Diseases of the Heart

Question 1

Describe the process of Endocarditis?

Answer 1

Question 2

What is endocarditis?

Answer 2

Endocarditis is a bacterial infection of the endocardium and valves.

Question 3

What are the 2 most importan requirements in contracting infection of Endocarditis?

Answer 3

1. A microbe must enter the cardiovascular system and survive. 2. The microbe must adhere to the surface of the endocardium. (Eg. Defective Valves, Sutures post-surgery)

Question 4

Name the manifestations of Endocarditis?

Answer 4

1. Local and Systemic signs of infection. (L: redness, swelling, warmth, pain, l/o function. S: fatigue, headach, fever) 2. Impaired Heart function (Will impact valve & chamber involved) 3. Valvular disfuction 4. Heart murmur 5. Potential for distal embolization

Question 5

How do we diagnose Endocarditis?

Answer 5

1. Culture and Sensitivity test of the blood 2. Echocardiogram

Question 6

What is the treatment for Endocarditis?

Answer 6

Total destruction and eradication of the microbe. This is accomplished through Antibiotic treatment.

Question 7

T or F: There will be complications in the functioning of the heart during the process of endocarditis and subsequent treatment?

Answer 7

TRUE

Question 8

Here, enjoy this graphic representation of the human heart. It also shows Endocarditis.

Learn this stuff!

Answer 8

Question 9

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Answer 9

Rheumatic Heart Disease is a complex disease what affects many of the body’s connective tissues. Especially those of the heart, joints and brain. RHD typically occurs in children between 5 and 15 years old. RHD develops during Rheumatic Fever!

Question 10

What parts of the heart are affected by RHD? How is damage caused?

Answer 10

Every part of the heart! The pericardium (outter sac). The endocardium (inner lining). The valves Damage is the result of inflammation.

Question 11

What are the symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Answer 11

Chest pain, excessive fatigue, heart palpitations, SOB.

Question 12

What is Rheumatic Heart Disease usually preceeded by?

Answer 12

Pharyngeal Strep Infetion and Rheumatic Fever Children with persistent sore throats should have a culture taken for strep infection.

Question 13

What is Rheumatic Fever?

Answer 13

Rheumatic fever is a noncontagious acute fever marked by inflammation and pain in the joints. It chiefly affects young people and is caused by streptococcal infection.

Question 14

Is Rheumatic Fever an immune-mediated inflammation?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

What are some characteristics of Rheumatic Fever?

Answer 15

It is an acute multi-system disease. Affects about 3% of children 5 -15 years old. It is preceeded by pharyngeal strep infection of 1-4 weeks.

Question 16

What is the acute form of Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Answer 16

It is “self-limiting”. Must monitor and prevent complications

Question 17

What can result from chronic RHD?

Answer 17

Severe heart damage

Question 18

What is the treatment for Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Answer 18

1. Penicillin or Erythromycin (anti-biotics). 2. Anti-Inflammatory drugs. 3. Decreased cardio work load (this typically means bed rest for 4-5 weeks). 4. Symptomatic Management 5. Treatment of Complications

Question 19

Here, check out this sweet schematic all about Rhematic Heart Disease.

Cool, huh?

Answer 19

Question 20

What is the pathogenesis of Rheumatic Heart Disease?

Here’s a visual representation of the answer.

Answer 20