Diabetes + Cardiovascular Health Flashcards
Newly diagnosed T2DM requiring medication. What is initial management?
Metformin
+
(if high risk CVD) - Consider gliflozin
(if CVD/ IHD/ TIA/ HF etc) - Offer gliflozin
What are the indications for prescribing gliflozins in diabetes?
1st line with metformin for those with increase CVD risk (For cardioprotection)
1st line with metformin for renoprotection in CKD
Gliclazide:
A) Starting dose
B) Maximum dose
C) Key side effects
A) 40-80mg OD (higher than this split doses, i.e. 160mg BD)
B) 320mg daily
C) High risk hypo’s, weight gain
(note gliclazide one of the best drugs to reduce HbA1c)
What is the HbA1c target of a diabetic patient controlled by lifestyle?
48mmol/mol
What is the HbA1c target of a diabetic patient controlled by metformin?
48mmol/mol
What is the HbA1c target of a diabetic patient controlled with gliclazide and metformin?
53mmol/mol
(Note any drug which has tendency to hypos or if on multiple drugs target relaxed to 53mmol)
You are choosing between a gliptin and a sulphonylurea - what are the pros and cons of each?
Sulphonylurea (Gliclazide) - Most effective at lowering HbA1c but hypo risk and weight gain
Gliptins (Allogliptin) - Lower hypo risk and weight neutral but less effective at lowering HbA1c
How is CKD diagnosed in diabetics? (2 and/ or criteria)
- eGFR is less than 60 for 4 months or more
AND/OR - Urine ACR >3 for 3 months or more
A T2DM patient (only taking metformin and no other medicines) has a persistent ACR of 3.8 and 4 taken 3 months apart. What additional medication should be considered? (3)
Now has diabetic related CKD
1) Ramipril (renoprotective)
2) Dapagliflozin (renoprotective)
3) Atorvastatin 20mg (higher risk as now also CKD as well as DM)
On average, how much will the following medicines reduce HbA1c following initiation?
a) Metformin
b) Gliclazide (Sulfonylurea)
c) Gliptins
d) Flozins (SGLT2)
Metformin: 10-20
Gliclazide: 15-20+ (one of most effective)
Gliptins: 5-10
Flozins (SGLT2): 10-30
What three drugs are ‘mets mates’ and what indication would there be for selecting each of them?
1) Gliclazide - One of the most effective
- Risks: Hypos and weight gain
2) Gliflozins
- Generally 1st line if CKD/ CVS risk factors along with metformin
3) Gliptins - One of the least effective
- Low risk of hypos and weight neutral
What are the three ‘use because you need to choose’ drugs in diabetes?
Use only for specific reasons
1) GLP-1’s (i.e. liraglutide) - If obesity
2) Pioglitazone - Use if insulin resistance
- Increases heart failure risk, causes weight gain
3) Insulin
- Requires good understanding to use well
- NICE said indicated if on two oral agents
A patient presents to clinic with new BP 164/105. What investigations do you do to assess for target organ damage?
ECG
Urine dip (haematuria) + send ACR
Bloods (U+E, HbA1c, cholesterol + FBC)
Fundoscopy
A patient presents to clinic with new BP 184/112. What indications would require same day referral?
1- Life threatening features (chest pain, confusion, new AKI, heart failure)
2- Accelerated hypertension (papilloedema/ retinal haemorrhage/ blurred vision)
3- Suspect phaeochromocytoma (labile BP, headache, palpitations, excessive sweating)
You are about to see one of your patients who is 4 weeks post MI, what medication do you expect them to be on?
Aspirin - lifelong
(+/- dual antiplatlet with ticagrelor or clopidogrel, length of dual decided by specialist team)
ACEI - usually lifelong
Beta blocker - usually for at least 12 months if no LVSD and lifelong if LVSD
Statin - usually high dose
A 65yM consults after an MI, he wants to know when he can have sex again, and if he can still use his viagra?
Sex resumed when comfortable, usually around 4 weeks
Viagra (Sildenafil) safe to use post MI but usually wait 2 weeks and NOT if any of: (Taking nitrates, unable angina, severe heart failure)
For primary prevention of CVD, high-intensity statin treatment (atorvastatin 20 mg daily) should be offered to people:
(Name 3 groups)
A) Under 84 with QRISK > 10%
B) T1DM, either over 40, diabetes for more than 10 years or other CVD risk factors
C) CKD 3 or beyond
D) Familial hypercholesterolaemia
What is the recommended statin + dosage for primary prevention?
