction > slow conduction of excitation signal through AV node (allow for atrial emptying) > rapid conduction through bundle of His to Purkinje fibres > ventricular contraction.
SA Node
Cluster of specialised cardiac cells located in upper R) atrium that generates electrical impulses to stimulate atrial contraction, thereby initiating and pacing heartbeats.
Controlled by autonomic nervous system (para/sympathetic) which releases hormones (nor/adrenaline) based on activity and stress.
AV Node
Cluster of specialised cardiac cells and nerves located in triangle of Koch. Delays the electrical signal from SA node by consistent amount of time before transmitting to Purkinje fibres.
Bundle of His (AV Bundle)
Branch of nerve fibres extending from AV node to L) and R) ventricles, located along inter-ventricular septum. Transmit electrical signal to Purkinje fibres.
Purkinje Fibres
Nerve fibres located on subendocardial surface of ventricle walls. Transmit rapid electrical signals to L) and R) ventricles to stimulate contraction.
Cardiac Output
The amount of blood the heart pumps through circulatory system in 60sec.
CO = HR X SV
Stroke Volume
The volume of blood ejected by the LV during each systolic contraction.
SV = EDV - ESV
Preload
The stretch of the ventricular myocardium (volume) BEFORE systole.
Preload = EDV
Afterload
The pressure the heart must work against to eject blood during ventricular systole.
Afterload <–> MAP
Contractility
The force of contraction of the heart muscle. Proportional to the initial length of the muscle fibre (i.e. greater stretch = greater contractility)
Increased contractility = increased SV and decreased ESV
Central Venous Pressure
The pressure of blood within the right side of the heart (vena cava and R) atria)
Ejection Fraction
The percentage of the total volume of blood in the heart that is pumped out with each contraction. Normal EF is 50+%.
EF = (SV/EDV) X 100
End Diastolic Volume
The volume of blood in the ventricles BEFORE systole.
Systemic Vascular Resistance
The opposition to systemic blood flow as a result of friction between blood cells/proteins and vessel walls.
SVR <–> MAP
End Systolic Volume
The volume of blood remaining in the ventricles AFTER systole.
MAP
Mean arterial pressure.
MAP = CO X SVR.
Vasopressors
Vasoconstriction > increased SVR > increased MAP > increased systemic perfusion.
Phenylephrine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and vasopressin.
Dopamine is dose-dependent vasopressor/inotropic.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Insertion of catheter and balloon into coronary arteries (via femoral/inguinal) to dilate vessels (compress) plaque and place stent to maintain patency.
Thrombolytic/Fibrinolytic Therapy
IV administration of thrombolytic agents to dissolve existing clots - e.g. alteplase, reteplase, tenecteplase.
Must be administered within 30min of arrival.
THROMBINS2
Initial management of patient with chest pain and suspected ACS (MI).
Thienopyridines - clopidogrel, prasugrel - antiplatelets.
Heparin/enoxaparin - anticoagulant.
Renin-angiotensin blockers (ACEIs/ARBs) - antihypertensive
Oxygen - titrated to SpO2 (avoid excess > incr. coronary resistance)
Morphine/fentanyl - PRN analgesia and anxiolysis
Beta-blockers - antihypertensive and reduce HR.
Invasive procedures - PCI.
Nitroglycerin (GTN) - vasodilation.
Statins
Salicylate (aspirin 300mg) - ROUTINE antiplatelet.
Transcutaneous Pacing
Temporary non-invasive method of cardiac pacing in conscious patients with symptomatic bradycardia or heart block. Delivers synchronised ventricular stimulation via transcutaneous patches.
Aim to stabilise haemodynamics until underlying problem can be treated.
Pacemaker
Medical device composed of pulse generator and leads/electrodes implanted in the heart. Delivers controlled electrical stimuli to the heart muscle to regulate rhythm. May be temporary or permanent.
Cardioversion
Planned procedures to treat arrythmias (e.g. Afib, AFl).
Electrical - delivery of controlled (100-300j) electrical shocks via electrodes placed on chest that are synchronised with QRS complex.
Chemical - use of anti-arrhythmic medications
Defibrillation
Emergency procedure to treat life-threatening arrhythmias or pulseless cardiac arrest. Manual or automated delivery of unsynchronised powerful (200-300j) electrical shock via electrode pads to depolarise heart cells and disrupt the arrhythmia.
Catheter Ablation
Minimally-invasive procedure involving insertion of catheter into heart via blood vessels to destroy small areas of tissue using radiofrequency energy to prevent tachy-arrhythmias (e.g. SVT, VT).
CABG
Surgery to restore blood flow in coronary arteries. Attachment of healthy blood vessel (from chest/leg) below blockage to reroute blood flow to muscle.