Key Concepts in Cardiovascular Physiology

These flashcards cover key concepts concerning cardiovascular physiology and conditions related to cardiogenic shock, helping students in their exam review.

What is cardiogenic shock?

A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, often due to myocardial infarction.

What can result from myocardial infarction?

Cardiogenic shock.

What is a cause of cardiogenic shock?

Myocardial infarction.

What is increased cardiac output's role in cardiogenic shock?

It does not cause cardiogenic shock; rather, the shock results from inadequate cardiac output.

What happens during increased sympathetic outflow to the heart?

It usually increases heart rate and strength of contraction, which may help in some cardiovascular conditions but not in cardiogenic shock.

What do parasympathetic antagonists do in regards to heart function?

They inhibit parasympathetic activity, potentially increasing heart rate but are not a cause of cardiogenic shock.

When can pulmonary complications arise?

In various cardiac conditions including cardiogenic shock.

What is a common effect of myocardial infarction?

Potential development of cardiogenic shock.

What main factors can lead to impaired cardiac output?

Myocardial infarction, increased afterload, and cardiomyopathy.

How does myocardial infarction impact the heart's function?

Reduces the heart’s ability to pump effectively.

What does an increased workload on the heart lead to?

Potential heart failure or cardiogenic shock.

What is the purpose of sympathetic stimulation on the heart?

To enhance heart rate and contractility.

What happens to cardiac function during severe stress situations?

Increased sympathetic activity can occur.

What are common outcomes of cardiogenic shock?

Cold, clammy skin, hypotension, altered mental status.

What is a typical treatment option for cardiogenic shock?

Fluids, medications to increase heart contractility, and possibly mechanical support.

What is the role of fluid therapy in managing cardiogenic shock?

To improve preload and cardiac output.

Can cardiogenic shock result from other heart conditions?

Yes, such as severe arrhythmias or congestive heart failure.

What monitoring is crucial in a patient with suspected cardiogenic shock?

Vital signs, cardiac output, and urine output.

What heart rate changes can indicate cardiogenic shock?

Tachycardia, or an abnormal bradycardic response.

How does pulmonary congestion relate to cardiogenic shock?

It can arise from backward failure of the heart due to low output.

What diagnostic tool is vital for assessing cardiogenic shock?

Electrocardiogram (ECG) to identify ischemia or infarction.

What is the outcome of untreated cardiogenic shock?

Potentially fatal due to multi-organ failure.

What is the significance of rapid diagnosis in cardiogenic shock?

To initiate timely treatment and improve survival.

What role does patient history play in cardiogenic shock diagnosis?

Vital for understanding risk factors like coronary artery disease.

What lifestyle modifications can help prevent cardiogenic shock?

Healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing risk factors for heart disease.

What diagnostic test evaluates heart structure and function in suspected cardiogenic shock?

Echocardiogram.

What can elevated cardiac enzymes indicate?

Possible myocardial infarction contributing to cardiogenic shock.

What types of medications might be used to treat cardiogenic shock?

Inotropes, diuretics, and vasopressors.

How can patient positioning influence management of cardiogenic shock?

Sitting up may help with breathing efforts and venous return.

What long-term treatments can help reduce the risk of cardiogenic shock recurrence?

Medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and regular follow-up care.

What class of drugs can improve heart contractility in cardiogenic shock?

Inotropes.

What laboratory tests are essential in the evaluation of cardiogenic shock?

Electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, and troponin.

What psychological impacts can cardiogenic shock have on a patient?

Anxiety, fear of health deterioration, and depression.

What is the immediate step in treating a patient presenting with cardiogenic shock?

Stabilizing the airway, breathing, and circulation.

What can be a preventive measure for at-risk patients to avoid cardiogenic shock?

Management of underlying heart disease.

What is the relationship between heart rate and stroke volume in cardiogenic shock?

Increased heart rate may occur while stroke volume remains low.

What cardiovascular condition is often a precursor to cardiogenic shock?

Heart failure.

What does it mean when a patient exhibits skin mottling?

It can indicate poor peripheral perfusion associated with cardiogenic shock.

What key sign points to inadequate tissue perfusion in cardiogenic shock?

Decreased urine output.

How might a patient’s mental status change during cardiogenic shock?

Altered due to hypoperfusion of the brain.

What factors are important in determining prognosis for cardiogenic shock patients?

Timeliness and effectiveness of treatment received.

What complication can arise from aggressive fluid resuscitation in cardiogenic shock?

Pulmonary edema.

What is the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in severe cardiogenic shock?

To restore effective circulation in cases of cardiac arrest.

How can cardiogenic shock affect the patient's overall prognosis?

Usually leads to a poor prognosis if not managed promptly.

What imaging study can assess the need for surgical intervention in cardiogenic shock?

Coronary angiography.

What is a standard supportive care strategy for a patient in cardiogenic shock?

Monitoring and optimizing oxygenation.

How does the body's response to shock alter metabolic demands?

It increases metabolic demands as tissues require more oxygen.

What parameters are often monitored closely in a cardiogenic shock patient?

Blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output.

What medical history aspects should be reviewed in a patient with cardiogenic shock?

Previous cardiac events, comorbidities, and medication use.

What role does the multidisciplinary team play in the management of cardiogenic shock?

Each member contributes varying expertise for comprehensive care.

What identification technique is crucial when assessing the cause of cardiogenic shock?

History taking and physical examination.

What can continuous ECG monitoring reveal in cardiogenic shock cases?

Arrhythmias that may complicate the clinical picture.

What is the importance of immediate intervention in cardiogenic shock?

To prevent progression to multi-organ failure and death.

What role do beta-blockers play in long-term management following cardiogenic shock?

To reduce heart workload and prevent further ischemic events.

How does a timely diagnosis of cardiogenic shock benefit patient outcomes?

It supports the initiation of life-saving treatments and interventions.