Are You a Cardio-Respiratory Expert?

Summary of Common Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions

• Acute bronchitis is viral and does not have contraindications. It can be relieved with bronchodilators, hydration, and lifestyle changes to strengthen immunity. COPD and bronchiectasis are risk factors.
• COPD patients should avoid prolonged prone position and drops. Referral to a GP is necessary for monitoring, smoking cessation, nutrition, and breathing rehab.
• Asthma patients need medication and ambulance if symptoms worsen. Long-term corticosteroid usage can lead to osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes such as removing dust and avoiding triggers are recommended.
• DVT is diagnosed through D-dimer and duplex ultrasonography. Medications such as heparin and warfarin can prevent clogging. Recurrence is low with transient risk factors and high with heart failure and cancer.
• PE can be diagnosed through chest x-ray, CT angiography, and D-dimer. Oxygen therapy, anti-thrombolytic therapy, and anticoagulant therapy are necessary. Referral is essential as it can lead to sudden death.
• Pneumonia is diagnosed through lab, culture, and sputum tests, chest x-ray, and CT. Strengthening the immune system and anti-everything medication is necessary.
• Bronchiectasis affects the lung's lining, causing it to become stiff and build up mucus. Postural drainage and hydration can help eliminate mucus. It is diagnosed through CT and x-ray.
• Angina pectoris can be diagnosed through ECG and coronary angiography. Diabetes 2 can worsen the prognosis. Risk factors such as smoking, BP, and lipid should be modified.
• Myocardial infarction is diagnosed through ECG and serial cardiac markers. Ambulance and referral to a GP and cardiologist are necessary. Aspirin can stop blood clots. Exercise is recommended 3-6 weeks after discharge.
• Arrhythmia is diagnosed through ECG, antiarrhythmic drugs, pacemaker, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Underlying causes should be treated.
• Congestive heart failure is diagnosed through labs, chest x-ray, ECG, surgery, and drugs. It can cause sudden death and requires treating underlying causes such as diet, rest, and no alcohol or smoking.
• Pericarditis is characterized by sharp pleuritic chest pain that radiates. Cardiac tamponade is diagnosed through pericardiocentesis. Antibiotics, aspirin, and NSAIDs can help with pain.
• Arterial hypertension is diagnosed through BP tests and thigh tests if the femoral pulse is diminished. Antiplatelet drugs and hypertension drugs are necessary. It is asymptomatic until the target organ is damaged.
• Atherosclerosis is caused by sedentary life and obesity, causing a reduction in blood flow. It can be diagnosed through aggressive changes such as diet, exercise

Overview of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Conditions

• Acute bronchitis is a viral infection with no contraindication. Symptom relief includes hydration and lifestyle changes to strengthen immunity. Bronchodilators are used for wheezing, and antibiotics may be needed if bacterial infection is suspected.
• Chronic inhalation of harmful substances can cause lung damage, loss of elastic recoil, and airflow limitation, leading to lung hyperinflation, muscle wasting, and cor pulmonale. Referral to a GP is necessary for monitoring, smoking cessation, nutrition, and breathing rehabilitation.
• Asthma requires rest/reassurance, loosening of clothes, and medication. Long-term corticosteroid usage may cause osteoporosis. Lifestyle advice includes removing dust and avoiding triggers such as cold, stress, exercise, and aspirin. Genetic factors and other causes may also contribute to asthma.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by thrombin, fibrin, RBC, and platelet clogging, mostly in the legs. Duplex ultrasonography and D-dimer tests are used for diagnosis. Heparin and warfarin are used for prevention and treatment. Recurrence rates vary based on the underlying cause.
• Pulmonary embolism (PE) is diagnosed through chest x-ray, CT angiography, ECG, and D-dimer tests. Oxygen therapy, anticoagulant therapy, and anti-thrombolytic therapy are used for treatment. Prompt recognition and referral are crucial, as PE can be fatal within an hour.
• Pneumonia is caused by viral or bacterial infections and weakens the immune system. Diagnosis involves lab tests, sputum culture, chest x-ray, and CT. Treatment includes hydration and anti-infective agents.
• Bronchiectasis is caused by inflammation and leads to the accumulation of mucus and other substances, making it difficult to breathe and circulate. Diagnosis involves CT and x-ray. Treatment includes postural drainage and hydration.
• Angina pectoris is caused by an increase in workload on the heart, leading to cardio problems. Diagnosis involves ECG and coronary angiography. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, and lipid levels. Treatment includes modifying risk factors and post-surgical considerations.
• Myocardial infarction (MI) is diagnosed through ECG and cardiac markers. Treatment includes aspirin, rest, and managing thrombosis. Post-discharge exercise should be planned. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol, and stress.
• Arrhythmia is diagnosed through ECG and treated with antiarrhythmic drugs, pacemakers, or implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Underlying causes must be treated as well.
• Congestive heart failure is diagnosed through lab tests, chest x-ray, ECG, and surgery. Diuretics and aldosterone blockers are used for treatment. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol, and obesity.
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