Cardiology Mnemonics and Heart Sounds Explained

Cardiology Mnemonics, ECG, Heart Sounds and Murmurs. Cardiology Mnemonics

Although the best way to learn cardiology is through experience and repetition, there are times where memorization is the best initial approach. The mnemonics in this app are the most commonly used in cardiology to help remember key points.

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Causes of Atrial Fibrillation: PIRATES

Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary disease, post-operative

Ischemic heart disease, idiopathic (“lone atrial fibrillation”)

Rheumatic valvular disease (mitral stenosis or regurgitation)

Anemia, alcohol (“holiday heart”), age, autonomic tone (vagal atrial fibrillation)

Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)

Elevated blood pressure (hypertension), electrocution

Sleep apnea, sepsis, surgery

Findings in acute limb ischemia: The 5 P’s

Pain

Pallor

Pulselessness

Paralysis

Paraesthesia

Atrioventricular node (AV node) blocking agents: ABCD

Adenosine, amiodarone

Beta-blockers

Calcium channel blockers

Digoxin

Cardiac auscultation listening posts: All Physicians Take Money

From right upper sternal border, to left upper sternal border, to left lower sternal border, to cardiac apex.

Aortic valve listening post

Pulmonic valve listening post

Tricuspid valve listening post

Mitral valve listening post

Cardioselective beta-blockers: Beta-blockers Acting Exclusively At Myocardium

Betaxolol

Atenolol

Esmolol

Acebutolol

Metoprolol

Side-effects of ACE inhibitors: CAPTOPRIL

Cough

Angioedema

Potassium excess

Taste changes

Orthostatic hypotension

Pregnancy contraindication/Pressure drop (hypotension)

Renal failure/Rash

Indomethacin inhibition

Leukopenia (rare)

Contraindications to ACE inhibitors: PARK

Pregnancy

Allergy/Angioedema

Renal artery stenosis/Renal failure

K - hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.5)

ECG Causes of ST segment elevation: ELEVATION

Electrolyte abnormalities

Left bundle branch block

Aneurysm of left ventricle

Ventricular hypertrophy

Arrhythmia disease (Brugada syndrome, ventricular tachycardia)

Takotsubo/Treatment (iatrogenic pericarditis)

Injury (myocardial infarction or cardiac contusion)

Osborne waves (hypothermia or hypocalcemia)

Non-atherosclerotic (vasospasm or Prinzmetal’s angina)

Treatment of acute coronary syndromes: MONA B

Morphine

Oxygen

Nitrates

Aspirin

Beta-blockers

Cyanotic congenital heart disease (right to left shunts): The 5 T’s

Truncus arteriosus

Transposition of the great arteries

Tricuspid atresia

Tetralogy of Fallot

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return

Tetralogy of Fallot: PROVe

Pulmonary stenosis

Right ventricular hypertrophy

Overriding aorta

Ventricular septal defect

Secondary hypertension causes: ABCDEF

Apnea (obstructive sleep apnea), Acromegaly, Accuracy (incorrect measurement)

Birth control, Bad kidney

Coarctation of the aorta, Cushing’s syndrome, Conn’s syndrome, Catecholamines

Drugs (alcohol, nasal decongestants, estrogens)

Endocrine disorders, erythropoietin

Fibromuscular dysplasia

Amiodarone Side-Effects + Toxicity:

Bradycardia/Blue man

Interstitial Lung Disease

Thyroid (hyper and hypo)

Corneal (occular)/Cutaneous (skin)

Hepatic/Hypotension when IV (due to solvents)

Ventricular Tachycardia Treatment: LAMB

Lidocaine

Amiodarone

Mexiletine/Magnesium (for polymorphic VT or Torsades)

Beta-blockers/Bang (cardioversion)

Causes of elevated jugular venous pressure: PQRST

Pericardial effusion (causing cardiac tamponade and "Kussmal's sign")

Quantity - volume overload from congestive heart failure

Right heart failure

Superior vena cava obstruction (SVC syndrome)

Tricuspid regurgitation (V waves)/Tricuspid stenosis

Complications of Myocardial Infarction:

Cardiogenic shock/Congestive Heart Failure/CVA (from LV thrombus)

RV infarct/Rupture of left ventricle (causing cardiac tamponade)

Acute mitral regurgitation, Acute ventricular septal defect, Aneurysm, Arrhythmia

Pericarditis (from infarct or Dressler's)