Clinical introduction of the cardiovascular system Flashcards
What is the average resting pulse rate?
60 - 100 bpm
What is a resting pulse rate < 60 bpm known as?
Bradycardia
What is a resting pulse rate > 100 bpm known as?
Tachycardia
What are the 3 descriptions of pulse rhythm?
Regular
Regularly irregular - Abnormal but predictable
Irregularly irregular - Abnormal and unpredictable
What are some causes of an elevated JVP?
Heart failure
Fluid retention
Cardiac Tamponade
Where can the aortic valve be auscultated?
Right, medial 2nd intercostal space
Where can the pulmonary valve be auscultated?
Left, medial 2nd intercostal space
Where can the tricuspid valve be auscultated?
Left, medial 4th intercostal space
Where can the mitral valve be auscultated?
Left, mid-clavicular 5th intercostal space
How does physiological splitting of the 2nd heart sound occur?
Breathing out causes ribs to move up and diaphragm to move out
This decreases intrathoracic pressure
This increases venous return, so more blood moves into the right atrium than the left atrium
This means more blood moves into the right ventricle than the left
This means that it’ll take longer to empty the right ventricle
This means the pulmonary valve will close after the aortic valve
Where is physiological splitting of the 2nd heart sound best heard?
At the sternal border of the 2nd left intercostal space
What causes a 3rd heart sound?
Passive filling of the ventricle
Where is a 3rd heart sound best heard?
In the apex (Mitral area)
What causes a 4th heart sound?
Active filling of the ventricle
Atrial contraction forces blood into a stiff ventricular wall
What are some pathological causes of a 4th heart sound?
Aortic stenosis (Narrow opening of AV valve)
Ventricular ischaemia (Fibrosis of necrosed wall)
