Cardiology Flashcards
(160 cards)
What are the common indications for aortic valve replacement?
Severe symptomatic AS/AR
Infective endocarditis
What further investigations would be appropriate in murmur/AF?
ECG
FBC, bloods, cultures
CXR
24hr tape
Echo
What are the possible complications of prosthetic valves?
Infective endocarditis early/late
thromboembolism
Anticoagulation complications
Anaemia (from haemolysis/ endocarditis/bleeding)
Valve failure (heart failure from dehisence, leaking, calcification or stiffening of leaflets)
How might infective endocarditis present in prosthetic valve replacement?
New AV block
Acute heart failure
emoblism
What types of replacement valves are available?
Tissue - xeongraft (porcine/bovine) or homograft (cadaveric)
Mechanical prosthetic
What are the advantages of mechanical valves?
Longer lifespan
but require lifelong anticoag
so better in younger patient
What are the advantages of tissue valves?
anticoag not needed
but shorter lifespan so better in older patients
can be used in IE as more resistant to infection
What does sternotomy scar with no vein harvesting suggest?
valve repair/replacement
surgery for structural heart defect
What does metallic heart sound heard after pulse suggest?
Metallic aortic valve replacement
If aortic valve replacement and no signs of LVH/HTN/CCF, what was likely reason for valve replacement?
Likely aortic regurg
If aortic valve replacement and with signs of LVH/HTN/CCF, what was likely reason for valve replacement?
AS
Differentials for second systolic murmur heard loudest at apex radiating to axilla
AS
MR
Long term management of valve replacement
Anticoag (if metallic)
Serial echos
Auscultation features of AS
High pitched loud ES murmur audible throughout precordium and louest over the aortic area, radiates to carotids louder on expiration
quiet second heart sound
Features that suggest severe AS
Quiet second heart sound
Long duration of murmur
low volume pulse, narrow pressure, slow rising
Forceful apex beat
4th heart sound if LVH
…suggesting significant gradient across valve
What do you want echo in AS to assess
Valve area
Gradient across valve
LV function
Differentials of an ejection systolic murmur
aortic stenosis
aortic sclerosis
HCOM
Differentials of pansystolic murmur
mitral regurg (should radiate to axilla) aortic stenosis (radiates to carotids)
Features of pulmonary stenosis
Younger patient
loudest over pulmonary area
RV heave
Louder on inspiration
Sx ax with AS
SOB
Angina
Syncope
CCF
- any sx refer ?valve replacement
Drug treatment of AS
Main = beta blockers
AVOID - ACEi, nitrates, sildenafil (increase gradient across valve)
Surgical management of AS
Mechanical valve
Tissue valve
TAVI - if not fit for surgery
Indications for mitral valve replacement
Mitral stenosis
Mitral regurgitation
Infective endocarditis
Findings to suggest mitral stenosis
Features of pulmonary HTN
AF



