Biostatistics and Cardiology Key Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to biostatistics and cardiology topics from the lecture notes.

Hazards Ratio

Measure of how much effect something actually had; a value of 1.00 means no difference between two groups.

Protective Effect

A ratio < 1 indicates a protective effect.

Detrimental Effect

A ratio > 1 indicates a detrimental effect.

Statistical Significance

If the confidence interval of the hazard ratio includes 1.00 (null value), then the effect wasn’t statistically significant.

LDL Levels for Patients with CHD

LDL levels should be kept < 100 in patients with known CHD risk equivalent.

Thiazide Diuretic

Initial drug of choice for newly diagnosed hypertension; common side effect is photosensitivity.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Considered a CHD equivalent and a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Aneurysm Surgery Cutoff

For AAA, the cutoff for surgery is > 5 cm diameter.

Amlodipine Side Effects

Side effects include fluid retention and urticarial rash.

AF Management

For paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, either rate or rhythm control can be effective if asymptomatic.

Fibrinogen Levels

Fibrinogen > 3.43 is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia

Defined as >= 3 consecutive ventricular beats with a rate > 120 lasting < 30 sec.

CHF Therapy

First-line therapy in congestive heart failure is ACE inhibitors.

Digoxin Toxicity

Symptoms include N/V, anorexia, confusion, and cardiac abnormalities.

Warfarin Management

For INR levels, management involves holding the drug or administering vitamin K depending on the level.

Hypertensive Crisis

Look for a very high blood pressure; could cause flash pulmonary edema.

Cushing's Disease

Presents with a range of symptoms including hypertension, hyperglycemia, and weakness.

Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate

Multifactorial disorder associated with teratogenic agents.

Turner’s Syndrome

Features include short stature, hypogonadism, and increased risk for cardiac abnormalities.