Cardiac Assessment

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cardiac assessment, including cardiovascular risk factors, heart physiology, nerve interactions, blood pressure measurements, and cardiac cycle elements.

What are the chronic risk factors for acute coronary syndromes?

High lipid levels and hypertension.

What is one acute risk factor for acute coronary syndromes?

Transient physiological changes such as surge in blood pressure.

How does a high resting heart rate affect mortality?

A high resting heart rate can predict mortality.

What is the relationship between heart rate and cardiovascular risk?

Each 1 bpm reduction in HR is associated with a 2% reduction in death.

What happens to myocardial oxygen consumption with a high heart rate?

High heart rate increases myocardial oxygen consumption and reduces diastolic time.

What is endothelial dysfunction?

It refers to the impairment of the endothelium's ability to regulate blood vessel functions.

What is the role of the SA node in the cardiac cycle?

It initiates the cardiac cycle with an action potential.

What is the sympathetic nervous system's effect on heart rate?

It increases heart rate through the release of noradrenaline.

What is the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on heart rate?

It decreases heart rate through the action of acetylcholine.

What does HRV stand for and why is it important?

Heart Rate Variability, used as a monitoring tool for autonomic nervous system balance.

What does a lower SDNN indicate?

It is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

What are the primary cardiac sounds and their meanings?

S1 indicates closure of tricuspid and mitral valves; S2 indicates closure of aortic and pulmonic valves.

What is primary hypertension?

High blood pressure of unknown cause, accounting for 90-95% of cases.

What is white coat hypertension?

Elevated BP readings in a clinical setting but normal readings elsewhere.

What is orthostatic hypertension?

A condition where BP falls when the patient sits or stands.

What is a common error when measuring blood pressure?

Taking a single measurement without confirming with multiple readings.

How long does it take for the human embryonic heart to start beating?

Around 5-6 weeks after conception.

What is the function of vagus nerve in terms of heart control?

It regulates heart rate by decreasing the pacemaker potential,

What are the five phases of cardiac action potential?

Phase 0 (depolarization), Phase 1 (early depolarization), Phase 2 (plateau phase), Phase 3 (repolarization), Phase 4 (resting membrane potential).

What physiological changes contribute to increased cardiovascular risk?

Atherosclerotic processes, arterial stiffness, and increased metabolic demand.

What does the cardiac conduction system include?

Components like the SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers.