Cardiovascular System
abdomen (inward motion during inspiration), a sign an abnormality of the cardiovascular system is likely
Cardiovascular System
- Likely question chain: identify gross/microscopic finding by time interval → complications → laboratory markers
- Complications: arrhythmia, cardiac rupture, papillary muscle rupture, mural thrombus, aneurysm, heart failure
- Laboratory markers: troponin I/T (most specific), CK-MB, myoglobin (earliest but non-specific)
- Likely question chain: identify the lesion → risk factors → complications
- Risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidaemia, obesity, family history
Read this in Pathology Practical and Stains Revision Guide
What our notes say
- abdomen (inward motion during inspiration), a sign an abnormality of the cardiovascular system is likely (Harrisons Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine)
- Examination of the cardiovascular system of infants and the spleen which can only be felt if it is pathological and the (Devendra K. Gupta, Krishna M. Goel - Hutchison’s Paediatrics. chdhe-Jaypee Broth)
- Cardiovascular system: Pericardium (pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis). (Tuberculosis: pulmonary and extrapulmonary)
- Malaria: While not a direct cause of atherosclerosis, severe or recurrent malaria can lead to cardiac complications and stress on the cardiovascular system. (Acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction)
- Cardiovascular system: ↑ contractility & heart rate (storm) vs bradycardia, low output (coma) (Thyroid storm and myxoedema coma)
- Cardiovascular system: Distribution via blood; toxin‑induced arrhythmias, hypotension (Poisoning and adverse drug reactions)
Study material on Cardiovascular System
- Cardiovascular System Examination — Anatomy, Physiology & History Taking — Notes
- Cardiovascular System Examination — General Exam & Precordium — Notes
- Cardiovascular System Examination — Percussion, Auscultation — Notes
- Harrisons Cardiovascular Medicine 2nd Edition 2
- Devendra K. Gupta, Krishna M. Goel - Hutchison’s Paediatrics. chdhe-Jaypee Brothers (2012)
- Harrisons Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
- Davidson's Essentials of Medicine - 2nd
- Development of the Heart — Study Notes
- MCQ: Cardiovascular System Pathology
- Chemical Pathology — MCQ Bank — Cardiovascular System Pathology
Images
Practice questions on Cardiovascular System
What are the effects of serotonin on the cardiovascular system?
- Vasodilation in skeletal muscle vasculature
- Reflex bradycardia
- Vasoconstriction in pulmonary and renal vasculature
- None of the above
- All of the above
Answer: E. Serotonin has complex cardiovascular effects: (1) Vasodilation in skeletal muscle via 5-HT₇ receptors and NO release; (2) Reflex bradycardia from baroreceptor activation (Bezold-Jarisch reflex); (3) Vasoconstriction in splanchnic, renal, and pulmonary circulation via 5-HT₂ receptors.
In the cardiovascular system, Epinephrine causes a decrease in:
- Systolic blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Blood glucose
- Total peripheral resistance (at low doses)
Answer: D. At low doses, epinephrine's beta-2 effect (vasodilation) predominates over alpha-1, leading to a decrease in peripheral resistance.