Cardiology

Angina

• Nitroglycerin is the emergency drug of choice for angina. It helps to relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels. [Q3266]
• Angina pectoris is characterized by crushing pain in the chest radiating to the arm and relieved by sublingual glyceryl trinitrate. This condition results from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. [Q3541]
• The recommended dose of aspirin for angina is 75-325 mg daily. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attack. [Q3618]
• Administering nitroglycerin is the appropriate immediate response to angina. This medication alleviates chest pain by improving blood flow. [Q4012]
• Morphine is used to control severe angina pain due to its analgesic and vasodilatory effects. This medication provides significant pain relief during angina attacks. [Q4107]
• Nitrous oxide and oxygen, along with glyceryl trinitrate, are used as a treatment for angina (chest pain). This combination provides pain relief and reduces cardiac workload. [Q4435]

Arrhythmias

• Atrial contractions pump blood into the ventricles, maintaining efficient blood circulation. This action ensures that the ventricles are filled with blood before they contract. [Q3317]
• Anticoagulation therapy is recommended to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This treatment reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the atria. [Q3318]
• Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly encountered dysrhythmia. This irregular heart rhythm increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. [Q3319]

Cardiac Arrest

• Irregular heart rhythm is a common feature during cardiac arrest. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical for survival. [Q3085]

Heart Failure

• Ankle edema and dyspnea are classic signs of cardiac failure. These symptoms indicate fluid retention and impaired cardiac function. [Q0030]
• Orthopnea, difficulty breathing while lying flat, is relieved by sleeping on multiple pillows. This symptom is commonly associated with heart failure. [Q3517]
• Extreme breathlessness is a common symptom of left ventricular failure. This condition results from the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively. [Q3708]
• Orthopnea, needing multiple pillows to sleep, is often associated with heart failure. This symptom indicates increased pressure in the lungs. [Q4547]
• Peripheral edema is a common sign of right ventricular failure. This condition results from the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation. [Q4592]
• Pulmonary edema is a sign of left ventricular insufficiency. This condition leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. [Q4683]
• Jugular venous pressure is an indirect measure of right atrial pressure and reflects right heart function. Elevated JVP indicates right heart dysfunction. [Q5445]

Hypertension

• Calming the patient can help reduce elevated systolic blood pressure, especially if anxiety or stress is a contributing factor. Stress management is essential in controlling hypertension. [Q0595]
• Elevated diastolic pressure often indicates an underlying systemic issue that needs to be investigated and managed appropriately. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective blood pressure control. [Q0596]
• Neurotransmitters typically control the constriction of arterioles. This regulation is important for maintaining blood pressure and tissue perfusion. [Q3521]
• Vasopressin increases blood pressure by promoting vasoconstriction and water retention. This hormone plays a crucial role in fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. [Q5359]
• Vasopressin is secreted by the pituitary gland, not the kidney, and it acts as a vasoconstrictor. This hormone helps maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. [Q5360]

Infective Endocarditis

• Endocarditis is the inflammation of the heart valves. This condition can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. [Q3675]
• Janeway lesions are associated with mitral valve problems and endocarditis. These lesions are painless, erythematous spots on the palms and soles. [Q3866]
• Splinter hemorrhages are indicative of mitral valve problems or bacterial endocarditis. These are small, red or brown lines under the nails. [Q5453]
• Janeway lesions and splinter hemorrhages are associated with endocarditis and systemic lupus erythematosus. These signs indicate systemic involvement in these conditions. [Q5623]

Myocardial Infarction

• Heart attack is a critical possible cause of severe chest pain during treatment. Immediate medical attention is required to manage this life-threatening condition. [Q3099]
• It is safest to treat a patient under general anesthesia only with clearance from a cardiologist post-myocardial infarction. This ensures that the patient’s heart condition is stable. [Q3182]
• Myocardial infarction is characterized by crushing pain in the chest accompanied by vomiting. This condition results from a blockage in the coronary arteries. [Q3540]
• Administration of aspirin and nitroglycerin is a standard immediate management for myocardial infarction. These medications help reduce the severity of the heart attack. [Q5397]
• The critical period after a myocardial infarction during which no procedure should be carried out is 6 weeks. This allows the heart to recover sufficiently before undergoing any stress. [Q5588]
• Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent in myocardial infarction management. This reduces the risk of further clot formation. [Q5726]

