Heart disorders/diseases

Question 1

What is the typical patient who has a “silent heart attack”?

Answer 1

A diabetes patient due to loss of sensation, and don’t feel it, and also women.

Question 2

A patient presents complaining of cough and SOB when laying supine. What symptom is this and what’s the work up?

Answer 2

Orthopnea. Common sx in patients with CHF or pulmonary edema due to increased pressure in lungs. Perform orthostatic BP, pulse oc, CHF workup, CXR, EKG, Echo if indicated

Question 3

A patient complains of episodes of cough or SOB that awakens them from sleep. What are possible etiologies of this symptom?

Answer 3

Paroxysmal noctural dyspnea. Common in CHF (failing LV can’t keep up with RV) and pulmonary edema. Perform CXR, orthostatic BP, pulse ox, EKG

Question 4

A patient complains of a forceful, rapid or irregular heart rate, which we called palpitations. Is this a sign of an emergency?

Answer 4

no, palpitations are often benign but they can also be a symptom of arrhythmia

Question 5

What other body systems besides cardio that can result in “chest pain” symptoms?

Answer 5

Pulmonary, Pleural, musculoskeletal, esophageal or GI disorder, anxiety states

Question 6

A patient presents with dependent lower extremity edema. What should we be worried about?

Answer 6

DVT! Can also be caused by heart failure or taking a calcium channel blocker

Question 7

Claudication (cramping pain or tiredness in the calf, thigh or hip while walking) is a classic symptom of what?

Answer 7

Chronic arterial insufficiency/peripheral artery disease.

Question 8

Jugular venous distension is a sign of what?

Answer 8

right-sided HF, tricuspid valve dysfunction, or increased pulmonary circulation