Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Pulmonary Embolism and Hypertension

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to pulmonary vascular disease, focusing on pulmonary embolism and pulmonary hypertension.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches, often resulting from DVT.

Saddle Embolus

An embolus that lodges in the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery, often quickly fatal.

Virchow's Triad

Three primary factors associated with the formation of DVT: venous stasis, hypercoagulability, and injury to endothelial cells.

Pulmonary Infarction

Condition where an embolus significantly disrupts blood flow causing lung tissue to die.

Clinical Manifestations of Pulmonary Embolism

Includes increased HR, increased RR, sudden onset dyspnea, severe chest pain, anxiety, diaphoresis, cyanosis, and cough/hemoptysis.

Right Ventricular Lift

A sustained lift of the chest wall can be felt along the left sternal border due to elevated pulmonary blood pressure.

D-dimer Blood Test

A blood test used to check for increased levels of plasma protein fibrinogen, with a normal result ruling out blood clots.

Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA)

A CT scan with intravenous contrast, now the first-line test for diagnosing suspected pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Defined as an increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 25 mm Hg at rest.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Also known as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, its cause is unknown.

Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension

Caused directly from another medical problem that impedes blood flow or causes hypoxemia.

Echocardiography in PH Diagnosis

Used to show size, thickness of right ventricle and estimate pressure in pulmonary arteries.

Treatment for Pulmonary Hypertension

Includes treating the underlying cause, diuretics, blood thinners, and inhaled pulmonary vasodilators.

Deadspace Ventilation

Ventilation in excess of perfusion due to a pulmonary embolus.