Pick up the pace
VVI
V - Paces ventricle
V - senses ventricle
I - Inhibits pacing when natural ventricular activity is sensed
Malfunction signs exhibited by patient
dizziness, syncope
non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed heart arteries (coronary arteries). It involves inflating a tiny balloon to compress plaque and usually placing a stent to improve blood flow, reducing heart damage
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), formerly known as Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA
inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), often causing sharp, stabbing chest pain that improves when leaning forward and worsens when breathing or lying down. Caused by viral infections, injury, or underlying conditions, it is treated with anti-inflammatories like aspirin, ibuprofen, or colchicine. While acute cases often resolve in 1–4 weeks, some cases become chronic or recurrent
pericarditis
minimally invasive procedure used to treat severe aortic stenosis by inserting a new, collapsible valve into the heart via a catheter, usually through the femoral artery in the groin. It is a safe and effective alternative to open-heart surgery, offering faster recovery (often 48 hours), reduced pain, and lower infection rates for patients with severe aortic stenosis
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
DDD
D - Dual chamber pacing, both atria and ventricles
D - Dual sensing, both atria and ventricles
D - it can inhibit (turn off) when the heart acts on its own, and trigger (fire) if it misses a beat
Persistent hiccups can indicate:
Pacing lead is stimulating the diaphragm
Key responsibilities include checking the access site (wrist/groin), monitoring vital signs, managing anticoagulation therapy, and patient education. Key care areas include monitoring for chest pain, maintaining bed rest, checking distal pulses, and educating on post-discharge medication adherence
nursing responsibilities after PTCA/PCI
Besides NSAIDS, this gout anti-inflammatory meds may be used for pericarditis
colchicine
major surgical incision into the chest cavity, typically performed under general anesthesia to access the lungs, heart, esophagus, or aorta for diagnosis or treatment. Indications include removing lung cancer, repairing injuries, or addressing infections. Recovery generally involves several days in the hospital, with full recovery taking several weeks
thoracotomy
AOO
A - chamber paced - atria
O - chamber sensed - none
O - continually paced, does not trigger or inhibit
wearable defibrillator that delivers shock without bystander assistnce
Life vest. While waiting for ICD or transplant
open-heart surgical procedure used to treat severe coronary artery disease. It involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to create a new route, or "detour," for blood to bypass narrowed or blocked arteries, thus restoring blood flow to the heart muscle
CABG - coronary artery bypass graft
described as a scratching, grating, or squeaky sound. It is caused by inflamed pericardial layers rubbing together. It is best heard with the diaphragm at the left sternal border while the patient sits up and leans forward.
pericardial friction rub
permanent, minimally invasive heart device designed for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib) to reduce stroke risk without long-term blood thinners. It seals off the left atrial appendage (LAA),
Watchman implant. They may also do a ligation to tie off the left atrial appendage
Limit arm movement on the side of the implant to prevent _______ ________
lead dislodgement
wearable, battery-powered device that continuously records your heart's electrical activity (ECG/EKG) for 24 to 48 hours—or up to 30 days—to detect arrhythmias and monitor heart function during daily activities
Holter monitor
when checking epicardial pacing wires you must:
wear gloves to prevent shocking patient. which can induce life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
serious, often bacterial infection of the heart's inner lining or valves, characterized by fever, new heart murmur, fatigue, and aching joints. Caused by germs entering the bloodstream, it typically affects those with damaged heart valves, prosthetic valves, or history of IV drug use. Treatment requires weeks of antibiotics, and sometimes surgery, with prompt care essential to prevent fatal complications like heart failure.
endocarditis
minimally invasive, percutaneous procedure that repairs a leaking mitral valve without open-heart surgery. A small, permanent metal clip is placed via a vein in the leg to grasp and connect the valve leaflets, reducing backflow and improving heart function. It is mainly for high-risk patients with severe mitral regurgitation, offering faster recovery (1–2 days hospital stay) and reduced hospitalizations.
MitraClip
electromagnetic interference can include:
MRI, magnets, arc welders
minimally invasive procedure (taking 3–6 hours) used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) by creating tiny scars in the heart tissue with heat or cold to block abnormal electrical signals
cardiac ablation
Common complications include atrial fibrillation (arrhythmia), sternal wound infections, graft failure, stroke, renal failure, and persistent breathing issues
complications of CABG
nflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) usually caused by viral infections, which weakens the heart, reduces its ability to pump, and causes symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It primarily affects young adults, particularly males aged 12–40. While often self-resolving, severe cases can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden death.
myocarditis
a serious heart condition where the heart chambers (usually the left ventricle) enlarge, stretch, and thin, leading to a weakened, ineffective pump. This often results in heart failure, fatigue, and palpitations, requiring lifelong management through medication, lifestyle changes, or devices like ICDs.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)