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Understanding the Heart's Electrical System Study Guide

Learn about managing cholesterol with statins. This guide covers primary vs. secondary prevention, how to choose the right statin intensity (low or high), common statin medications, and what to watch out for regarding side effects. Essential information for understanding cardiovascular health and treatment options.

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Hypertension Management

Hypertension Risk Factors

Distinguishing between modifiable (lifestyle) and non-modifiable (biological) risk factors for hypertension.

BP Classification & Guidelines

Understanding AHA/ACC guidelines for Normal, Elevated, Stage 1, and Stage 2 hypertension.

ASCVD Risk Assessment

Using the 10-year ASCVD risk score to determine when to initiate medication in Stage 1 patients.

ACE Inhibitors & ARBs

Pharmacology of '-prils', including side effects like cough and angioedema, and renal/cardio-protective benefits.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Differentiating between Dihydropyridines and Non-dihydropyridines and their specific contraindications.

HTN Complications

Identifying microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy) and macrovascular (MI, HF) complications.

Hyperlipidemia Management

Lipid Profiles & Values

Understanding HDL vs LDL, total cholesterol, and triglyceride target ranges.

Xanthelasma & Clinical Signs

Recognizing physical manifestations of high cholesterol, such as eyelid deposits.

Statin Therapy & Intensities

Differentiating between low and high-intensity statins and identifying primary vs secondary prevention.

  • Primary Prevention
  • Secondary Prevention
  • High-Intensity Statins
  • Low-to-Moderate Intensity Statins
  • LDL Cholesterol Reduction
  • Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
  • Statin Dosing
  • Atorvastatin
  • Rosuvastatin
  • Simvastatin
  • Pravastatin
  • Lovastatin

Statin Side Effects

Monitoring for hepatotoxicity (LFTs) and the serious risk of Rhabdomyolysis (CK levels).

  • Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS)
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
  • Hepatotoxicity
  • Blood Glucose Monitoring
  • Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Triglyceride Complications

Understanding the link between high triglycerides (>500) and acute pancreatitis (Cullen sign).

ECG Interpretation

Cardiac Conduction System

EKG Waveform Components

Mastering the P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, and T wave.

Atrial Dysrhythmias

Identifying Atrial Fibrillation, Atrial Flutter, and SVT.

AV Blocks

Differentiating between 1st degree, 2nd degree (Mobitz I & II), and 3rd degree (complete) blocks.

Ventricular Dysrhythmias

Recognizing life-threatening rhythms: Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation.

Myocardial Infarction Patterns

Distinguishing between Ischemia (T-wave inversion), STEMI (ST elevation), and NSTEMI.

Left Ventricular Hypertrophy

Electrolyte Abnormalities

Potassium Imbalances

Recognizing Hypokalemia (U waves, flat T waves) and Hyperkalemia (peaked T waves).

Calcium Regulation

Understanding the role of the parathyroid gland and the effects of hypo/hypercalcemia on the QT interval.

Magnesium Imbalances

QT Interval & Medications

Identifying drugs that prolong the QT interval, including antidepressants and antimicrobials.

Digoxin Toxicity

Recognizing signs of digoxin toxicity: nausea, visual halos, and bradycardia.

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