299 Ch. 24 structural, infectious, and inflammatory cardiac disorders

What do valvular disorders control?

Blood flow from the heart to the pulmonary artery and aorta by opening and closing in response to blood pressure changes.

What are the atrioventricular valves?

The tricuspid and mitral valves that separate the right and left atria from the right and left ventricles.

What is mitral valve prolapse?

The stretching of the mitral valve into the atrium during systole, which may produce no symptoms.

What is regurgitation in valvular disorders?

When blood flows backward due to improper valve closure.

What is stenosis?

When the valve doesn't open completely, thus slowing blood flow.

What is a common symptom of valvular disorders?

Fatigue, shortness of breath (SOB), dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, or chest pain.

What diagnostic tool is used for assessing mitral disorders?

Echocardiogram.

What is a treatment option for severe mitral regurgitation?

Valve replacement or repair.

What can cause mitral stenosis?

Rheumatic endocarditis.

What does the assessment for mitral stenosis typically reveal?

Low-pitched rumbling murmur and a weak or irregular pulse.

What medication is commonly used for patients with aortic regurgitation?

Antihypertensive meds and management of arrhythmias.

What is aortic stenosis?

Narrowing of the orifice between the left ventricle and the aorta.

What is a commissurotomy?

A surgical procedure to correct valve leaflets that adhere to one another.

What is annuloplasty?

A surgical technique used to fix valve regurgitation by tightening the valve annulus.

What are the symptoms of aortic regurgitation?

Pounding heartbeat, dyspnea on exertion, and fatigue.

What is the primary purpose of valve replacement surgery?

To treat severe valvular disease when other treatments are not effective.

What are tissue valves made from?

Bioprostheses from animal tissues or homografts from cadaver valves.

What must patients be educated about upon discharge after valve surgery?

Taking anticoagulant medicine and attending follow-up appointments.

What does cardiomyopathy refer to?

A disease of the heart muscle that affects the heart's ability to pump blood.

What is dilated cardiomyopathy characterized by?

Dilation and impaired contraction of one or both ventricles.

What is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?

A condition where the myocardium thickens leading to potential cardiac issues, often inherited.

What is an important diagnostic test for checking heart health in cardiomyopathy?

Echocardiogram.

What are the symptoms of infective endocarditis?

Fever, new heart murmur, petechiae, and loss of appetite.

What is the recommended treatment for infective endocarditis?

Antibiotics after obtaining blood cultures.

What is myocarditis?

Inflammation of the myocardium often caused by infections.

What is a common symptom of pericarditis?

Chest pain that may worsen with inspiration or when lying down.

What is cardiac tamponade?

A life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space.

What diagnostic techniques are used for assessing pericarditis?

MRI and CT scans.

What is a common symptom observed in patients with rheumatic fever?

New heart murmur and possibly heart failure.

What should patients with aortic stenosis avoid?

Strenuous activities and competitive sports.

What preventive measure should be taken for patients at risk of rheumatic fever?

Early treatment for bacterial infections.

What are the signs of mitral valve regurgitation?

Palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

What factors increase the risk of development for infective endocarditis?

IV drug use, having a prosthetic valve, or a pacemaker.

What can result from untreated rheumatic heart disease?

Mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation.

What does the term 'orthopnea' refer to?

Difficulty breathing while lying down.

What kind of monitoring is required post valve replacement surgery?

Frequent checks for signs of heart failure and changes in heart sounds.

What is the purpose of a stress test in cardiomyopathy assessment?

To evaluate heart function during physical exertion.

What are the long-term risks associated with mechanical heart valves?

Complications of thromboemboli and the need for long-term anticoagulation.

Which type of heart valve is typically used in younger patients due to its durability?

Mechanical valve.

What can occur if a patient with myocarditis is exposed to NSAIDs?

Potential cardiac injury.

What should patients report if they notice new symptoms after valve surgery?

Worsening or new murmurs.

What will most rheumatic heart disease patients require?

Long-term follow-up care and potentially valve repair or replacement.