Cardiovascular Notes

Flashcards covering key terms related to cardiovascular diseases and their management.

Cardiac Myxoma

Benign neoplasm, 80% located in left atrium, can cause mitral valve obstruction and embolization.

Amyloidosis

Infiltrative cardiomyopathy with clinical features affecting renal, cardiac, CNS, GI, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, and skin systems.

Echocardiography

Key diagnostic tool used to visualize cardiac structures and assess heart function.

Syncope

A temporary loss of consciousness often caused by a drop in blood flow to the brain.

Acute Aortic Dissection

A life-threatening condition characterized by severe chest pain, variation in blood pressure between arms, and requires immediate surgical intervention.

Coarctation of the Aorta

Congenital condition leading to hypertension in the upper body and diminished perfusion in the lower body.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow, often presenting with intermittent claudication.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score

A clinical prediction tool used to estimate the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Device used for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in certain high-risk patients.

Antithrombotic Therapy

Prescribed to prevent thromboembolic events in patients with mechanical heart valves.

Cardiac Tamponade

Condition where fluid accumulation in the pericardial space exerts pressure on the heart and impairs its function.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Condition where the mitral valve doesn't close properly, which can lead to mitral regurgitation.

Pericardial Effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity, potentially leading to cardiac tamponade.

QT Interval Prolongation

A prolongation of the heart's electrical cycle, which can lead to serious arrhythmias.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Transient heart condition often triggered by stress, characterized by temporary weakening of the heart muscle.

Rheumatic Fever

An inflammatory disease that can develop from untreated strep throat, leading to rheumatic heart disease.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Congenital heart defect characterized by an opening in the atrial septum allowing left-to-right shunt.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Genetic condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle leading to potential heart failure and arrhythmias.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT)

Combination of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor used to prevent thrombotic events after stent placement.

Cor Pulmonale

Right heart failure secondary to lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.

Digoxin Toxicity

Adverse effects from digoxin include gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological dysfunction, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Nitroglycerin

Med used to relieve angina by vasodilation of coronary arteries.

Statin Therapy

Cholesterol-lowering medications that significantly decrease cardiovascular risk.

Angioedema

Swelling caused by increased vascular permeability, frequently associated with ACE inhibitors.

Postprandial Hypotension

Drop in blood pressure occurring after eating, leading to dizziness or syncope.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Program designed to improve cardiovascular health post-myocardial infarction.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

Term encompassing unstable angina and myocardial infarction due to insufficient blood supply to the heart.

Bacterial Endocarditis

Infection of the heart valves or endocardium, often necessitating antibiotic prophylaxis for at-risk patients.