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 Stress Testing This infographic highlights key aspects of cardiac stress testing, comparing multiple modalities and outlining indications for their use. Indications Evaluation of stable chest pain in patients with intermediate to high CAD risk Risk stratification for new-onset symptoms in patients with known CAD Assessment of valvular heart disease…
Clinical Genetics and Cardiovascular Disease This infographic provides insights into the role of genetics in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and explains the impact of both rare and common genetic variants on disease risk. What is Polygenic Risk Scoring (PRS)? PRS is a continuous measure of genetic risk derived from multiple genome-wide…
Anti-Anginal Medications This infographic offers a structured overview of anti-anginal medications, their mechanisms, and recommended use according to ESC and NICE guidelines. Classes and Mechanisms Short-Acting Nitrates (e.g., Nitroglycerin) Mechanism: Converts to NO for rapid vasodilation of peripheral and coronary arteries. Use: Immediate relief for acute angina; ideal for PRN…
Pericardial Decompression Syndrome This infographic explains Pericardial Decompression Syndrome (PDS), a rare but serious complication following pericardiocentesis. It highlights the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, risk factors, and management strategies for this syndrome, emphasizing careful monitoring after fluid removal. 1. Definition PDS is a paradoxical worsening of hemodynamics and cardiac function following…
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…
Your Patient Has Mitral Regurgitation – Now What? This infographic provides a structured guide for evaluating mitral regurgitation (MR) found on echocardiography. It breaks down the etiology, classification, and severity of MR, helping guide management decisions. Is it Primary or Secondary MR? Primary (Degenerative) MR: Caused by abnormalities of the…
Guide to Invasive Coronary Pressure Ratios This infographic provides an overview of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio (iFR), essential tools for assessing the functional significance of coronary stenosis in patients with intermediate lesions. Why Use Invasive Pressure Measurements? Invasive coronary pressure measurements help determine if intermediate coronary…
Guide to Invasive Coronary Pressure Ratios This infographic provides an overview of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and Instantaneous Wave-Free Ratio (iFR), essential tools for assessing the functional significance of coronary stenosis in patients with intermediate lesions. Why Use Invasive Pressure Measurements? Invasive coronary pressure measurements help determine if intermediate coronary…
Differences in OCT vs. IVUS-Guided PCI This infographic provides a detailed comparison between Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), two imaging modalities frequently used to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It highlights key differences in technical aspects, clinical applications, imaging artifacts, and the latest guidelines. Technical Differences OCT:…