Other

• Antibiotic prophylaxis is required only during dental procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis in patients with a mitral valve defect. This precaution helps prevent infection. [Q3279]
• Prophylactic antibiotic coverage is generally not required for coronary bypass operations. This procedure does not typically increase the risk of bacterial endocarditis. [Q3526]
• The resting membrane potential at the SA node is approximately -60 mV. This potential is crucial for initiating the heart’s electrical activity. [Q4650]
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough are common symptoms of pulmonary embolism. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. [Q4682]
• The pulmonary valves have three semilunar cusps. These structures help regulate blood flow between the heart and lungs. [Q4684]
• Rheumatic fever can cause cardiac effects, particularly in conjunction with streptococcal infection. This condition can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves. [Q4734]
• Stroke volume is the volume of blood pumped from the left ventricle per beat. This measurement is important for assessing cardiac function. [Q4839]
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured berry aneurysm is a common cause of stroke in young people. This condition requires urgent medical intervention. [Q5093]
• The large heart sounds are due to the closing of the aorta and the pulmonary valve. These sounds are important for diagnosing heart conditions. [Q5185]
• The main risk in Kawasaki disease is indeed the risk of cardiac complications, which can occur even with treatment. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing these complications. [Q5205]
• Alpha-blockers (phentolamine) can counteract norepinephrine’s effects. These medications help manage conditions like hypertension and pheochromocytoma. [Q5249]
• Tightness in the chest can occur in various conditions, including anxiety attacks and heart attacks. Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause. [Q5277]
• Treatment for Basilar Artery Aneurysm typically involves endovascular therapy or surgical clipping. These procedures help prevent rupture and manage the aneurysm. [Q5301]
• The heart can maintain a rate of up to 100 beats per minute due to its intrinsic conduction system. This system ensures that the heart continues to beat without external control. [Q5343]
• Hemoglobin combines with O2 to distribute it to the tissues. This protein is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. [Q5437]
• When hemoglobin binds to carbon monoxide, it forms carboxyhemoglobin. This combination reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. [Q5449]
• Hemoglobin combined with oxygen forms oxyhemoglobin. This form of hemoglobin is responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues. [Q5450]
• Heart rate increases during exercise to meet the higher oxygen demand. This physiological response ensures that muscles receive adequate oxygen during physical activity. [Q5457]
• Increased oxygen demand primarily drives the increase in pulse rate during exercise. This demand is met by increasing the heart rate. [Q5458]
• Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic antagonist. This medication is used to manage conditions like hypertension and arrhythmias. [Q5475]
• Stroke volume is calculated by the difference between end-systolic and end-diastolic volume. This measurement helps assess cardiac function. [Q5476]
• The chronotropic effect refers to a change in heart rate. This effect is influenced by the autonomic nervous system and various medications. [Q5478]
• The inotropic effect refers to a change in the force of contraction of the heart muscle. This effect is important for managing heart failure and other cardiac conditions. [Q5497]

Cardiovascular Diseases

Angina

• Nitroglycerin is the emergency drug of choice for angina. It helps to relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels. [Q3266]
• Angina pectoris is characterized by crushing pain in the chest radiating to the arm and relieved by sublingual glyceryl trinitrate. This condition results from reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. [Q3541]
• The recommended dose of aspirin for angina is 75-325 mg daily. Aspirin helps prevent blood clots and reduces the risk of heart attack. [Q3618]
• Administering nitroglycerin is the appropriate immediate response to angina. This medication alleviates chest pain by improving blood flow. [Q4012]
• Morphine is used to control severe angina pain due to its analgesic and vasodilatory effects. This medication provides significant pain relief during angina attacks. [Q4107]
• Nitrous oxide and oxygen, along with glyceryl trinitrate, are used as a treatment for angina (chest pain). This combination provides pain relief and reduces cardiac workload. [Q4435]

Arrhythmias

• Atrial contractions pump blood into the ventricles, maintaining efficient blood circulation. This action ensures that the ventricles are filled with blood before they contract. [Q3317]
• Anticoagulation therapy is recommended to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. This treatment reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the atria. [Q3318]
• Atrial fibrillation is the most commonly encountered dysrhythmia. This irregular heart rhythm increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. [Q3319]

Cardiac Arrest

• Irregular heart rhythm is a common feature during cardiac arrest. Prompt recognition and treatment are critical for survival. [Q3085]

Heart Failure

• Ankle edema and dyspnea are classic signs of cardiac failure. These symptoms indicate fluid retention and impaired cardiac function. [Q0030]
• Orthopnea, difficulty breathing while lying flat, is relieved by sleeping on multiple pillows. This symptom is commonly associated with heart failure. [Q3517]
• Extreme breathlessness is a common symptom of left ventricular failure. This condition results from the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively. [Q3708]
• Orthopnea, needing multiple pillows to sleep, is often associated with heart failure. This symptom indicates increased pressure in the lungs. [Q4547]
• Peripheral edema is a common sign of right ventricular failure. This condition results from the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation. [Q4592]
• Pulmonary edema is a sign of left ventricular insufficiency. This condition leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. [Q4683]
• Jugular venous pressure is an indirect measure of right atrial pressure and reflects right heart function. Elevated JVP indicates right heart dysfunction. [Q5445]