Atorvastatin 20mg
When should statin treatment be initiated with relation to CVD risk?
QRISK > 20%
QRISK >10% and lifestyle measures not effective
What is the NHS Health Check Programme for CVD?
Everyone age 40-74yrs (without diagnosis of CVD, diabetes or CKD) is invited every 5 years for free health check
Name 5 modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease to discuss in each relevant consultation?
Smoking
Diet
Exercise
Weight
Alcohol
(Blood pressure, T2DM etc. also modifiable)
What is the definition of stage 1 hypertension?
Clinic 140/90 to 159/99
HBPM 135/85 to 149/94
What is the definition of stage 2 hypertension?
Clinic: 160/100 to 179/119
HBPM over 150/95
What is the definition of stage 3 (severe) hypertension?
Systolic >180
Diastolic >120
What are clinic targets for a hypertensive patient who:
a) 64yr
b) 86yr
c) 43 yr diabetic
a) 140/90 (all under 80, ABPM target 135/85)
b) 150/90 (over 80’d, ABPM target 145/85)
c) 140/90 unless any renal disease/ impaired ACR, then 130/80
A patient presents with a confirmed ABPM of 145/92, what are the considerations for drug/ no drug treatment?
<80 yrs + no RF/ Qrisk < 10% - Consider (option to)
<80, any RF or QRisk over 10 - Discuss (stronger advice)
>80 yrs - Don’t start drug tx unless over 150/90
First line management for hypertension, when to consider ACEI/ARB and when CCB?
Diabetic - Always ACEI/ARB
For non diabetic:
Over 55 or Afrocarribean- CCB
Under 55, not Afrocarribean - ACEI/ARB
Second line management for 52year old Caucasian male with hypertension, already on 10mg Ramipril?
1) ACEI/ ARB
2) Add either CCB (amlodipine - 5mg up-to 10mg) or thiazide (indapamide - start 2.5mg)
Third line management for hypertension - what three medications?
ACEI/ ARB (Ramipril 1.25mg-10mg)
CCB (Amlodipine 5-10mg)
Thiazide (Indapamide 2.5mg)
How should a patient with stage 2 hypertension be managed with regard to considering medication?
(Stage 2 is HBPM readings over 150/95 or clinic over 160/100)
- Offer drug treatment
What is the presentation of acute limb ischemia?
6p’s
Pale, pallor, pulselessness, perishing cold, paraesthesia, paralysis
How does chronic limb threatening ischemia present (history)?
Night pain (relieved hanging over edge), tissue loss
May be minimal/ no claudication as either not/ unable to walk sufficient distance or comorbid with peripheral neuropathy
What examination finds suggest chronic limb threatening ischemia?
Absent foot pulses
Could also be cold with discolouration
(Always examine lying not sitting)
Burgers test - elevate foot, goes white, lower below bed, goes red (reactive hyperaemia)
How should acute limb ischemia be managed?
Immediate discussion with vascular surgeons
How should chronic limb threatening ischemia be managed?
Immediate discussion with vascular surgeons
(Don’t need all 6p’s)
What is the first symptom of PAD?
Intermittent claudication
- Pain on walking, worse with hurry or a hill
- Relieved within <5mins rest and not present once rested
(Also can affect hips and buttocks)
How do you distinguish between pain from likely PAD and pain from spinal stenosis?
Both give foot pain on walking
SS - Relieved by leaning forwards, may also be weakness, may be minimal CVD risk factors
PAD - Standing still (without leaning forward) relieves pain. No weakness or numbness
A patient presents with intermittent claudication, how do you manage?
1st line - Exercise programme
- If not keen for this, or not worked - refer for angioplasty/ bypass
CVD risk: Discuss smoking, diet, weight etc. Check HTN/ T2DM etc.
Meds: Start atorvastatin 80mg and clopidogrel 75mg
What is the most predictive examination finding for PAD? Does more signs increase likelihood of PAD diagnosis?
The most predictive sign is cool skin in those with leg symptoms.
Combination of signs does not increase the chance of diagnosis, so take any single sign seriously in PAD
What is the clinical triad of typical angina?
Contracting discomfort in chest, neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
Precipitated by physical exertion
Relieved by rest of GTN
(ALL 3 = typical angina pain)
What is the definition of atypical angina?
2 of (but not 3):
- Contracting discomfort in chest, neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
- Precipitated by physical exertion
- Relieved by rest of GTN
Also possible GI discomfort/ breathlessness/ nausea
You are taking a chest pain history, what factors make a diagnosis of stable angina less likely? (3)
Pain is continous or prolonged
Pain unrelated to activity
Pain brought on by breathing
Pain associated with dizziness, palpitations, tingling or difficulty swallowing
What drug treatments should be prescribed for a patient with stable angina?
- GTN spray
- Beta blocker or calcium channel blocker
- Aspirin 75mg
- Statin
- ACEI if coexisting (diabetes, heart failure, HTN, CKD or previous MI)
What are the recommended beta blocker doses of:
a) Metoprolol
b) Bisoprolol
c) Atenolol
a) 50-100mg BD/ TDS if standard release, 200-400mg OD if modified release
b) 5-10mg OD
c) 50mg BD (or 100mg OD)
Name three groups of patients who should not be prescribed beta blockers?
Asthma/ bronchospasm
Reversible or severe COPD (can be used if not reversible obstruction)
Bradycardia <60bpm
2nd/3rd degree heart block (unless paced)
What is the calcium channel of choice prescribed in angina?
(If BB therapy is contraindicated or not tolerated then use a CCB for angina)
For Angina use a rate limiting CCB (Diltiazem or verapamil)
If a patient is taking a beta blocker, what CCB can’t be prescribed and what should be?
NOT rate limiting (No diltiazem or verapamil)
Px amlodipine/ nifedipine or felodipine instead
What are the DVLA driving guidelines for angina for group 1?
Group 1 entitlement (cars, motorcycles):
- Driving must cease when symptoms occur at rest, with emotion, or whilst driving
- Can recommence when satisfactory symptom control
- DVLA need not be notified.
What are the DVLA driving guidelines for angina for group 2?
For group 2 entitlement (lorries, buses):
- Must not drive and must notify the DVLA when symptoms occur
- May be permitted if symptoms free for at least 6 weeks
What advice should be given regarding sexual activity to a patient with newly diagnosed angina?
Mostly can continue
- If it precipitates angina GTN immediately before can be helpful
- Viagra contraindicated with nitrates (not within 24 hours of each other)
A 65year old male is taking atorvastatin 80mg, aspirin 75mg, and bisoprolol 10mg but anginal symptoms are still poorly controlled, what is the next step?
Add in long acting CCB (MR nifedipine/ felodipine or amlodipine)
(After monotherapy step 2 is dual therapy with CCB and BB)
*Rate limiting are CI
A 65year old male is taking atorvastatin 80mg, aspirin 75mg, bisoprolol 10mg and amlodipine 10mg but anginal symptoms are still poorly controlled, what is the next step?
One of:
- Nitrates (Isosorbide mononitrate)
- Nicorandil
- Ivabradine (with specialist)
- Ranolazine (with specialist)
Name three symptoms AF could present with?
Breathlessness.
Palpitations.
Chest discomfort.
Syncope or dizziness
What is the diagnostic pathway for assessing if you suspect paroxysmal AF?
Check pulse > Perform ECG > Perform 24 tape if episodes more than once every 24 hours, if longer may need to refer for 7 day tape
You have just received the ECG of a patient with a new diagnosis of AF, they remain irregularly irregular but are haemodynamically stable with no obvious reversible causes, they remain asymptomatic and well. What actions should be taken?
1) Assess stroke (CHADSVASC) and bleed (ORBIT)
2) Start on anticoagulation if appropriate (Apixaban)
3) Rate control with beta blocker (1st) or calcium channel blocker
4) Consider if further ix (i.e. echo for structural heart disease) are appropriate
5) Assess and manage CVD risk (HTN, statin etc)
If not sending to medical SDEC or similar review within 1 week of starting rate control
AF review at least annually
What are DVLA guidelines for AF?
Group 1: Driving to cease if symptomatic and may cause incapacity, do not need to inform DVLA. Restart driving when symptoms controlled at least 4 weeks.
Group 2: Needs to be controlled 3 months, EF >0.4. Check guidelines.
What blood tests should be performed annually for DOAC monitoring?
FBC (check no bleed)
LFT
U+E - If GFR <60 may need more frequent monitoring. Frequency is CrCl/ 10 (so if GFR is 30 do every 3 months)
Also check age and weight to see if dosing is correct
A 63-year-old woman has type 2 diabetes. She has normal renal function and her blood pressure is 128/78 mmHg.
What is the MAXIMUM recommended interval before her blood pressure is next checked?
12 months
According to NICE , patients with diabetes should have their blood pressure monitored at least annually if they do not have hypertension or renal disease.
