BCSE > Cardiology > Flashcards

Cardiology Flashcards

Interpret cardiovascular physiology, diagnostic findings, and disease mechanisms to guide effective treatment plans. (64 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

Which serum electrolyte abnormality is suggested by absence of a P wave on an electrocardiogram?

A

Hyperkalemia

Lose the P wave, then develop tall and tented T waves, prolonged PR interval, and finally the QRS widens before fatal arrhythmias develop.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the timing of the murmur caused by aortic valve insufficiency?

A

Diastolic

The aortic valve should be closed during diastole, so insufficiency leads to a murmur.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name two toxins that cause cardiomyopathy in horses.

A
  • Sycamore (a.k.a. “atypical myopathy”)
  • Ionophores
  • Gossypol
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the four ECG characteristics of atrial fibrillation?

A
  • No P waves
  • Undulating baseline
  • Normal QRS complexes
  • Irregularly irregular rhythm
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

If you make a radiographic diagnosis of hypertrophic osteopathy, what is the next diagnostic step?

A

Thoracic and abdominal radiographs looking for the primary mass

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are two options for assessing the cardiac rhythm of a patient with arrhythmias that occur only sporadically?

A
  1. Holter monitor
  2. Event monitor
  3. In-hospital monitoring with ECG

Holter monitor: portable continuous ECG recorder - lasts 24 hours

Event monitor: portable ECG monitor that the owner of a dog or cat triggers when an episode occurs, to record the ECG instantly - lasts ≥ 7 days

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (formerly called Boxer cardiomyopathy) is characterized by which type of cardiac arrhythmia?

A
  • Premature ventricular complexes
  • Ventricular tachycardia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

An audible S4 gallop on auscultation is usually associated with what type of lesion of the ventricles in dogs/cats?

A

Concentric ventricular hypertrophy and stiffness

(normal to hear S4 in horses due to large atrial mass)

It occurs due to resonance/vibration of ventricular walls during end-diastole (atrial contraction).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

An ECG shows P waves occurring at regular intervals, and wide, bizarre QRS complexes at a much slower rate, unrelated to the P waves.

What is the ECG diagnosis?

A

Third degree (complete) AV block

(atrial and ventricular contraction are not coordinated)

The wide, bizarre QRS complexes are ventricular escape beats.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Name a circulating cardiac biomarker substance that indicates elevated intraventricular pressures (as seen with congestive heart failure) and another cardiac biomarker that indicates myocardial damage (as seen with myocarditis).

A
  • Elevated intraventricular pressure: the natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP, or B-type natriuretic peptide; ANP)
  • Myocardial damage: the cardiac troponins, cTnI and cTnT
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Which event in the heart is represented by the T wave on an electrocardiogram?

A

Ventricular repolarization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

An electrocardiogram from a dog shows unusually tall P waves. What structural change in the heart is suspected, and what is the Latin term that describes tall P waves associated with such a change?

A
  • Structural change: Right atrial enlargement
  • Latin term: “P pulmonale”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Which ultrasound mode is most useful for precisely measuring the dimensions and relative movements of the left ventricle over several heartbeats?

  • A. A-mode
  • B. B-mode
  • C. M-mode
A

C. M-mode

The name is a contraction of “motion-mode”, to distinguish it from A-mode (an obsolete, 1-dimensional modality that is no longer used) in the early days of ultrasonography.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

On a patient’s ECG, ST segment depression becomes apparent. What does this usually indicate?

A

Myocardial hypoxia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

In small animals with disease of the tricuspid valve or right ventricle, manual compression of the cranial abdomen may distend the jugular veins due to excessive venous return to the right heart.

What is the name of this maneuver?

A

The hepatojugular reflux test

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

The P-R interval on an ECG tracing represents which event(s) of the cardiac cycle?

A

Atrial depolarization and conduction through the AV node

(P wave is included in P-R interval)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

An electrocardiogram shows a total absence of P waves. Name three of the five differential diagnoses?

A
  1. Atrial standstill (hyperkalemia or primary atrial myopathy)
  2. Atrial fibrillation
  3. Atrial flutter
  4. Junctional rhythm
  5. Isoelectric P waves
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

An electrocardiogram shows unusually wide P waves. Which structural change in the heart is suspected, and what is the Latin term that describes wide P waves associated with such a change?

A
  • Structural change: Left atrial enlargement
  • Latin term: “P mitrale”
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

With respiratory sinus arrhythmia, does the heart rate decrease or increase during expiration?

A

Decreases during expiration

Greater intrathoracic pressure during expiration = increase pressure on vagus = slower HR.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

A patient presents with jugular venous distension, pleural effusion, hepatomegaly, and ascites.
What is this condition called?

A

Right-sided congestive heart failure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Cardiac muscle is derived from which embryonic cell line?

A

Neural crest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

A serum deficiency in which electrolyte causes muscular weakness and cardiac conduction disturbances due to decreased cell membrane excitability?

