Rhythm Recognition & ECG Interpretation
A patient’s ECG shows no organized P waves, an irregularly irregular rhythm, and variable R-R intervals. This dysrhythmia increases risk for clot formation due to blood stasis in the atria.
What is atrial fibrillation OR a-fib?
Chest discomfort that occurs with exertion and resolves with rest is caused by temporary myocardial oxygen supply-demand mismatch without permanent injury.
What is stable angina?
A murmur caused by backward blood flow from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole indicates dysfunction of this valve.
What is the mitral valve?
Sharp chest pain that improves when leaning forward and worsens with inspiration suggests inflammation of this heart structure.
What is the pericardium (pericarditis)?
This noninvasive test evaluates electrical activity of the heart and helps identify rhythm disturbances and ischemia.
What is an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)?
You notice ST-segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. This region of the heart is likely experiencing acute injury.
What is the inferior wall of the left ventricle?
Troponin levels are elevated and ECG shows ST depression. This indicates myocardial injury without full-thickness necrosis.
What is NSTEMI?
A patient has an enlarged, weakened left ventricle with reduced ejection fraction and poor contractility. This type of cardiomyopathy primarily affects this aspect of cardiac function.
What is systolic function (contractility)?
A patient develops fever, fatigue, and new murmur after a recent infection. Vegetations on valves can break off and cause emboli.
What is infective endocarditis?
An echocardiogram showing reduced ejection fraction measures this aspect of cardiac performance.
What is pumping ability of the left ventricle (contractile function)?
A patient becomes dizzy and hypotensive. ECG shows a regular wide-complex tachycardia with no visible P waves. This rhythm reduces cardiac output because ventricular filling time is shortened.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
A patient undergoes balloon dilation and stent placement to restore coronary blood flow. This procedure directly improves perfusion by reopening this structure.
What is a narrowed coronary artery?
Aortic stenosis causes left ventricular hypertrophy because the ventricle must overcome increased resistance. This represents increased?
What is afterload?
A widened mediastinum on chest imaging and sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back suggests separation of layers within this vessel wall.
What is an aortic dissection?
A patient reports calf pain with walking that resolves with rest. Doppler ultrasound shows reduced arterial blood flow to the legs. This condition most likely explains the patient’s symptoms.
What is peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
A prolonged PR interval (>0.20 sec) that is consistent across beats indicates delayed conduction through this cardiac structure.
What is the AV node?
After coronary artery bypass graft surgery, graft failure is most likely if this pathophysiologic process continues in native or graft vessels.
What is atherosclerosis / plaque formation?
A patient with restrictive cardiomyopathy has normal systolic function but impaired ventricular filling. This primarily affects which phase of the cardiac cycle?
What is diastole?
A creaky scratchy heart sound that is louder at the end of exhalation is likely associated with what cardiac condition?
What is Pericarditis?
After peripheral vascular bypass surgery, diminished distal pulses may indicate obstruction of the graft, which would impair this physiologic process.
What is tissue perfusion / blood flow distal to the graft?
A patient with hyperkalemia develops peaked T waves and widening QRS complexes. This electrolyte abnormality alters cardiac conduction by affecting this cellular process.
What is myocardial cell depolarization (membrane excitability / potassium gradient)?
A patient with diabetes, smoking history, and high LDL develops progressive coronary artery narrowing. Reduced oxygen delivery leads first to reversible cellular dysfunction before necrosis. This reversible stage is called:
What is myocardial ischemia?
Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is elevated, and the patient has pulmonary congestion. This indicates failure of this cardiac chamber to effectively pump blood forward.
What is the left ventricle?
Cardiac tamponade reduces cardiac output because accumulating fluid compresses the heart and prevents this mechanical process.
What is ventricular filling (diastolic expansion)?
During cardiac catheterization, contrast dye reveals narrowing in vessels supplying the myocardium. This diagnostic test directly visualizes:
What are coronary arteries?