Step Up - Cardio Flashcards
What are the major risk factors that predispose a patient to developing stable angina (6)?
1) DM
2) Dyslipidemia - high LDL, low HDL
3) Smoking
4) HTN
5) Age (m > 45, w > 55)
6) FamHx of CAD or premature MI
What are prognostic indicators of CAD (stable angina) (2)?
1) LVEF (poor if less than 50%)
2) Vessels involved (poor if Left main, 2- or 3-vessel disease)
What are the clinical features of CAD (stable angina) (3)?
1) Chest pain or pressure, 1-15 mins in duration
2) Precipitated by exercise or emotional situation
3) Relieved with rest or NO
T or F. Ischemic cardiac pain can be described as a sharp/stabbing pain, that improves with breathing and is worsened with position. The chest wall is typically tender.
F - not described as sharp/stabbing, no change with breathing or position. It is not reproduceable with palpation.
What is typically found on the physical exam and resting EKG of a patient with stable angina?
Both are normal
What tools are used in the diagnosis of CAD (4)?
1) Resting EKG
2) Stress Test - stress EKG, stress Echo, stress myocardial perfusion imaging, pharmacological stress test.
3) Holter monitor - for silent ischemia
4) Cardiac cath with angiography - when stress test positive.
Discuss what constitutes a positive finding for stress EKG, stress Echo, stress myocardial perfusion imaging for the diagnosis of CAD
Stress EKG - ST depression
Stress Echo - wall motion abnormalities
Stress Myo perf - myocardial cell uptake of radioisotope (important to determine if this is reversible or irreversible ischemia)
What agents are used in pharmacologic stress tests in the diagnosis of CAD (3)? What are there mechanisms of action on the heart?
1) Adenosine and Dipyridamole - vasodilate coronary vessels resulting in steal from the maximally dilated vessels affected by CAD (thus reproducing ischemic symptoms)
2) Dobutamine - Inotrope and Chronotrope, also increases BP (afterload). Thus increases O2 demand of heart.
Outline the medical management of stable angina (5). When is this approach indicated?
1) ASA, B-blockers, Nitro, statins, and CCB. Use CCB if symptoms persist on while on nitro and b-blockers.
2) Use this approach for mild disease - normal EF, mild angina, single-vessel disease)
What are the surgical approaches for stable angina (2)? When are they indicated (2)?
1) Percutaneous coronary intervention
2) CABG
3) Use if moderate disease not controlled on meds - normal EF, moderate angina, 2-vessel disease
4) Use if severe angina - decreased EF, severe angina, 3-vessel or left main disease.
What distinguishes unstable angina from stable angina (1)? How is unstable angina differentiated from NSTEMI (2)?
1) USA has unprovoked onset - O2 supply is limited, whereas in SA O2 demand is increased.
2) NSTEMI will have elevated troponin and CK-MB
Outline the acute medical management of unstable angina (8).
1) ASA
2) Anti-platelet -> clopidogrel
3) B-blocker
4) LMWH -> enoxaparin
5) Nitrates
6) O2
7) Morphine (be careful not to mask symptoms)
8) Replace electrolytes if deficient - K and Mg
What are the indications for PCI revascularization in cases of unstable angina (5)?
1) persist signs of ischemia on EKG >48 hours after onset
2) hemodynamic instability
3) Ventricular arrhythmia
4) new MR
5) new septal defect
Outline the ongoing medical treatment of unstable angina after an acute event (4)?
1) ASA or anti-platelet
2) B-blocker
3) nitrate
4) statin
- Also modify risk factors (obesity, smoking, HTN, etc)
Describe the mechanism of action of Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina? What is seen on EKG? What is associated with variant angina? What is the appropriate medical therapy (2)?
1) MOA - transient coronary vasospasm
2) EKG - ST elevation during attack
3) Associated with ventricular dysrhythmia
4) Meds - CCB and nitrates (also modify risk factors - obesity, smoking, DM)
Provide the description of chest pain seen in an MI. Provide other symptoms of MI (6).
