Valvular Disease and Heart Failure

Question 1

What is happening with the heart when the P wave occurs

Answer 1

The p wave represents the electrical activity that occurs when the atria contract and push blood into the ventricles.

Question 2

What is happening with the heart when the qrs complex occurs?

Answer 2

This is the second wave on an ECG. It represents the electrical activity that occurs when the ventricles contract and push blood out of the heart.

Question 3

What is happening with the heart when the t wave occurs?

Answer 3

This represents the electrical activity that occurs when the ventricles relax and prepare for the next heartbeat.

Question 4

How do you calculate cardiac output?

Answer 4

CO = HR x SV

where:
HR = heart rate (number of heartbeats per minute)
SV = stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat)

Question 5

How do you calculate ejection fraction

Answer 5

EF = (SV/EDV) x 100%

where:

SV = stroke volume (the amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat)
EDV = end-diastolic volume (the volume of blood in the left ventricle at the end of diastole, or the filling phase)

Question 6

How do you calculate mean arterial pressure?

Answer 6

MAP= 1/3(Systolic Blood Pressure-Diastolic Blood Pressure)+DBP

Question 7

What is infective endocarditis?

Answer 7

Infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves, often caused by bacteria.

Question 8

How would you diagnose infective endocarditis.

Answer 8

Diagnosis of infective endocarditis involves clinical assessment, blood cultures and echocardiography

Question 9

What is heart decompensation?

Answer 9

Inability of heart to maintain adequate circulation.

Question 10

What features of heart decompensation would you look for?

Answer 10

Any from:
-Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or while lying down
-Fatigue or weakness
-Swelling or fluid retention in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
-Rapid or irregular heartbeat
-Reduced ability to exercise or perform daily activities
-Cough, especially at night or when lying flat
-Sudden weight gain or loss
-Chest pain or discomfort

Question 11

What part of the heart does infective endocarditis affect?

Answer 11

The endocardium, and/or the heart valves.

Question 12

How might infective endocarditis affect IV drug users differently and why?

Answer 12

IV drug users are more likely to develop IE on the right side of the heart, specifically the tricuspid valve.
This is because IV drug use can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, which then travel to the heart and infect the tricuspid valve, which is on the right side of the heart and receives blood from the veins.

Question 13

What is dilated cardiomyopathy?

Answer 13

DCM is a type is characterized by dilation or enlargement of the heart chambers, particularly the left ventricle, and impaired contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle.

Question 14

What are the commonest causes of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Answer 14

-Genetics
-Viral infection
-Alcohol and drug use
-Autoimmune