Cardiology Overview Quiz

Overview of Cardiology

• Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of mortality, encompassing hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, congenital defects, and strokes.
• Key areas of focus include hypertension, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart transplantation.

Hypertension (HTN)

• Defined as consistent elevation in blood pressure: systolic ≥ 130 mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 80 mm Hg (2017 ACC/AHA guidelines).
• Types include primary hypertension (no identifiable cause) and secondary hypertension (due to underlying conditions).
• Symptoms are often asymptomatic; complications involve cardiovascular (CAD, heart failure), neurological (strokes), renal failure, and retinopathy.
• Diagnosis requires two blood pressure readings, ideally two weeks apart.
• Management includes lifestyle modifications and medications (beta blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers).
• Dental considerations include blood pressure monitoring; modification needed for readings > 160/100 mm Hg.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• Involves narrowing of heart's major blood vessels due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced blood flow and potential myocardial infarction (MI).
• Symptoms include chest pain or pressure, dyspnea, dizziness, and autonomic symptoms (nausea, sweating).
• Diagnosis utilizes ECG, cardiac enzymes (Troponin, CK-MB), stress tests, and catheterization.
• Management focuses on risk factor modification, medical therapy (aspirin, statins, beta blockers), and possible revascularization (PCI or CABG).
• Dental considerations stress avoiding ischemia and anxiety reduction; multiple shorter appointments are preferred.

Valvular Heart Disease

• Four heart valves can become damaged leading to stenosis (narrowing), regurgitation (backflow), or mixed conditions.
• Symptoms may include heart murmur, shortness of breath, swelling, chest pain, fatigue, and syncope.
• Diagnosis through physical exams, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and catheterization.
• Treatment options encompass medical management and valve replacement, noting that mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation.

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD)

• Congenital heart disease refers to structural heart problems present at birth impacting heart function.
• Dental management considers the risk of infective endocarditis, with a 20-30% mortality rate; antibiotic prophylaxis may be necessary for at-risk patients.

Heart Failure (HF)

• Heart failure is a syndrome characterized by the heart's inability to pump adequate blood to meet the body's demands.
• Causes include CAD, hypertension, diabetes, valvular disease, and lifestyle factors (obesity, smoking).
• Symptoms feature dyspnea, edema, fatigue, with physical exam findings such as S3 heart sound and jugular venous distention.
• Management incorporates lifestyle changes, medications (beta blockers, ACE inhibitors), and possibly invasive therapies or heart transplant.

Arrhythmias

• Cardiac arrhythmias include tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias stemming from irregular electrical impulses.
• Normal heart rate is 60-100 beats/min; bradyarrhythmias are < 60/min, while tachyarrhythmias are > 100/min.
• Symptoms include fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, and dizziness; diagnosis often through ECG.
• Treatment varies: tachyarrhythmias may require rate or rhythm control medications, while bradyarrhythmias may need pacing devices.

Heart Transplant

• Lifelong immunosuppressant therapy is crucial post-transplant.
• Patients may experience oral complications like candidiasis or gingival hyperplasia due to medications.

Dental Management Considerations

• Patients with cardiovascular issues may need specific precautions during dental procedures.
• After a myocardial infarction, dental procedures can typically proceed 30 days post-event if the patient is stable.
• Antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for dental procedures in patients with certain heart conditions, especially those at risk of endocarditis.

Case Scenarios

• Case scenarios highlight decision-making in dental procedures for patients with controlled hypertension and those with a history of valvular surgery, emphasizing the need for monitoring and possible antibiotic prophylaxis.

Further Reading

• Consider "Step-Up to Medicine" and "Burket’s Oral Medicine" as resources for deeper understanding of cardiology related to dental practice.

Test your knowledge on essential cardiology topics, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and more. This quiz covers the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, and management of various heart diseases. Perfect for medical students and professionals looking to refresh their understanding.