A

Potassium

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

The term cardiogenic pulmonary edema generally refers to edema caused by which: left- or right-sided congestive heart failure?

A

Left-sided congestive heart failure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Concerning tetralogy of Fallot, which of the four lesions is not a primary congenital anomaly?

A

Right ventricular concentric hypertrophy

(it develops in response to pulmonic stenosis)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is ECG characteristic defines **first-degree AV block**?
Prolonged PR interval
26
What are the **four** components of **tetralogy of Fallot**?
* Ventricular septal defect * Dextroaorta * Pulmonic stenosis * Right ventricular concentric hypertrophy
27
Which common cardiac conduction disturbance generally is considered normal (i.e., **physiologic**) in the **horse** but abnormal in the dog?
Second-degree AV block
28
**Pericardial effusion** can cause an **electrocardiographic pattern** where every other QRS complex is shorter. What is the name of this finding?
Electrical alternans
29
Congenital valvular **pulmonic stenosis** results in which type of **hypertrophy** and in which ventricle does it occur?
Concentric right ventricular hypertrophy
30
Is a patient with **cardiac tamponade** more likely to present with signs consistent with right- or left-sided congestive heart failure?
Right-sided congestive heart failure | (because right-sided intracardiac pressures are lower)
31
Some animals with a persistent right aortic arch may also have an auscultable murmur. What is the most likely cause for this murmur?
Patent ductus arteriosus | (PDA) ## Footnote The persistent right aortic arch itself does not cause a murmur.
32
# Fill in the blank: The first heart sound (S1) is caused by closure of the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
AV valves | (mitral and tricuspid)
33
Name a diagnosis that requires implantation of a **cardiac pacemaker**.
* Sick sinus syndrome (sinus node dysfunction) * Third degree atrioventricular (AV) block * High grade second-degree AV block * Atrial standstill
34
**Conduction velocity** of electrical impulses is **highest** in which specific cardiac tissue?
Purkinje system ## Footnote This allows for synchronized ventricular contraction.
35
Which ultrastructural (i.e., histologic) feature of **cardiac muscle** allows for rapid cell-to-cell **conduction** of electrical impulses and simultaneous **contraction** of fibers?
Syncytial arrangement ## Footnote Intercellular connecting pores (gap junctions) allowing ion flux.
36
Which one of the following findings is most consistent with an innocent (physiologic) heart murmur? * A. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema * B. Diastolic timing * C. Palpable thrill * D. Variable intensity with heart rate
D. Variable intensity with heart rate ## Footnote Note: there are some diastolic physiologic murmurs in horses.
37
Where in the interventricular septum are **ventricular septal defects** (VSDs) most commonly found in small animals?
Membranous portion | (cats, dogs; also horses) ## Footnote Cattle typically develop VSDs in the inlet portion of the septum. Both cattle and small ruminants also routinely can have muscular VSDs.
38
What is the **treatment** of choice for symptomatic **third-degree atrioventricular block**?
Permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation
39
In **dogs** and **horses**, what is the **cardiac notch**, where is it located, and on which side of the body is it larger?
* What: Small area overlying the heart where lung tissue is not interposed between the heart and body wall * Where: Ventral aspect of the 4th intercostal space * Larger: on the right side
40
What is **pulsus paradoxus** and what may it indicate?
It is an increase in pulse pressure on expiration and a decrease in pulse pressure on inspiration, which is noticeably exaggerated in cardiac tamponade
41
What is the name of the procedure that involves **pressing on the closed eyelids** or over the carotid sinus to try to **slow the heart rate**?
Vagal maneuver | (ocular pressure, carotid sinus massage)
42
Which of the following is **least likely** to produce **ventricular premature complexes** in dogs or cats? * A. Blunt chest trauma * B. Hypercalcemia * C. Splenic mass * D. Hypokalemia?
B. Hypercalcemia ## Footnote Hypercalcemia raises the threshold for depolarization (i.e., *decreases* arrhythmogenicity). The others are commonly associated with PVCs.
43
Name two **ECG findings** that should prompt you to slow or stop an IV **calcium infusion** in a hypocalcemic dog or cat.
1. Bradycardia 2. Premature ventricular complexes 3. Shortening of the QT interval
44
Closure of which two structures is responsible for the **second heart sound**?
The semilunar valves | (aortic and pulmonic)
45
Name the **two organ systems** that most commonly show acute clinical signs of **systemic hypertension** in cats and dogs.
* Ocular * Central nervous system ## Footnote Ocular: vision loss due to retinal detachment or hemorrhage, or hyphema Central nervous system: behavior change, ataxia, asymmetrical cranial nerve deficits, seizures due to intracranial hemorrhage
46
What is the etiology of **hardware disease** in cattle?
