Must Knows Flashcards
(55 cards)
What does pulsus parvus et tardus indicate?
Severe aortic stenosis (AS)
What characterizes an anacrotic pulse?
Slow, notched, or interrupted upstroke with shrill or shudder
Indicates aortic stenosis (AS)
What is Corrigan’s pulse?
Water-hammer pulse with a sharp rise and rapid fall-off
Indicates chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR)
What does a bifid or bisferiens pulse indicate?
Two systolic peaks
Indicates advanced aortic regurgitation (AR), hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), or intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) with a second pulse being diastolic
What is pulsus paradoxus?
A drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) > 10 mmHg with inspiration
Indicates cardiac tamponade, massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), hemorrhagic shock, severe COPD, or tension pneumothorax
What does pulsus alternans indicate?
Beat-to-beat variability of pulse amplitude
Indicates severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction
What is the thrill location associated with mitral regurgitation (MR)?
Cardiac apex
Thrills are vibrations felt on the chest wall due to turbulent blood flow.
Where is the thrill from aortic stenosis (AS) located?
From the precordium to the right side of the neck
AS causes specific patterns of blood flow turbulence leading to this sensation.
What is the thrill location associated with pulmonic stenosis?
From the precordium to the left side of the neck
Pulmonic stenosis results in characteristic vibrations on the chest wall.
Where is the thrill from a ventricular septal defect (VSD) typically felt?
Third and fourth intercostal spaces near the left sternal border
VSD creates a significant left-to-right shunt that produces notable thrills.
What conditions are associated with a loud S1?
- Early phases of rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS)
- Hyperkinetic circulatory states
- Short PR intervals
A loud S1 indicates increased pressure or rapid closure of the mitral valve.
What causes a soft S1?
- Later stages of mitral stenosis (rigid/calcified leaflets)
- Beta-blocker use
- Long PR interval
- Left ventricular dysfunction
A soft S1 may indicate decreased pressure or delayed closure of the mitral valve.
What conditions can lead to reduced S1 and S2?
- Mechanical ventilation
- COPD
- Obesity
- Pneumothorax
- Pericardial effusion
These conditions can dampen heart sounds due to various physiological factors.
What does a normal or widened S1 indicate?
Complete right bundle branch block (RBBB), young patients
Normal or widened S1 suggests a variation in electrical conduction affecting heart sounds.
What does reversed S1 indicate?
- Severe mitral stenosis
- Left bundle branch block (LBBB)
- Left atrial myxoma
- Wide: RBBB
Reversed S1 often points to significant cardiac pathology.
What is normal or physiologic splitting of S2?
Increase during inspiration, decrease during expiration
This is a normal finding due to changes in intrathoracic pressure affecting valve closure timing.
What conditions are associated with a widened split S2?
- Right bundle branch block (RBBB)
- Severe mitral regurgitation
A widened split S2 indicates delayed closure of the pulmonic valve relative to the aortic valve.
What does a narrow or absent split S2 indicate?
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
This finding suggests increased pressure in the pulmonary circulation affecting valve closure timing.
What is fixed splitting of S2 associated with?
Secundum atrial septal defect
Fixed splitting is a characteristic finding in certain congenital heart defects.
What conditions are associated with reversed or paradoxical splitting of S2?
- LBBB
- Right ventricular pacing
- Severe aortic stenosis
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
- Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
Reversed splitting occurs when the aortic valve closes later than the pulmonic valve.
What are the therapeutic goals in HFpEF?
Improve symptoms and exercise tolerance
This includes lifestyle changes, control of congestion, stabilizing heart rhythm, BP control, and managing comorbidities.
List some lifestyle changes that can help manage HFpEF.
- Dietary modifications
- Regular physical activity
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
What comorbidities should be managed in HFpEF to prevent disease progression?
- Obesity
- Obstructive lung disease
- OSA
- Diabetes/insulin resistance
- Anemia
- Iron deficiency
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
What neurohormonal antagonists show no benefit in HFpEF?
- ARBs
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Digoxin
- Nitrates