Podcasts

The conduction system of the heart Sinoatrial node SA node, sinus node The “pacemaker” Located in the right atrium Specialized cells that generate the electrical impulse which travels through the heart causing it to beat. The normal rate at which the SA node will fire is … [Read more...] about S2 E021 Introduction to Conduction Disorders

Myocardial Infarction (MI) An ischemic event affecting cardiac tissue Cardiac muscle is dying due to insufficient supply of oxygen Causes Most commonly a thrombotic event which occurs at the site of preexisting plaque causing a complete blockage of an artery. Vasospasm … [Read more...] about S2 E20 Myocardial Infarction

Ischemia An insufficient supply of oxygen that leads to tissue damage or death Causes Atherosclerosis Constriction of arteries Emboli Bleeding ( low blood volume) Risk Factors Stress Atypical increase in activity Male Increasing age Smoking … [Read more...] about S2 E019 Ischemia

Endocarditis Endocarditis is an infection of the cardiac tissue The most common pathogens Strep viridans Staph aureus Enterococci Get the diagnosis flow sheet here  (sorry this is no longer available) Risk Factors Prior endocarditis Damaged heart tissue … [Read more...] about S2 E018 Endocarditis, Pericarditis and Tamponade

  Hypotension Low blood pressure Orthostatic hypotension – a decrease in systolic BP of 20 mm Hg or a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg when going from lying to sitting or sitting to standing. Significant cause of syncope and falls in elderly patients Causes … [Read more...] about S2 E017 CHF and Hypotension