Week 3 - Cardiovascular Cont Flashcards
Cardiac Arrhythmia
An abnormal rate or regularity of cardiac impulse caused by a disturbance in cardiac conduction system. A longstanding arrhythmia can result in cardiac failure.
Types of Cardiac Arrhythmia
Tachycardia: >100bpm
Bradycardia: <60bpm
Extra beats
Atrial fibrillation
Treatment for Cardiac Arrhythmia
Anti-arrhythmic drugs
Pacemakers
Valvular Heart Disease
Usually involves aortic/mitral valve
Heart murmur: a description, not a diagnosis!
Infective Endocarditis
- Infection of the valves and inner lining of heart.
- Can be bacterial or fungal.
- Happens when infective agent enters the bloodstream.
Conditions that require Prophylactic ABs
- Previous IE
- Prosthetic Heart Valve
- Congenital heart disease
- Cardiac transplant recipients
Which AB is provided for IE?
Amoxicillin 2g, 30-60 mins prior to procedure
OR
Clindamycin 600mg if allergic to penicillin
Aortic/Pulmonary valve stenosis
Heart valves don’t open properly
Creates thicker heart walls (hypertrophy)
Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects
Hole in the septum of heart
Affects oxygen levels b/c the oxygenated blood mixes with the deoxgentated
Tetralogy of Fallout
a. Pulmonary stenosis
b. Ventricular septal defect
c. Misplaced aorta (overriding Aorta)
d. Right ventricular hypertrophy (thickening of ventricle wall)
e. ~10% of congenital defects
Common Causes of Congestive Heart Failure
- Coronary heart disease
- Hypertension
- Infective Endocarditis
- Hyperthyroidism (increases heart rate and heart strength)
- Pregnancy (linked to weight gain)
S+S of Congestive Heart Failure
- Increased shortness of breath
- Pulmonary congestion/edema
- Orthopnea = dyspnea when lying flat (need 2 pillows to sleep upright)
- Swollen feet/ankles (pitting edema)
- Clubbed fingers
Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
Diuretics (to decrease blood volume)
Digitalis (increase force of contraction)
Cardiac Transplant patient - when can we treat?
Minimum of 3 months after transplant, could be up to a year.
