40 Questions
What is the definition of chest pain?
A discomfort or distress felt in the chest, typically behind the sternum
What is a possible cause of unstable angina?
Occlusion of a coronary artery
What is myocarditis?
Inflammatory response in heart muscle
What is a common symptom of myocardial infarction?
Shortness of breath
What is pericarditis?
Inflammation of the pericardium
What is a possible cause of valvular heart disease?
Malfunctioning heart valves
What is a characteristic of stable angina?
Predictable pain
What is cyanosis?
A symptom of cardiac issues
What can induce cardiac pain?
Emotional stress or physical exertion
What is often accompanied by cardiac pain?
Shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating
What may respond to nitroglycerin?
Cardiac pain
What is dyspnea?
A symptom of difficult or labored breathing
What is acute-onset dyspnea?
Sudden and severe shortness of breath
What can cause exertional dyspnea?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma
What is nocturnal dyspnea?
Shortness of breath that occurs at night
What may be relieved by rest or positional changes?
Non-cardiac pain
What is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?
Episodes of rapid heart rate originating above the heart's ventricles.
What is Cardiomyopathy?
A disease affecting the heart muscle.
What is a common cause of Palpitations?
All of the above.
What is a characteristic of Palpitations?
A sensation of the heart beating rapidly or irregularly.
What is Edema?
An accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues.
What is a characteristic of Cardiac Edema?
It occurs in the dependent parts of the body.
What can cause Edema?
All of the above.
What is a common symptom of Palpitations?
Any of the above.
What is the primary cause of cardiac syncope?
Arrhythmias
What is the term for a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to syncope?
Orthostatic hypotension
Which of the following is NOT a cardiovascular cause of syncope?
Pneumonia
What is the primary focus of the physical examination in the evaluation of syncope?
Cardiac assessments
What is the term for syncope triggered by emotional stress, pain, or prolonged standing?
Vasovagal syncope
What is the primary goal of treatment for syncope?
Address the underlying cause
Which of the following is a diagnostic test used in the evaluation of syncope?
Electrocardiography (ECG)
What is a common condition that syncope can mimic?
All of the above
What is Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND)?
Sudden onset of severe nocturnal dyspnea, usually accompanied by coughing and wheezing
What is the primary cause of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea (PND)?
Congestive heart failure, particularly left-sided heart failure
What is Orthopnea?
Difficulty breathing when lying down flat, relieved by sitting up
What is a common cause of Dyspnea?
Heart Failure
What is Palpitations?
The perception of an abnormal or irregular heartbeat
What is a common cause of Palpitations?
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
What is a cardiovascular cause of Dyspnea?
Heart Failure
What is a pulmonary cause of Dyspnea?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Study Notes
Cardiac Symptoms
- Cardiac symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness.
- These symptoms may vary based on the specific cardiac condition.
Chest Pain
- Definition: Chest pain is a discomfort or distress felt in the chest, typically behind the sternum (breastbone).
- Range: Can range from a sharp, stabbing sensation to a dull ache or pressure.
- Causes: Cardiac causes include coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (heart attack), myocarditis, pericarditis, and valvular heart disease.
- Non-cardiac causes include recent trauma, respiratory infections, and meals.
Dyspnea
- Definition: Dyspnea refers to the subjective sensation of difficult or labored breathing.
- Types: Acute-onset dyspnea, exertional dyspnea, nocturnal dyspnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), and orthopnea.
- Causes: Cardiac causes include heart failure, coronary artery disease, and valvular heart disease. Pulmonary causes include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and interstitial lung disease. Other respiratory causes include pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax. Metabolic and systemic causes include anemia, obesity, and thyroid disorders. Psychogenic causes include anxiety and panic disorders.
Palpitations
- Definition: Palpitations refer to the perception of an abnormal or irregular heartbeat.
- Causes: Cardiac arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation (AFib), supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Structural heart issues include valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Hormonal and metabolic causes include thyroid disorders and adrenaline surges. Electrolyte imbalances include low potassium or magnesium levels. Medications and substances that can cause palpitations include stimulants, decongestants, and caffeine. Lifestyle factors include alcohol and drug use, and lack of sleep.
Edema
- Definition: Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues, leading to swelling.
- Characteristics of cardiac edema: Dependant, pitting, bilateral, and almost always precedes the appearance of ascites.
- Causes: Heart conditions include heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and nephrotic syndrome. Respiratory causes include pneumonia, COPD, and asthma. Cardiovascular causes include congenital heart defects, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. Blood disorders include anemia and methemoglobinemia. Other causes include cold exposure, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), obstructive sleep apnea, and neurological causes such as central nervous system depression and brainstem dysfunction.
Syncope
- Definition: Syncope refers to a transient loss of consciousness and postural tone resulting from cerebral hypoperfusion.
- Etiology: Cardiac syncope, neurocardiogenic syncope, orthostatic hypotension, and reflex syncope.
- Differential Diagnosis: Syncope can mimic other conditions, including seizures, metabolic disturbances, and psychiatric disorders.
- Evaluation: Detailed history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as electrocardiography (ECG), Holter monitoring, echocardiography, and tilt-table testing may be indicated.
- Management: Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, which may include medication adjustments, pacemaker implantation, or surgical interventions.
This quiz covers the identification of chest pain causes, emergency causes, and types of dyspnea. It also includes the definition of syncope and its causes, in the context of cardiac symptoms.
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