Cardiovascular Overview

Question 1

where does conduction of the heart begin?

Answer 1

sinoatrial node

Question 2

T/F arrhythmias are often asymptomatic

Answer 2

true

Question 3

what is the most common arrhythmia?

Answer 3

A fib

Question 4

which arrhythmias are tachycardic?

Answer 4

a fib, a flutter, v fib, v tachycardia

Question 5

which arrhythmias are bradycardic?

Answer 5

sick sinus syndrome
conduction blocks

Question 6

how do we diagnose a fib on an ECG?

Answer 6

absence of P wave, narrow QRS complex

Question 7

what is the highest cause of a fib?

Answer 7

hypertension

Question 8

which diseased population group is at a 40% increased risk of developing a fib?

Answer 8

diabetes mellitus

Question 9

what are other causes of a fib other than hypertension and diabetes?

Answer 9

CVD
obesity
physical inactivity
smoking
excess alcohol

Question 10

what are symptoms of a fib?

Answer 10

fatigue, fluttering or “thumping” in chest. dizziness, dyspnea, chest pain, or asymptomatic

Question 11

define paroxysmal fibrillation

Answer 11

when heart returns to normal sinus rhythm on its own within 7 days of starting a fib

Question 12

define persistent afib

Answer 12

afib lasting longer than 7 days which will require treatment

Question 13

define long-standing afib

Answer 13

afib longer than 12 months

Question 14

define permanent afib

Answer 14

indefinite afib, no more attempts to restore normal rhythm

Question 15

define nonvalvular afib

Answer 15

afib not caused by a heart valve issue (ex. hyperthyroidism)

Question 16

what are rate control drug classes for afib?

Answer 16

CCBs
beta blockers
digoxin

Question 17

what are rhythm control drug classes for afib?

Answer 17

amiodarone
flecainide
dofetilide

Question 18

what are anticoag drug classes for afib?

Answer 18

vitamin K antags (warfarin)
direct oral anticoags (DOACs) (eliquis)
aspirin

Question 19

a CHADS VASc score 2 or greater for men and 3 or greater for women indicates?

Answer 19

anticoag therapy recommended

Question 20

a CHADS VASc score of 1 for men and 2 for women indicates?

Answer 20

anticoag therapy may be considered

Question 21

a CHADS VASc score of 0 for men and 1 for women indicates?

Answer 21

anticoag therapy not recommended

Question 22

how do you define what the CHADS VASc tool is?

Answer 22

it is a tool used to assess risk of ischemic stroke among pts with afib

Question 23

what drug is cardiotoxic and has a high incidence of causing heart failure?

Answer 23

methamphetamine

Question 24

T/F heart failure develops slowly over time

Answer 24

true

Question 25

define ejection fraction % and what is the normal percentage

Answer 25

percentage of blood volume ejected from left ventricle during systole, normal is 45-65%

Question 26

what is Reduced HFrEF and what percentage is ejected? what is it also called?

Answer 26

heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. 40% or less systolic HF

Question 27

what is the percentage range to be considered borderline/intermediate HFmrEF?

Answer 27

40-49%

Question 28

what is the percentage ejected for preserved HFpEF? what is it also called?

Answer 28

50% or more diastolic HF

Question 29

what are symptoms of HF? what are the F.A.C.E.S of heart failure symptoms?

Answer 29

orthopnea (Discomfort when breathing while lying down flat) Fatigue, Activity limitation, Congestion, Edema, Shortness of breath

Question 30

how would a chest x-ray diagnose HF?

Answer 30

you would see an increase in heart size

Question 31

how does an echocardiogram diagnose HF?

Answer 31

helps us determine ejection fraction

Question 32

*drugs that treat HF include hydralazine and isosorbide

Answer 32

.