CV Flashcards
Can abdominal aortic aneurysms be identified with plain film x-rays?
50% can be identified with plain film imaging (d/t calcification at the site of a focal bulge) however CT scan should be performed to confirm the diagnosis
US is the best at detecting
What ECG changes are present in pericarditis?
- ) ST Elevation
2. ) PR Depression
What value designates a high risk in hsCRP?
> 3.0mg/L
Describe the different degrees of AV nodal heart block. What ECG findings can be noted?
First Degree
a. ) Consistent, Prolonged PR interval (>0.2 sec) b. ) There is a 1:1 ratio of P:QRS waves
Second Degree Mobitz Type-I
a. ) Progressive PR interval prolongation with each beat until a P wave is not conducted (Wenckebach Phenomenon) b. ) Usually asymptomatic
Second Degree Mobitz Type-II
a. ) Normal P wave intervals with intermittently absent QRS complexes b. ) Irreversible, requiring a pacemaker c. ) If left untreated, it may lead to complete heart block
Third Degree, Complete Heart Block
a. ) No action potential conducts through the AV node b. ) Ventricles never see action potentials generated by the atria. The ventricles compensate by making action potentials on their own. However, ventricles are unable to create action potentials fast enough so the ventricular rate (QRS complex) is slow (30-40 per min) in comparison to the atrial (P wave) rate (60-100 per min) b. ) AV disassociation. P waves occur at one rate and the QRS complex occurs at another
What is the diagnostic test used for Carotid Stenosis?
Carotid Artery Duplex Ultrasonography
However, Carotid Magnetic Resonance Angiography is more specific and sensitive
How can you differentiate Subendothelial MIs from Transmural MIs on an ECG?
- ) Subendothelial MIs are NSTEMIs demarcated by ST depression
- ) Transmural MIs are STEMIs demarcated by ST elevation & the presence of a Q wave
What is the best screening study for vasculitis?
Ultrasound
However, MRA is the most sensitive test
How does hyperkalemia and hypokalemia affect an ECG reading?
Hyperkalemia = Wide P, QRS & Peaked T wave Hypokalemia = Flat T wave & U wave is present
What is a notched p wave on ECG indicative of?
Left Atrial Enlargement from Mitral Stenosis
How does hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia affect an ECG?
Hypocalcemia = Long QT Hypercalcemia = Short QT
What imaging modality is the gold standard in acute intracranial aneurysm identification?
CT Scan
What is the most important test for infective endocarditis?
Blood Culture
In the first 6 hours what test is the gold standard in identifying an MI?
ECG (because troponin I + T do not reach peak concentration until 12 hours)
Endocarditis requires what testing?
Blood cultures and echocardiogram (shows vegetations)
What is the best test for detecting an Aortic Dissection?
CT
What are the clinical features of DVT?
- ) Unilateral leg edema, erythema, warmth, and tenderness
- ) Palpable cord (thrombosed vein)
- ) Phelgmasia cerulea dolens (painful blue edema) occurring with massive thrombosis
NOTE: Homan’s sign (pain with foot dorsiflexion) is unreliable
A systemic vasculitis characterized by the deposition of IgA immune complexes. The condition generally resolves within several weeks.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
What symptoms are very concerning in a patient with DVT?
Change in consciousness and dyspnea
What pressure demarcates pulmonary hypertension?
> 25 mmHg
Normal pulmonary pressure is 10 mmHg
What is polyarteritis nodosa?
A medium vessel vasculitis causing ischemia of tissues supplied by the respective blood vessels (skin, heart, kidneys).
Polyarteritis nodosa can cause glomerulonephritis, MI, thrombosis, and tissue necrosis
What is Virchow’s Triad?
Virchow’s Triad describes the three broad risk factors necessary for thrombus formation:
- ) Hypercoagulability
- ) Hemodynamic changes (stasis, turbulence)
- ) Endothelial injury
Intermittent claudication has what brachial to ankle ratio?
< 0.6
What are the 3 most common causes of Aortic Stenosis, in order of prevalence?
- ) Calcific Stenosis later in life
- ) Congenital bicuspid valve
3) Rheumatic Heart Disease
What 3 pathologies increase HDL?
- ) Alcoholism
- ) Nephrotic syndrome
- ) Pancreatitis
Describe why cholesterol accumulates with vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C is a cofactor for 7-alpha hydroxylase, the first and commiting step in bile formation.
No Vitamin C = No 7-alpha hydroxylase = No bile formation = No cholesterol excretion
Where is the most common site for a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)?
Middle Cerebral Artery (causing contralateral paralysis and aphasia)
What are the causes of non-ANCA associated small vessel vasculitides?
- ) Paraneoplastic Small Vessel Vasculitis
- ) Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- ) Immune Complex Small Vessel Vasculitis
a. ) Henoch-Schonlein Purpura & Cryglobulinemia
b. ) SLE, RA, Sjogren’s Syndrome
c. ) Drug or Infection-induced immune complex vasculitis
d. ) Behcet’s disease
- ) What are the primary dermatologic findings associated with vasculitis?
- ) What are the primary pulmonary findings associated with vasculitis?
- ) Palpable Purpura & Urticaria
2. ) Interstitial Lung Disease & Pulmonary hemorrhage
What population group is most likely to experience Primary Pulmonary HTN
Young Adult Females
Note: primary pulmonary HTN is idiopathic but believed to be hereditary