CVS imaging and anatomy

Question 1

where is the heart located

Answer 1

located on the midclavicular line in the 5th intercostal space

Question 2

imaging techniques for imaging the heart

Answer 2

xray, ultrasound, nucelar, CMR (cardiac MRI), CT

Question 3

what is a plain film AP Xray

Answer 3

it is an anterior posterior meaning front to back

Question 4

how to calculate cardiac/thoracic ratio and what an increased ratio means

Answer 4

max horizontal cardiac diameter/max horizontal thoracic diameter. normally this is less than 0.5. but if its larger then it can be a marker of disease/ cardiomegaly

Question 5

what is an angiogram

Answer 5

An angiogram is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays to take pictures of your blood vessels. A long flexible catheter is inserted through the blood stream to deliver dye (contrast agent) into the arteries making them visible on the x-ray.

Question 6

what is the normal cardiac output of an average adult male and how to calculate this

Answer 6

4 L per min. worked out by 70ml being average stroke volume and 60 being average bpm. 60 x 70 = 4200ml or 4.2 L

Question 7

names of the main coronary arteries and their roles/ where they are found

Answer 7

they arise from the arortic sinuses from ascending aorta and supply the tissues of the heart. There is a left and a right coronary artery. The left one branches into the circumflex artery which supplies the left atria and the LAD (left anterior descending) artery which goes straight down the the apex of the heart. look at pic

Question 8

how is blood flow controlled

Answer 8

controlled by papillary sphincters which are smooth muscles. They are able to constrict and dilate directing flow.