Overview Cardiac Arrest Refers to sudden loss of pulse, drop in blood pressure, and loss of perfusion. Death results in 5 minutes without proper resuscitation (but brain damage results earlier than this). This is a medical emergency. Can be idiopathic.…
Overview Pulmonary edema where the heart is to blame. Increases in pulmonary pressure (PCWP) are secondary to ineffective filling/pumping of the heart. This is the most common presentation of Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The patient can go into respiratory fatigue.…
Overview Diagnosis of CHF at presentation is usually done on chest X-ray. Acutely, IV ACEi and IV lasix will lead to the quickest resolution of symptoms. Once admitted, transition to PO ACEi and PO Lasix, then start a Beta Blocker.…
Overview Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a disorder of the pumping or filling ability of the heart. The most common cause is coronary artery disease (Systolic) and chronic hypertension (diastolic). It is a significant morbidity of myocardial infarction (MI) (watch…
Antihypertensives Antihypertensives consist of vasodilators and diuretics Antihypertensives, their major side effects, and their indications Class Side effects Indications ACEi Hyperkalemia, Cough, Angioedema JNC-8, Old male, African male, CKD ARB Hyperkalemia JNC-8, ACEi intolerance Aldosterone antagonist Hyperkalemia, Gynecomastia CHF Beta…
Overview Hypertension is defined as blood pressure >140-90mmHg on 3 separate readings. The majority of patients with hypertension are asymptomatic so regular screening (q3y) is important. Hypertension has many causes and many complications. Most cases are idiopathic. Lifestyle modification is…
The time is 0830hrs on a Monday morning, at the hospital ICU. Mr M. and I have headed there early, hopeful to catch the morning care routine of a patient with a tracheostomy tube. This is for learning purposes in…
Overview Lung cancer refers to tumors from respiratory epithelium, including bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Globally, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among both sexes combined. It occurs more in males than in…
Overview Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas. It is of unknown etiology and predominantly affects the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. Important differential diagnoses for granulomas need to be made when sarcoidosis is suspected, and these…
Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a disease state characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction. 75% of COPD patients are long-time smokers. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and most patients have features of both.…