What is the blood pressure target for a patient aged 71-years with chronic kidney disease diagnosed following a routine blood test three years ago; no proteinuria. Medical history of osteoarthritis, mitral regurgitation and atrial fibrillation.
140/90
For patients with CKD, the target blood pressure is set at 140/90 mmHg (if not proteinuria)
If proteinuria target is 130/80
What should the hba1c target be for a patient preparing for surgery?
The aim should be to control glycaemic control to less than 69mmol/mol within 3 months of referral if practical and safe.
A 35-year old-woman has been diagnosed with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). She has recurrent thrush and skin infections. What is the most appropriate first anti-diabetic therapy to start?
Gliclazide
(As she has symptoms)
MODY causes reduced insulin secretion and symptoms may not be severe. First-line treatment aims to stimulate the pancreas, and most patients with MODY are very sensitive to sulfonylureas.
What is Monogenic diabetes?
Previously called MODY
- Autosomal dominant family history of diabetes
- Typically mild, non-ketotic disease
- Presenting in adolescence or early adulthood
How do you summise the clinic blood pressure targets for all hypertensives?
Everyone is 140/90 other than those over 80 (150/90) or those with proteinuria (ACR >70) then it’s 130/80
If you can decrease a patients LDL by 1mmol/L what decrease of CVD risk does this confer?
21% reduction in all cause CV risk
When should a patient with T1DM take a statin?
(Atorvastatin 20mg as primary prevention)
- > 40y
- Had diabetes for >10y
- Nephropathy
- Other CV risk factors
CONSIDER statins for ALL other adults with type 1 diabetes
What do NICE recommend RE assessment for statin treatment in over 85’s?
Do NOT do risk calculation: age alone puts them at increased risk, particularly if
they smoke or have raised BP
CONSIDER atorvastatin 20mg
How many HbA1c results are needed to diagnose pre-diabetes?
1 test only
(T2DM needs two HbA1c results whereas pre-diabetes only needs 1)
You are seeing a patient in your GP clinic who you suspect an ACS. What treatment should be given whilst waiting for ambulance?
300mg aspirin
GTN spray
+/- opioid if available
Oxygen titrate to sats of 94-98%
It’s Monday morning and you suspect a patient has had an ACS event. They are now pain free, how should they be referred if:
a) The pain was earlier this morning
b) The pain was yesterday
c) The pain was 4 days ago
a) + b) Same day assessment
c) To be seen within 2 weeks
Basically if <72 hours needs to be seen same day, if >72 hours seen within 2 weeks
What is the DVLA guidance post MI?
Group 1: Don’t need to inform DVLA
If successful PCI - resume driving within 1 week
Otherwise - resume driving within 4 weeks
Group 2: Must notify DVLA
Stop driving until told otherwise
What is the NICE guidance regarding sexual intercourse post MI?
Resume when comfortable
(usually around 4 weeks post MI)
When should a hypertensive patient be referred for same day assesment?
BP over 180/120
AND
- Signs retinal haemorrhage/ papilloedema OR
- Chest pain, new confusion, AKI, heart failure
QRISK3:
- What ages is it used for?
- Is deprivation taken into account?
- Name 3 conditions it takes into account
- What medications does it ask about?
a) Used 25-84
b) Takes into account deprivation (from postcode)
c) AF, CKD, angina, MI, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, HTN, lupus, severe mental illness, erectile dysfunction
d) Atypical antipyschotics and regualar steroids
What murmur would be heard in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? What are the other differentials for this kind of murmur?
Ejection systolic
DDx of ejection systolic murmur: Aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (causing AS), pulmonary stenosis, innocent (stills) murmur
What is stills murmur and how is it characterised?
Benign paediatric heart murmur
Most commonly 2-7yrs - usually disappears in adolescence
Ejection systolic murmur
What murmur is heard in mitral regurgitation? What are 2 other differentials for this kind of murmur?
Pan systolic murmur
DDx: Mitral regurgitation, VSD, tricuspid regurgitation
When may you hear a ‘continuous machinery murmur’?
Patient ductus arteriosus
What is prinzmental angina? How does it present and how should it be managed?
Coronary artery vasospasm
- Angina occuring at rest, usually 5-30mins, usually between midnight and early morning - can be triggered by stress/ alcohol etc
- Can present very similar to MI so always send into secondary care same day
Is white coat hypertension the same when patients see all practioners?
The white coat effect is smaller for blood pressure measurements made by nurses than by doctors.