what is pericarditis
inflammation of the pericardium - the sac which surrounds the heart
aetiology of pericarditis
clinical features of pericarditis
what are the pericarditis specific ECG changes
PR depression, widespread saddle ST elevation
Ix and Mx of pericarditis
ECG
what is accelerated hypertension
recent inc in BP to over > 180 and > 110 + papilloedema or retinal haemorrhage
clinical features of accelerated HTN
papilloedema
retinal haemorrhages
signs of end-organ damage - headache, fits, N+V, visual disturbances, chest pain, bleeding due to DIC, microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia
Investigation and treatment of accelerated HTN
medical emergency
same day referral for pt with accelaterd HTN with papilloedema/retinal haemorrhage
aim - reduce BP steadily over 24-48 hours - IV nitroprusside, labetalol or nifadipine
what is pericardial effusion
collection of fluid in the pericardial space
what are the different types of pericardial effusion?
transudate - fluid pushed through capillaries due to high pressure within them
exudate - fluid that leaks around the cells of capillaries due to inflammation
haemopericardium - blood
causes of pericardial effusion
pericarditis MI AKI/CKD malignancy nearby autoimmune conditions
clinical features of pericardial effusion
ix and Mx of pericardial effusion
echo -diagnostic
refer to cardiology
treating underlying cause
pericariocentesis
what are the 2 shockable rhythms?
pulseless ventricular tachycardia
ventricular fibrillation
what are the 2 non-shockable rhythms?
pulseless electrical activity
asystole
what is the sequences of action in cardiac arrest
discover a patient unresponsive and not breathing normally –> call for help –> CPR 30:2 –> attach defib pads + airwya mx + IV access –> assess rhythm (pause CPR for rhythm analysis and pulse check)
what are the reversible causes of cardiac arrest
4Ts
4HS
what is acute left ventricular failure
aetiology of acute left ventricular failure
iatrogenic - aggressive IV fluids in frail people with impaired left ventricular function
sepsis
MI - think if flash pulmonary oedema
arrythmias
clinical features of acute left ventricular failure
signs of underlying causes
if RHS failure as well
ix for acute left ventricular failure
ECG - arrythmias and ischaemias
ABG - low o2, high co2
bloods - FBC, U&Es, LFT, CRP, BNP, Trop
CXR - pulmonary oedema pictures - Kerley B line, cardiomegaly, dilated upper lobe vessels, pleural effusions
ECHO - main measure of left ventricular function is ejection fractions, <40 = LHeart failure
management for acute ventricular failure
A-E approach
PODMAN
Position pt - sit up oxygen Diuretics - furosemide 40mg IV + fluids restrction morphine - consider anti-emetics - consider nitrites - consider
other consideration
what are some causes of secondary hypertension
renal disease - glomerulonephritis, pylonephritis, PCKD)
endocrine disease - Cushing’s, Conn’s, acromegaly, hyperPTH, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism
other
what is chronic cardiac failure?
the ability of the heart to maintain the circulation of blood is impaired as a result of a structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection