High Yield Flashcards
(287 cards)
What is Heart Failure
The inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to meet the metabolic demands of the body at normal filing pressures
What is the most common cause of Heart Failure
CAD
Sx of Left sided Heart Failure
Dyspnea, Orthopnea, Pulmonary congestion, Edema, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea
Transudative pleural effusions
HTN, Cheyne Stoke’s Breathing, S4
Dusky pail skin, diaphoresis, sinus tachycardia, cool extremities
Sx of Right sided Heart Failure
Increased systemic venous pressure, signs of fluid retention
Peripheral Edema, JVD, Anorexia, N/V, Hepatosplenomegaly
Dx of Heart Failure
Echo - Can measure Ejection Fraction and see size of heart (Cardiomegaly)
CXR - Can see Congestive HF well (cardiomegaly)
Increased BNP (these increase in number when there is fluid overload)
What are common medications used in long term management of Heart Failure
Ace-Inhibitors: 1st line tx for HF ARBs if Ace-I can't be tolerated Beta-Blockers Nitrates Diuretics: Most effective for sx
What are Heart Failure medications that decrease mortality
Ace-I, ARB, Beta-Blckers, Nitrates + Hydralazine, Spironolactone
When is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator used in patients with Heart Failure
When ejection fraction is
What are Ventricular Dysrhythmias
Ventricular dysrhythmias are frequently unstable and unpredictable
They are potentially lethal because stroke volume and coronary flow are compromised
Associated with weird QRS complexes
What is a premature ventricular complex (PVC)
Premature beat originating from ventricle
Usually T-wave is in opposite direction of the R
Associated with compensatory pause which results in overall rhythm unchages
Tx for Premature Ventricular Complrex
Usually none
What is Ventricular Tachycardia
> 3 consecutive PVC’s at a rate of >100bpm
What is a sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Duration of >30 seconds
What is the danger with Ventricular Tachycardias
They can turn into Torsades de Pointes which can in turn become Ventricular Fibrillation (bad!)
Tx for Stable Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Anti-Arrhythmics (Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Procainamide)
Tx for Unstable Ventricular Tachycardia with a pulse
Synchronized (direct current) cardioversion (DCC)
TX for Vetricular Tachycardia with no pulse
Defibrillation/CPR (treat as V.Fib)
Tx for Torsades de Pointes
IV Magnesium
What is Ventricular Fibrillation
A rapid inadequate heart beat
Tx of V.Fib
CPR and Defibrillation
What is Pulseless Electrical Activity
Organized rhythm seen on monitor but the patient has no palpable pulse
Tx of Pulseless Electrial Activity
CPR, Epinephrine, check for shockable rhythm every 2 minutes
What is Asystole Rhythm
No rhythm seen on monitor and no pulse
Tx of Asystole
CPR, Epinephrine, check for shockable rhythm every 2 minutes