1) CP - crushing substernal pressure with radiation to neck/jaw/arm/back mainly on left side, may have epigastric pain
2) Dyspnea, diaphoresis, weakness, N/V, sense of doom, syncope
Provide 5 markers on EKG that indicate ischemia/infarct and explain their significance.
1) Peaked T waves - early finding, often missed
2) ST seg elevation - transmural injury
3) Q wave - late finding, indicate necrosis
4) T-wave inversion - sensitive but non-specific finding
5) ST seg depression - subendocardial injury
Describe the EKG findings (late and early) for an anterior MI, what leads are involved?
1) V1-V4
2) Early - ST seg elevation
3) Late - Q waves
Describe the EKG findings for a posterior MI, what leads are involved?
1) V1-V2
2) Large R wave, ST seg depression, prominent T waves
Describe the EKG findings for an Lateral MI, what leads are involved?
1) I and aVL
2) Late - Q waves
Describe the EKG findings for an anterior MI, what leads are involved?
1) II, III, aVF
2) Late - Q waves
What differentiates STEMI and NSTEMI in terms of involvement of the myocardium?
1) STEMI is transmural
2) NSTEMI is Subendocardial (differentiated fro USA based on cardiac enzymes)
What troponins are measured in an MI work-up? When are they first detectable? When do they peak? When do they return to baseline? What advantage do they have over CK-MB measurements?
1) I and T
2) 3-5 hrs
3) 24-48 hours
4) 5-14 days
5) Greater sensitivity and specificity than CK-MB
When is CK-MB first detectable in an MI work-up? When does it peak? When does it return to baseline? What advantage does it have over troponin measurements?
1) 4-8 hrs
2) 24 hrs
3) 2-3 days
4) Helpful in detecting recurrent infarct as it returns to baseline quicker
When should cardiac enzymes be drawn in a suspected MI?
At admission, then every 8 hours for at least 3 measurements
Outline the appropriate medical management for an MI (8). Describe the role of each drug or class of drugs.
1) ASA - anti-platelet, prevents thrombus growth
2) B-blockers - negative chronotrope/inotrope, lowers O2 need
3) ACEi - BP control
4) Statins - stabilize plaque, lowers cholesterol
5) O2 - reduces ischemia
6) Nitrates - dilates coronary arteries, venodilation (lowers preload)
7) Morphine - Analgesia, venodilation (lowers preload)
8) LMWH (Enoxaparin) - prevents thrombus progression
Of the medications used to treat MI, which have been shown to decrease mortality (3)?
1) ASA
2) B-blocker
3) ACEi
Discussed the 3 methods of revascularization that are used in the case of an acute MI. When are they used?
1) PCI - preferred method of treatment, perform within 90 mins
2) Thrombolytic therapy - tPA useful in STEMI when PCI not available or contra-indicated. Best if initiated within 6 hrs.
3) CABG - performed when mechanical complication of acute MI present: cardiogenic shock, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia, or failure of PCI.
What are the contra-indications to tPA in the treatment of acute MI (5)?
1) Recent trauma
2) Prior stroke
3) Recent surgery
4) Dissecting aortic aneurysm
5) Active bleed
The formation of a ventricular thrombus can lead to what complication of an MI?
Embolism (PE, stroke)
Expansion of the infarct or ventricular septal defects caused by MI can lead to what complications of MI (2)?
1) CHF
2) Cardiogenic shock
Disruption of the electrical conduction system can lead to what complication of an MI?
1) Arrhythmia
Infarction of the papillary muscles can lead to what complication of an MI?
MR
Free wall rupture or pericardial inflammation can lead to what catastrophic outcome of an MI?
Cardiac Tamponade
Provide as many causes of chest pain as you can. Use a systems based approach using the categories: Cardiac, Resp, GI, MSK, Psychiatric, and Meds. Total of 24 causes.