Hypertension

• Calming the patient can help reduce elevated systolic blood pressure, especially if anxiety or stress is a contributing factor. Stress management is essential in controlling hypertension. [Q0595]
• Elevated diastolic pressure often indicates an underlying systemic issue that needs to be investigated and managed appropriately. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effective blood pressure control. [Q0596]
• Neurotransmitters typically control the constriction of arterioles. This regulation is important for maintaining blood pressure and tissue perfusion. [Q3521]
• Vasopressin increases blood pressure by promoting vasoconstriction and water retention. This hormone plays a crucial role in fluid balance and blood pressure regulation. [Q5359]
• Vasopressin is secreted by the pituitary gland, not the kidney, and it acts as a vasoconstrictor. This hormone helps maintain blood pressure and fluid balance. [Q5360]

Infective Endocarditis

• Endocarditis is the inflammation of the heart valves. This condition can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. [Q3675]
• Janeway lesions are associated with mitral valve problems and endocarditis. These lesions are painless, erythematous spots on the palms and soles. [Q3866]
• Splinter hemorrhages are indicative of mitral valve problems or bacterial endocarditis. These are small, red or brown lines under the nails. [Q5453]
• Janeway lesions and splinter hemorrhages are associated with endocarditis and systemic lupus erythematosus. These signs indicate systemic involvement in these conditions. [Q5623]

Myocardial Infarction

• Heart attack is a critical possible cause of severe chest pain during treatment. Immediate medical attention is required to manage this life-threatening condition. [Q3099]
• It is safest to treat a patient under general anesthesia only with clearance from a cardiologist post-myocardial infarction. This ensures that the patient’s heart condition is stable. [Q3182]
• Myocardial infarction is characterized by crushing pain in the chest accompanied by vomiting. This condition results from a blockage in the coronary arteries. [Q3540]
• Administration of aspirin and nitroglycerin is a standard immediate management for myocardial infarction. These medications help reduce the severity of the heart attack. [Q5397]
• The critical period after a myocardial infarction during which no procedure should be carried out is 6 weeks. This allows the heart to recover sufficiently before undergoing any stress. [Q5588]
• Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent in myocardial infarction management. This reduces the risk of further clot formation. [Q5726]

Other

• Antibiotic prophylaxis is required only during dental procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis in patients with a mitral valve defect. This precaution helps prevent infection. [Q3279]
• Prophylactic antibiotic coverage is generally not required for coronary bypass operations. This procedure does not typically increase the risk of bacterial endocarditis. [Q3526]
• The resting membrane potential at the SA node is approximately -60 mV. This potential is crucial for initiating the heart’s electrical activity. [Q4650]
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough are common symptoms of pulmonary embolism. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications. [Q4682]
• The pulmonary valves have three semilunar cusps. These structures help regulate blood flow between the heart and lungs. [Q4684]
• Rheumatic fever can cause cardiac effects, particularly in conjunction with streptococcal infection. This condition can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves. [Q4734]
• Stroke volume is the volume of blood pumped from the left ventricle per beat. This measurement is important for assessing cardiac function. [Q4839]
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured berry aneurysm is a common cause of stroke in young people. This condition requires urgent medical intervention. [Q5093]
• The large heart sounds are due to the closing of the aorta and the pulmonary valve. These sounds are important for diagnosing heart conditions. [Q5185]
• The main risk in Kawasaki disease is indeed the risk of cardiac complications, which can occur even with treatment. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing these complications. [Q5205]
• Alpha-blockers (phentolamine) can counteract norepinephrine’s effects. These medications help manage conditions like hypertension and pheochromocytoma. [Q5249]
• Tightness in the chest can occur in various conditions, including anxiety attacks and heart attacks. Proper diagnosis is essential to determine the underlying cause. [Q5277]
• Treatment for Basilar Artery Aneurysm typically involves endovascular therapy or surgical clipping. These procedures help prevent rupture and manage the aneurysm. [Q5301]
• The heart can maintain a rate of up to 100 beats per minute due to its intrinsic conduction system. This system ensures that the heart continues to beat without external control. [Q5343]
• Hemoglobin combines with O2 to distribute it to the tissues. This protein is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. [Q5437]
• When hemoglobin binds to carbon monoxide, it forms carboxyhemoglobin. This combination reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. [Q5449]
• Hemoglobin combined with oxygen forms oxyhemoglobin. This form of hemoglobin is responsible for delivering oxygen to the tissues. [Q5450]
• Heart rate increases during exercise to meet the higher oxygen demand. This physiological response ensures that muscles receive adequate oxygen during physical activity. [Q5457]
• Increased oxygen demand primarily drives the increase in pulse rate during exercise. This demand is met by increasing the heart rate. [Q5458]
• Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic antagonist. This medication is used to manage conditions like hypertension and arrhythmias. [Q5475]
• Stroke volume is calculated by the difference between end-systolic and end-diastolic volume. This measurement helps assess cardiac function. [Q5476]
• The chronotropic effect refers to a change in heart rate. This effect is influenced by the autonomic nervous system and various medications. [Q5478]
• The inotropic effect refers to a change in the force of contraction of the heart muscle. This effect is important for managing heart failure and other cardiac conditions. [Q5497]