CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is Acute Coronary Syndrome?
Encompasses a range of conditions including Unstable Angina, Non ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Most likely due to a sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle.
How does Acute Coronary Syndrome present?
Severe pain in the chest and/or in the arms, back or jaw; sweating; nausea; vomiting; breathlessness; feeling faint.
What is Left Heart Failure?
When the left ventricle weakens and cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Risk factors include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes.
What is Right Heart Failure?
When the right ventricle of the heart cannot effectively pump blood to the lungs. Risk factors include lung diseases, high blood pressure in the lungs, COPD, and pulmonary embolism.
What are the symptoms of Right Sided Heart Failure?
Shortness of breath when lying down, fatigue and weakness, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, rapid or irregular heartbeat, wheezing.
What are the symptoms of Left Sided Heart Failure?
Shortness of breath especially when lying down, coughing (possibly with frothy, pink tinged mucus), fatigue and trouble concentrating.
What is Pericarditis?
Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium, causing chest pain, often sharp and stabbing, that worsens with lying down or deep breathing.
What are the symptoms of Pericarditis?
Chest pain, fever, sweating, chills, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling faint.
What are the risk factors for Pericarditis?
Infections, autoimmune conditions, cancer or kidney failure, trauma to the chest, heart surgery, and certain medications.
How does Pericarditis present on an ECG?
Widespread ST elevation and PR depression in most limb leads (I, II, III, aVL, aVF) and precordial leads (V2-V6). Reciprocal ST depression and PR elevation in aVR. Sinus tachycardia and T wave flattening.