1) Cardiac: USA, SA, variant angina, MI, pericarditis, aortic dissection
2) Resp: PE, pneumothorax, pleuritis, pneumonia, status asthmaticus
3) GI: GERD, diffuse esophageal spasm, PUD, esophageal rupture
4) MSK: costochondritis, muscle strain, rib fracture, herpes zoster, thoracic outlet syndrome.
5) Psychiatric: panic attacks, anxiety, somatization
6) Meds: Cocaine
What is the physiologic deficit that exists in systolic dysfunction CHF? What are the causes (5)?
1) Impaired contractility (low EF)
2) Ischemic heart disease (MI), HTN creating cardiomyopathy, valvular disease, myocarditis, other (alcohol abuse, radiation, hemochromatosis, thyroid disease)
What is the physiologic deficit that exists in diastolic dysfunction CHF? What are the causes (3)?
1) Impaired ventricular filling
2) HTN - myocardial hypertrophy
3) Valvular disease - AS, MS, AR
4) Restrictive cardiomyopathy - amyloidosis, sarcodosis, hemochromatosis
Describe briefly each of the 4 NYHA classifications for CHF.
1) Class I: symptoms with vigorous activity only
2) Class II: Symptoms with moderate exertion, slight limitation of activity
3) Class III: Symptoms with ADLs (walking). Marked limitations
4) Class IV: symptoms at rest. Incapacitated.
What are the symptoms of lift-sided heart failure (6)?
1) Dyspnea
2) Orthopnea
3) PND
4) Nocturnal cough
5) Confusion and memory loss - inadequate brain perf.
6) Diaphoresis and cool extremities at rest (class IV)
What are the clinical signs of left-side heart failure (6)?
1) Displace PMI (to the left)
2) S3 - stiff ventricle, hear at apex with bell, follows S2
3) S4 - atrial systole into stiff ventricle, hear at LSB with bell, precedes S1.
4) Crackels/Rales - pulmonary edema in lung bases
5) Dull to percussion in lower lung fields (pleural effusion)
6) Increase pulmonic component of S2 (pulm HTN)
What are the SSx of right sided heart failure (6)?
1) Peripheral pitting edema
2) Nocturia (due to elevaton of legs at night)
3) Jugular venous distention
4) Hepatomegaly/Hepatojugular reflex
5) Ascites
6) RV heave
What tests should be ordered in the patient presenting with suspect CHF (5)?
1) CXR - pulm edema, cardiomegaly
2) EKG
3) Cardiac enzymes - r/o MI
4) CBC - anemia
5) Echo - estimate EF
What findings may be found on CXR when done for CHF (4)?
1) Cardiomegaly
2) Kerley B lines - pulmonary congestion
3) Prominent interstitial markings
4) Pleural effusion
What important info does an echo provide when working-up CHF (3)?
1) Diastolic vs. Systolic dysfunction
2) Estimate EF
3) Shows chamber dilation and/or hypertrophy
Describe the treatment regime for mild CHF (NYHA I-II) (4)?
1) Mild salt restriction (less than 4g), physical activity
2) RF modification - wt. loss, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction
3) Loop diuretic - if vol overload or pulmonary congestion
4) ACEi
Describe the treatment regime for Moderate CHF (NYHA II-III) (5)?
1) Mild salt restriction (less than 4g), physical activity
2) RF modification - wt. loss, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction
3) Loop diuretic
4) ACEi
5) Add B-blocker if refractory to above treatment
Describe the treatment regime for Sever CHF (NYHA III-IV) (5)?
Mild salt restriction (less than 4g), physical activity
2) RF modification - wt. loss, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction
3) Loop diuretic
4) ACEi
5) Add Digoxin and spironolactone
What can be used as an alternative to ACEi in population for which ACEi are ineffective (blacks) (2)?
