Hu Said: Cardiology Board Review Series

In this episode, we review the very common issue of diuretic resistance and cardiorenal syndromes. What are the key actions of diuretics along different segments of the nephron? How do factors like h…

In this episode, we review the role of biomarkers and lab abnormalities in congestive heart failure. What are ANP, BNP, CNP, and DNP? What effect does BNP have on glomerular filtration rate, urinary …

In this episode, we review the presentation and management of acute heart failure decompensation (ADHF). Why is venous dilation with IV nitroglycerin beneficial in patients with ADHF? What are the fo…

In this episode, we review chronic heart failure with reduced, mildly reduced, improved, and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFimpEF, HFpEF). What are the stages of HF, and what therapies…

In this episode, we go over the diagnosis and management of non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC), stress cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. What imaging criteria are used to define LV noncompaction, an…

In this episode, we explore various forms of dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM) and their distinct features. What are the hallmark characteristics of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy on echocardiogram, …

In this episode, we review restrictive cardiomyopathies (RCM), including amyloidosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome. What is the ice-cream cone appearance of the atria? What is the cherry-on-top appe…

In this episode, we explore types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) other than idiopathic HCM and obstructive HCM, including apical HCM, Fabry's disease, and Danon's disease. We also review an HCM…

In this episode, we explore the medical and surgical management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). What cautions should you take with inotropes, …

In this episode, we review the diagnosis and imaging of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). How does the location of septal hypertrophy differ by age…

In this episode, we review pre-operative cardiovascular risk stratification for noncardiac surgery. What is considered a low-risk surgery? What does "risk" refer too–risk of what? How are emergent su…

In this episode, we explore ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). How is the diagnosis of microvascular angina (MVA) and vasospastic angina (VSA) made? What cutoffs in the index of…

In this episode, we explore flow reserve measurements used to determine lesion significance in coronary artery disease. What is the difference between hyperemic and non-hyperemic wire-derived ratios?…

In this episode, we review the anatomy of normal coronary arteries and provide a systematic framework for thinking about coronary artery anomalies. How do you define proximal vs mid vs distal RCA, LA…

In this episode, we explore the complications that can arise following myocardial infarction (MI). What is the Bezold-Jarisch reflex, and which territory of myocardial infarction (MI) predisposes to …

In this episode, we explore the use of fibrinolysis in managing STEMI when PCI is not immediately available. What is the difference between streptokinase, alteplase, reteplase, and tenecteplase? What…

In this episode, we explore key aspects of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the generalist’s perspective. What are the comparative risks of death, stroke, and major vascular complication…

In this episode, we explore key aspects of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) revascularization. What are the 10-year patency rates of internal mammary artery (IMA) grafts compared to saphenous v…

In this episode, we review preventive and adjunctive therapies in the management of coronary artery disease (CAD). Who qualifies for cardiac rehabilitation (CR)? What are the four phases of CR? What …