2 - Introduction to Cardiovascular Imaging Flashcards
What different methods of cardiac imaging are most commonly used?
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear (PET scans)
- Cardiac MRI
- Cardiac CT
- MRI is best used for imaging …….. ………..
- CT is best for imaging ……..
MRI - soft tissues
CT - bone (and solid structures)
To image the major blood vessels of the body a specialised MRI can be used called …
Contrast-enhanced angiography
Where is a group of vessels called the Circle of Willis found?
At the base of the brain
What are the three layers of a blood vessel? Which layer differs between arteries and veins?
- Tunica interna - endothelium
- Tunica media - smooth muscles and elastic fibres
- Tunica externa - connective tissue
Tunica media is thicker in arteries
How is venous return aided in the deep veins?
Deep veins in the periphery (e.g. lower limbs) run through muscles, the rhythmic contractions help to push blood back up to the heart
What are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the aorta?
Systolic: 110 - 130
Diastolic: 70 - 80
What are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the pulmonary artery?
Systolic: 15 - 25
Diastolic: 8 - 15
What are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the right ventricle?
Systolic: 15 - 25
Diastolic: 0 - 8
What are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the left ventricle?
Systolic: 110 - 130
Diastolic: 4 - 12
The endothelium of blood vessels can produce nitric oxide (NO), what is it’s function?
Vasodilation
During ventricular ejection the aortic pressure increases from ……. mmHg to ……. mmHg
~ 80 mmHg to 120 mmHg
During ventricular ejection, when the pressure begins to drop the ……… valve closes.
On a curve of aortic pressure over time what feature represents this?
Aortic
Dicrotic notch
What are the first branches of the aorta as it leaves the heart?
The right and left coronary arteries (immediately superior to the aortic valve)
How does the aorta help to convert the pulsatile flow from the heart to a constant flow of blood?
Aorta has some elastic properties (compliance), the stretch helps to overcome the pressure changes
The arch of the aorta forms three main branches, what are they (starting with closest to the heart)?
- Brachiocephalic artery
- Left common carotid artery
- Left subclavian artery
The first main branch of the aortic arch, the brachiocephalic artery, splits almost immediately into what two branches?
- Right subclavian artery
- Right common carotid artery
What is the average cardiac output under resting conditions?
4 - 6 litres/min
What is the average heart rate under resting conditions?
60 - 90 beats per minute
What is the average stroke volume under resting conditions?
55 - 83 ml per beat
In exercise what can cardiac output rise to?
20 - 35 litres/min
In exercise what can heart rate rise to?
150 - 200 bpm
In exercise what can stroke volume rise to?
200 ml per beat
Where are the pectinate muscles found?
In the auricles and right atrial wall
