Ischemic Heart Disease and Conduction Disorders

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and definitions related to Ischemic Heart Disease and conduction disorders, assisting in exam preparation.

What is the definition of ischemic heart disease?

Ischemic heart disease refers to the condition caused by reduced blood supply to the heart, often leading to chest pain or myocardial infarction.

What is acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

ACS is a spectrum of conditions associated with sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart, typically due to ischemia.

What leads to myocardial infarction (MI)?

MI is caused by prolonged ischemia that leads to irreversible cell death.

What are the main components of the heart structure?

The heart consists of four chambers: right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, and left ventricle, each performing a unique function.

What determines the base and apex of the heart?

The base is the upper part of the heart where major vessels attach, and the apex is the pointed end facing downwards.

Which artery is referred to as the left anterior descending (LAD) artery?

The left anterior descending artery is a branch of the left coronary artery.

What effect does exercise have on coronary circulation?

Exercise increases coronary circulation and helps develop collateral vessels.

What are the three layers of the heart wall?

The three layers are: epicardium (outer layer), myocardium (muscle layer), and endocardium (lines interior).

Describe the function of the right atrium.

The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood returning from the body.

What is the primary function of the left ventricle?

The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body.

What does the pulmonary circuit do?

The pulmonary circuit carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs to pick up oxygen.

What are the phases of the cardiac muscle action potential?

The phases include: Phase 0 (depolarization), Phase 1 (peak), Phase 2 (plateau), Phase 3 (repolarization), and Phase 4 (resting potential).

What does the term refractory period refer to in cardiac muscle?

The refractory period is a phase during which cardiac cells cannot be re-stimulated, allowing the heart to relax.

What is an ECG used for?

ECG is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and can help diagnose various cardiac conditions.

What does a P wave in an ECG represent?

The P wave represents atrial depolarization.

What classification of MI occurs due to stent insertion?

Type 4 MI occurs due to stent insertion within 48 hours.

Define unstable angina.

Unstable angina is characterized by new or increased chest pain not relieved by rest, and is considered a medical emergency.

What differentiates stable angina from unstable angina?

Stable angina occurs predictably and is typically relieved by rest, while unstable angina occurs unexpectedly and continuously.

What is Prinzmetal's angina?

Prinzmetal's angina is a variant form of angina caused by coronary artery spasm, occurring at rest.

What is a common treatment for unstable angina?

Common treatments include nitrates, aspirin, and oxygen therapy.

What does CABG stand for?

CABG stands for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

What are common symptoms of myocardial infarction?

Common symptoms include crushing chest pain, pain radiating to the shoulder or arm, and sweating.

Identify the two main types of myocardial infarction.

The two main types are STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) and NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction).

What is the role of cardiac enzymes in diagnosing MI?

Cardiac enzymes like troponin are released into the blood during myocardial damage and help confirm MI diagnosis.

What is a common complication of myocardial infarction?

Dysrhythmia, which can occur due to ischemic tissues within the heart.

What does

dyspnea

What symptom is characteristic of pericarditis?

Cardiac Tamponade can be a consequence of pericarditis, causing chest pain and pressure.

What causes heart failure in the context of MI?

Heart failure may occur if the heart fails to pump sufficient blood due to damage from MI.

What is the heart's conduction system responsible for?

The conduction system controls the electrical impulses that trigger heartbeats.

Define atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia characterized by irregular and rapid heart rate due to uncoordinated atrial contractions.

What increases the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients?

The absence of normal atrial contractions increases the risk of clot formation, leading to stroke.

What are PVCs?

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats originating in the ventricles.

What is the significance of ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia is a serious condition with rapid and ineffective ventricular contractions, often requiring immediate medical attention.

What can cause ventricular fibrillation?

Ventricular fibrillation may be precipitated by PVCs interrupting the refractory period.

What are common treatments for myocardial infarction?

Treatments include antiplatelet medications, beta-blockers, nitrates, and percutaneous coronary intervention.

What is a cardiac murmur?

A cardiac murmur is an abnormal sound heard during heartbeat, often indicating valvular dysfunction.

What does a T wave represent in an ECG?

The T wave represents ventricular repolarization.

What does the term 'systolic' refer to?

Systolic refers to the phase of contraction when the heart pumps blood.

What is the significance of a diminished pulse pressure?

Diminished pulse pressure may indicate compromised cardiac output or circulation.