Cardiovascular Notes

These flashcards cover essential concepts and details from the cardiovascular lecture notes, focusing on risk factors, management strategies, and treatment guidelines.

What are non-modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors?

Non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be changed, such as age, gender, and family history.

How does age factor into cardiovascular risk assessment?

Age is a non-modifiable risk factor considered in the Aus CVD Risk Calculator, primarily used for individuals aged 45 to 79.

What defines premature cardiovascular disease in family history?

CVD is considered premature if it occurs in a first-degree male relative before age 55 or a first-degree female relative before age 65.

What is the increased risk associated with a family history of premature CVD?

It's associated with a 13% increased estimated 5-year cardiovascular disease risk in men and 4% in women.

What demographic factor influences cardiovascular risk assessment in Australia?

Indigenous status (First Nations people) is associated with increased risk and may lead to earlier screening.

What constitutes modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors?

Modifiable risk factors can change through lifestyle alterations or pharmacotherapy, including hypertension, lipid profile, diabetes, smoking, socioeconomic status, and others.

Why is smoking cessation important for cardiovascular health?

Smoking cessation is critical in managing and reducing cardiovascular risk, as smoking is a known risk factor in the CV risk calculator.

What are key components of lifestyle modification for cardiovascular health?

Increasing physical activity, improving nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight are vital components.

What does the Aus CVD Risk Calculator assess?

It produces a CVD risk estimate and considers factors like age, lipid profile, diabetes presence, smoking status, and medications.

What types of conditions are captured by the Aus CVD Risk Calculator?

Conditions such as myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, and congestive heart failure.

What is the significance of classifying individuals into risk categories using the calculator?

Risk categories help guide management strategies and communication of risk to patients.

What classifications does the Aus CVD Risk Calculator provide?

High risk (>10%), intermediate risk (5-9%), and low risk (<5%).

Which groups are automatically considered high risk for CVD?

Individuals with symptomatic cardiovascular disease or moderate to severe chronic kidney disease.

What is an important reason for treating high blood pressure?

To reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent target organ damage.

What type of damage can prolonged high blood pressure cause?

Target organ damage including issues with the eyes, brain, kidneys, and heart.

What is the recommended method for measuring blood pressure?

Patients should be seated and relaxed, recent exertion/stimulant avoidance is essential.

How should blood pressure measurements be confirmed?

Confirm hypertension at a subsequent visit to avoid misdiagnosis from isolated readings.

What is white coat hypertension?

Elevated blood pressure readings in clinical settings due to stress.

What lifestyle modifications can help reduce blood pressure?

Reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, and modifying diet are key modifications.

What are the risks of thiazide diuretics?

Increased risk of new-onset diabetes, electrolyte disturbances, and potential gout.

What differentiates Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers from non-DHPs?

Dihydropyridines are primarily vasodilators, while non-DHPs slow heart rate and reduce contractility.

How is hypertension treated in pregnancy?

Methyldopa is a first-line treatment due to its safety profile; some other antihypertensives may also be used.

What are common symptoms of cardiac ischaemia?

Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, and sweating.

What are the aims in managing stable angina?

Relieve acute attacks, prevent episodes, improve exercise tolerance, and improve prognosis.

What is the significance of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after stent insertion?

DAPT reduces the risk of stent thrombosis and subsequent cardiovascular events.

What differentiates NSTEMI from unstable angina?

NSTEMI shows evidence of myocardial damage, indicated by elevated cardiac enzymes, whereas unstable angina does not.

What are the common medications for secondary prevention after an MI?

Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and antiplatelet agents like aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors.

What are the potential risks of using NSAIDs in patients on warfarin?

Increased risk of bleeding due to both drugs affecting different pathways of coagulation.

What are the primary management goals for acute STEMI?

Relieve pain, reperfuse the myocardium, prevent arrhythmias, and limit infarct size.

What factors can affect the duration of DAPT for a stent?

Risks of bleeding versus risks of stent thrombosis depend on patient characteristics.

Why may a benign hypertensive emergency require urgent management?

To prevent significant organ damage that can lead to life-threatening complications.

What considerations must be made when treating DVT?

Balancing anticoagulation with preventing thrombus formation versus risk of bleeding.

What describes the management of NSTEACS?

Risk stratification to determine treatment similarities to STEMI but without thrombolytics.

What is the difference between drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare metal stents (BMS)?

DES release drugs to inhibit tissue proliferation, while BMS have quicker endothelialization.