Ingestion of sharp metallic objects that penetrate the reticular wall and may cause peritonitis or pericarditis
47
In a healthy **dog or cat**, how many **distinct heart sounds** can you normally hear on **auscultation**?
Two: the first (S1) and second (S2) heart sounds ## Footnote In horses, it is normal to hear all four heart sounds
48
What is a **cardiac murmur**?
An audible abnormal “whooshing” or “swishing” heart sound caused by **turbulent blood flow** ## Footnote Pathologic murmurs occur due to regurgitation (e.g., due to incompetent valves), abnormal communication (e.g., septal defect), or narrowing of orifices (e.g., stenosis). Physiological murmurs are due to changes in blood flow dynamics in the absence of structural disease.
49
In **horses**, which **arrhythmia** is the most common **pathological** rhythm disturbance?
Atrial fibrillation | (reported prevalence of up to 2.5% in equids)
50
What is the primary pathophysiology of **synchronous diaphragmatic flutter** (SDF) in **horses**?
Hypocalcemia and metabolic alkalosis make the phrenic nerve hyperexcitable, so it fires with each atrial contraction, causing diaphragmatic ‘hiccups’ in time with the heartbeat
51
What effect does **hyperkalemia** have on cardiac conduction and rhythm?
* Raises the resting membrane potential of cardiomyocytes * Slows conduction * Causes ECG changes * peaked T waves * widened QRS * loss of P waves * May lead to life‑threatening bradyarrhythmias and cardiac asystole
52
A **cat** presents with a heart murmur. What **in-clinic screening test** can you perform to effectively screen for heart disease?
NT-proBNP ## Footnote If negative, there is a very low likelihood that the cat has heart disease.
53
When performing **pericardiocentesis**, which **intercostal space** should be entered, and at which **landmark**?
Right cardiac notch at the 4th or 5th intercostal space, ventral to the costochondral junction ## Footnote This is the point of contact between flexed elbow and thoracic wall.
54
Where would you expect to find the **point of maximal intensity** (PMI) of a murmur associated with **tricuspid** insufficiency?
Right side of the thorax, over the cardiac apex (in dogs and cats), or approximately 4th intercostal space (horses, cattle)
55
During **echocardiography**, the left atrium is usually compared to which structure for deciding whether there is **left atrial enlargement**?
Aorta ## Footnote The proximal aorta is anchored to the fibrous cardiac skeleton and therefore *rarely* changes in size with heart disease, making it an excellent reference point.
56
E-point to septal separation (EPSS) is an effective and reproducible measurement based on which heart valve?
Mitral valve ## Footnote Increased EPSS suggests left ventricular dilation and reduced systolic function.
57
What is the **treatment** of choice for **ventricular fibrillation**?
Direct current electrical defibrillation using a defibrillator ## Footnote Chemical defibrillation (amiodarone, lidocaine, magnesium sulfate) and precordial thumps are generally ineffective (amiodarone most likely to be effective).
58
Which **cardiac arrhythmia** is most commonly noted in patients with gastric dilatation/volvulus (**GDV**)?
Ventricular tachycardia
59
What are the **radiographic signs** of left-sided congestive heart failure in **dogs and cats**?
* Pulmonary venous enlargement * Pulmonary edema * perihilar in dogs * any distribution in cats * Possibly pleural effusion (cats)
60
How do **thoracic radiographs** of a **cat** with congestive heart failure **differ** from a **dog** with congestive heart failure?
In cats, pulmonary edema may have any distribution; can have pulmonary arterial and venous enlargement; may develop pleural effusion with left heart failure ## Footnote Dogs tend to have perihilar pulmonary edema, have less pulmonary arterial distension, and rarely have pleural effusion with left CHF
61
Name **three** diseases that can cause **enlargement** of both the **pulmonary arteries and veins**.
* Left-to-right shunts * Peripheral arteriovenous fistula * Congestive heart failure * Iatrogenic intravenous fluid overload ## Footnote Left to right shunts: e.g., patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect.
62
Name **four** conditions that predispose a small animal patient to **pulmonary thromboembolism**.
* Heartworm disease * Corticosteroids (endogenous or exogenous) * Disseminated intravascular coagulation * Heart disease in cats * Endocarditis * Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia * Indwelling central venous catheters * Neoplasia * Pancreatitis * Protein-losing enteropathy * Protein-losing nephropathy * Sepsis * Trauma * Parvoviral enteritis * Pulmonary hypertension
63
What is the mechanism of **myocardial ischemia** associated with gastric dilatation/volvulus **(GDV)**?
Obstructive shock: caudal vena caval compression limits venous return and preload, causing coronary hypoperfusion ## Footnote Exacerbated by hypovolemia and distributive shock.
64
What is the source of the **S4 heart sound**?
It is the sound of blood being pushed into the ventricles by atrial contraction ## Footnote Note: in dogs/cats, hearing S4 means the ventricle is stiff vs. it is normal to hear S4 in horses.
BCSE
flashcards
Decks in class (22)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions