Thoracic Key

Aortic Stenosis Steven J. Lester, MDAmr E. Abbas, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS History: angina, dyspnea, syncope. Physical examination: midsystolic murmur; small and slow rising carotid pulse contour (parvus et…

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy James A. Goldstein, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Predominant biventricular diastolic dysfunction with lesser impairment of systolic performance. Symptomatic presentation: • Chronic biventricular “backward failure” manifest as dyspnea…

Aortic Regurgitation Michael H. Crawford, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Following a long asymptomatic period, presentation with heart failure or angina. Wide pulse pressure with associated peripheral signs. Diastolic decrescendo…

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Sanjiv J. Shah, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Symptoms and signs of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF > 50%). Presence…

Acute Myocardial Infarction Andrew J. Boyle, MBBS, PhD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Chest discomfort, usually described as “pressure,” “dull,” “squeezing,” or “aching.” Characteristic electrocardiographic changes. Elevated biomarkers, such as troponin….

Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnancy Kirsten Tolstrup, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Pregnancy. History of heart disease. Symptoms and signs of heart disease. Echocardiographic or other objective evidence of heart disease….

Long-Term Anticoagulation for Cardiac Conditions Richard D. Taylor, MDRichard W. Asinger, MD General Considerations Intracardiac thrombi can form and lead to devastating consequences as a result of obstruction of blood…

The Athlete and the Heart Antonio B. Fernandez, MDPaul D. Thompson, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS The patient has an extensive history of exercise training There may be profound sinus…

Infective Endocarditis Michael H. Crawford, MD   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Fever. Blood cultures positive for bacteria or fungi. Characteristic cardiac lesions on echocardiography.   General Considerations Infective endocarditis is one…

Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Liviu Klein, MD, MS   ESSENTIALS OF DIAGNOSIS Dyspnea on exertion and at rest, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and fatigue. Elevated jugular venous pressure,…