Exam2: Cardiovascular

What is Left-sided Heart Failure (LHF)?

It occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood efficiently to the body, leading to blood backing up into the lungs.

What are common symptoms of Left-sided Heart Failure?

Dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, crackles in the lungs, pulmonary edema, fatigue, weakness, activity intolerance, hacking cough.

What are the main causes of Left-sided Heart Failure?

Hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and valvular diseases.

What is Right-sided Heart Failure (RHF)?

It occurs when the right ventricle fails to pump blood to the lungs, causing blood to back up into the systemic circulation.

What are typical symptoms of Right-sided Heart Failure?

Jugular vein distension, peripheral edema, ascites, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, weight gain, nausea.

What diagnostic tool is used to assess fluid overload in heart failure?

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test.

What is the significance of a BNP level greater than 100 pg/mL?

It usually indicates heart failure.

What echocardiogram finding suggests systolic heart failure?

Ejection fraction (EF) less than 40%.

What is the primary treatment goal for Heart Failure?

To improve cardiac output, reduce symptoms, and prevent disease progression.

What classes of medications are used in treating heart failure?

Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, ARNI, oxygen therapy, fluid and sodium restriction.

What are some symptoms of Aortic Stenosis (AS)?

Syncope, angina, dyspnea, and a characteristic crescendo-decrescendo systolic murmur.

What is the definitive treatment for Aortic Stenosis?

Valve replacement (surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement).

What are the symptoms of Mitral Regurgitation (MR)?

Holosystolic murmur, pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation, fatigue, dyspnea.

What is the treatment approach for Mitral Stenosis (MS)?

Diuretics, beta blockers, anticoagulation, balloon valvuloplasty, or valve replacement.

What is the first-line treatment for Unstable Angina?

Dual antiplatelet therapy and possible surgical intervention.

What medications are included in the AONM protocol for Acute MI?

Aspirin, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Morphine.

What indicates a Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)?

Partial occlusion of a coronary artery, ST depression or T-wave inversion on ECG, elevated cardiac biomarkers.

What is the treatment for Ventricular Tachycardia with a pulse?

Amiodarone or synchronized cardioversion.

What is Torsades de Pointes associated with?

A prolonged QT interval leading to a form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

What are the signs of Cardiogenic Shock?

Hypotension, weak pulses, cool clammy skin, decreased urine output, altered mental status.

What is Beck's Triad in relation to cardiac tamponade?

Muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular vein distention.

What is the typical treatment for Infective Endocarditis?

Long-term intravenous antibiotics.

What diagnostic test confirms a diagnosis of Aortic Dissection?

CT scan with contrast.

What is a common complication after PCI?

Bleeding at the vascular access site.

What does the Central Venous Pressure (CVP) indicate?

Right ventricular preload and fluid status.

What do elevated levels of Troponin indicate?

Myocardial injury or infarction.

What are the normal ranges for Cardiac Output (CO)?

4-8 L/min.

What signifies a complete heart block on ECG?

No electrical impulses conducted from the atria to the ventricles.

What is the initial treatment in Asystole?

Immediate high-quality CPR and Epinephrine.

What is the purpose of a pacemaker?

To generate electrical impulses to initiate heartbeats when the heart's natural pacemaker fails.

What is the primary mechanism of action for Norepinephrine?

Potent vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure.