PATHOPHYSIOLOGY MIDS

Myocardial Infarction

commonly known as a heart attack, is the interruption of blood supply to a part of the heart, causing myocardial tissues to die.

Coronary Arteries

blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.

CAD

Coronary Artery Disease, a condition where the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked.

Coronary Spasms

sudden contractions of the coronary arteries, often caused by drug use such as cocaine.

Coronary Artery Dissection

damage to the artery due to the separation of its layers, commonly seen in young women.

Ischemia

inadequate blood supply to an organ or tissue, leading to oxygen shortage and potential damage.

Atherosclerotic Plaque

a buildup of fatty deposits and cholesterol in the inner lining of the coronary arteries.

Thrombus

a blood clot that forms within a blood vessel, blocking blood flow.

Cardiogenic Shock

a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Ventricular Fibrillation

a chaotic and rapid heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac death.

Troponin

a cardiac marker released when heart muscles are injured, used to diagnose myocardial infarction.

EKG

Electrocardiogram, a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Pericarditis

inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.

Silent MI

a myocardial infarction that occurs without the typical symptoms, often seen in diabetics due to nerve damage.

Risk Factors

factors that increase the likelihood of developing a heart attack, such as age, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and family history of heart disease.

Coronary Angiogram

a procedure that allows visualization of narrowing or obstructions in the heart vessels.

Nitroglycerin

a medication used to relieve chest pain by dilating the coronary and peripheral blood vessels.

Morphine

a medication used to relieve chest pain and reduce anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction.

Anticoagulants

medications that prevent the formation of blood clots.

ACE Inhibitors

medications that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBS)

Medications that end in "sartan" and are used in place of ACE inhibitors. They block Angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation. Side effects may include hyperkalemia.

Cholesterol Lowering Medications "Statins"

Medications like Atorvastatin (Lipitor) that lower LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol. Diet and exercise are also important in managing cholesterol levels.

Heart Failure

Also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), it is the inability of the heart to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the needs of the body. It can be caused by faulty heart valves, arrhythmias, and infarction (coronary artery disease).

Faulty Heart Valves (Valvular Heart Disease)

Abnormalities in the heart valves that can cause blood to back up or leak back into the heart. Rheumatic fever is an example.

Arrhythmias (Atrial Fibrillation)

Atrial fibrillation is recognized on an ECG by the absence of P waves and the presence of fibrillary waves. It can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.

Lineage (Genetics)

Family history of heart failure.

Uncontrolled Hypertension

High blood pressure that can lead to thickening of the heart muscles and weaken the force of heart contractions.

Severe Lung Problems

Pulmonary hypertension, increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, can cause heart failure.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

When the right side of the heart fails, fluid collects in the feet, lower legs, and abdomen. Bipedal edema and ascites may occur.

Functional Classification

Classifying heart failure based on whether the abnormality is due to insufficient contraction or relaxation of the heart. Systolic and diastolic heart failure are examples.

B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

A biomarker released by the ventricles when there is excessive pressure on the heart due to heart failure.

Chest X-Rays

Imaging that shows whether the heart is enlarged and whether there is congestion in the lungs.

Echocardiography

A noninvasive test that uses ultrasound to image the heart. It provides information about valve function, heart pumping, and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF).

Electrocardiogram

A test that can indicate underlying heart problems. Prolonged QT interval may indicate people at risk for severe complications.

Angiography

A test that helps locate problems in the heart's pumping action or blockage in the arteries. Contrast dye is injected, and images are taken as the dye moves through the heart and arteries.

Exercise (Nuclear) Stress Test

Measures heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiographic changes, and oxygen consumption during physical activity. Helps determine heart failure symptoms.

Management of Risk Factors and Causes

Includes treatment for coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and valvular abnormalities. Diet, exercise, medications, and surgery may be involved.

Management for Systemic Edema

Decreasing blood volume through the use of diuretics like Furosemide combined with spiranolactone.

Medication Digitalis (Cardiac Glycoside)

Increases heart contractility and decreases heart rate. Used to manage heart failure.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of disease or injury.

Therapeutic Level

The desired concentration of a medication in the bloodstream to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Digoxin

A medication commonly used to treat heart failure and certain heart rhythm disorders.

Toxicity

The condition of being poisonous or harmful to the body.

Irregular heartbeat

A heart rhythm that is abnormal or irregular.

Visual disturbances

Changes or abnormalities in vision.

ECG changes

Alterations in the electrical activity of the heart as seen on an electrocardiogram.

Hypokalemia

A condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood.

Antidote

A substance that counteracts the effects of a poison or toxic substance.

Digibind (Digoxin ImmuneFab)

An antidote used to bind and remove digoxin from the body.