1) Hydralazine and Isosorbide Dinitrate.
2) ARBs used in patient who develop cough
What is the appropriate therapy for CHF due to diastolic dysfunction (2)?
1) B-blockers
2) Diuretics
- Digoxin, spironolactone, ACEi and ARBs not used
- No drugs improve mortality
Which drugs used in the treatment of CHF (Systolic) have been shown to reduce mortality (4)?
1) B-blocker
2) ACEi and ARBs
3) Hydralazine and Nitrates
4) Spironolactone (aldosterone antagonists)
- loop diuretics and digoxin do not decrease mortality
What are the findings on EKG for premature atrial complexes? What can they cause (2)? What is the treatment for those who are symptomatic?
1) P-waves of different morphology (not originating in SA node)
2) Can cause palpitations and PSVT
3) B-blockers
What are some causes of PVCs (6)? What is the concern of frequent PVCs in a patient with underlying heart disease? How are symptomatic (eg. palpitations, dizziness) PVCs treated?
1) Causes: hypoxia, electrolyte abnormalities, stimulants, caffeine, meds, structural heart disease
2) Sudden death due to arrhythmia (VFib)
3) B-block
What are the symptoms of Afib (6)? What is seen on the EKG (2)? What is the primary concern?
1) Sx: fatigue, exertional dyspnea, palpitations, dizziness, angina, syncope
2) No P-wave, irregularly irregular rhythm
3) Formation of intramural thrombus which can embolize (CVA).
How is acute Afib treated in the hemodynamically unstable patient?
Cardioversion
How is acute Afib treated in the hemodynamically stable patient (3)?
1) Rate Control - B-blocker or CCB
2) Cardioversion - use in unstable patient, those with worsening Afib, or those with first episode of Afib.
3) Anticoagulation - Warfarin, goal INR 2-3
How is chronic Afib treated (2)
1) Rate control - B-blocker or CCB
2) Anticoagulate - Warfarin
- ‘lone’ Afib (no heart disease, age less than 60) does not require anticoagulation
What are the causes of Atrial flutter (5)? What is the typical atrial rate? What is seen on EKG? What is the treatment (1)?
1) Causes: HF, rheumatic heart disease, CAD, COPD, ASD
2) 300 bpm
3) Saw-tooth pattern with 2:1 or 3:1 P-waves to QRS
4) Similar to AFib
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia is associated with what other disease? What is seen on EKG that is diagnostic?
1) pulmonary disease - COPD
2) P-waves with at least 3 different morphologies
Describe the difference between orthodromic and antidromic with respect to AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia. In which are p-waves visualized on EKG?
1) Orthodromic - re-entry pathway passes first through AV, then return to atria via the accessory pathway.
2) Antidromic - re-entry pathway psses to ventricles via the accessory pathway, then retrograde via the AV.
- p-waves in orthodromic tachy
Provide 4 causes of Paroxysmal Supraventrical Tachycardia (PSVT).
1) Ischemic heart disease
2) Re-entry / accessory pathway
3) Atrial flutter
4) Caffeine / Alcohol
Provide the non-pharmacologic mechanisms (4), pharmacologic therapies (4), and prevention therapies for PSVTs (2)
1) Valsalva, carotid sinus massage, breath holding, cold water immersion
2) IV adenosine, IV verapamil, IV esmolol, digoxin
3) Prevention: verapamil, b-blocker
What differentiates sustained versus nonsustained VT? Provide a unique physical finding in the neck that indicates VT. What is seen on EKG in VT?
1) sustained if >30sec
2) Cannon A waves
3) Wide complex QRS (>0.12)
How is sustained VT treated (hemodynamically stable versus unstable)?
1) stable - IV amiodarone, IV procainamide, IV sotalol
2) unstable - DC cardioversion with IV amiodarone
- ICD placement
How is nonsustained VT treated (heart disease versus no heart disease)?
1) disease - ICD
2) no disease - nothing