Heart Failure & Pregnancy This infographic delves into how heart failure (HF) and pregnancy intersect, with a focus on the risks posed by prepregnancy cardiomyopathy and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with persistent left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF <50%) before pregnancy are at heightened risk for serious complications, including further LVEF deterioration, maternal…
The Brockenbrough-Braunwald-Morrow Sign: Understanding LVOT Obstruction in HCM This engaging CardioNerds illustration breaks down the Brockenbrough-Braunwald-Morrow sign, highlighting the hemodynamic dynamics in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM). The artwork uses characters to explain how premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) influence left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) behavior. Key Highlights: Compensatory Pause After PVC: Prolonged…
Inotropes This infographic provides a detailed breakdown of inotropes, including their mechanisms, clinical applications, and adverse effects. What are Inotropes? Inotropes increase the force of myocardial contraction. Their effects vary depending on which adrenergic receptors they activate: Alpha-1: Vasoconstriction Beta-1: Increases inotropy (contractility) and chronotropy (heart rate) Beta-2: Vasodilation Why…
Cardiac Manifestations of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) This infographic explores the cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by skin thickening, vasculopathy, internal organ fibrosis, and autoantibodies. Cardiac involvement is often subtle but can have significant morbidity and mortality. Key Points Often Underdiagnosed: Up to 70% of…
Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV) This infographic explores cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), a significant complication following heart transplantation. It provides key insights into the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CAV, emphasizing the importance of surveillance in transplant recipients. What is cardiac allograft vasculopathy? CAV is characterized by the proliferation of vascular…
The CardioNerds Five – Free Wall Rupture This infographic explores the critical aspects of free wall rupture (FWR), a rare but life-threatening mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI). It breaks down essential topics and clinical considerations: What’s the role of revascularization when presenting with late STEMI? The benefit of revascularization…
Mechanical Complications in Acute MI This infographic highlights the acute to subacute mechanical complications following myocardial infarction (MI), emphasizing the importance of thorough clinical and echocardiographic assessments, especially in patients presenting with new murmurs, recurrent chest pain, or cardiogenic shock. Acute LV/RV Dysfunction Involves abnormalities in wall motion, systolic/diastolic function,…
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) This infographic provides a structured overview of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), focusing on its diagnosis, clinical presentation, and management strategies. Diagnosis Wall thickness ≥15 mm detected via TTE, CT, or MRI. HCM is confirmed by ruling out secondary causes of LVH such as hypertension or myocardial infiltration. Genetic…
Myocarditis This infographic provides an in-depth overview of myocarditis, including its causes, clinical presentation, diagnostics, and management principles. Causes Infectious: Viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Non-Infectious: Immunologic: Includes systemic rheumatic diseases, eosinophilic syndromes, transplant rejection, or immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity. Toxic: Results from medications, illicit drugs, heavy metals, or endogenous…
Cardiac Amyloid This infographic provides a comprehensive overview of cardiac amyloidosis, detailing its cardiac and extra-cardiac manifestations, diagnostic work-up, staging, and management options. Manifestations Cardiac: Includes microvascular ischemia, ventricular thickening, abnormal P-waves, atrial arrhythmias, conduction disease, and pericardial effusion. Extra-cardiac: AL Amyloid: Symptoms include periorbital edema, macroglossia, and nephrotic syndrome.…