Cardiovascular Diseases and ECG tracings

Cardiologist for the day!

Cardiovascular Disease

• Diseases and injuries that include: – The Heart– Blood vessels of the heart– Blood vessels of the body

Cardiovascular Disease In Canada

• A stroke is a considered a cardiovascular disease – Problem with blood flow to the brain

• Over the past 20 years heart diseases has decreased 25%

• Every 7 minutes someone dies from heart disease and stroke

• A leading cause of death in Canada (2008)

Cardiovascular disease in Canada

• 2008 Data– Approx. 28% of death in Canada that year• Ischemic heart disease• Stroke• Heart attack

– Slightly higher with females– Cost 20.9 billion/ year– 2007-2008 Nova Scotia had highest rate of

reported disease at 6.4%

Risk Factors• 9 in 10 Canadians have one risk factor for heart

disease or stroke– Smoking– Alcohol– Physical inactivity– High blood pressure– High cholesterol– Obesity– Stress– Diabetes– Age

Heart Disease Conditions• Heart disease describes many heart conditions• Most common is coronary artery disease (CAD)• Arterial fibrillation• Angina• Atherosclerosis• Heart attack• Congenital heart disease• Kawasaki disease• Valve disorders• And many more

Abnormal ECG’s

• Things to look at:– P wave size– Rhythm– Rate– QRS duration– P-R Interval

Normal ECG

Tachycardia

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Flutter

Wenckebach (2nd Degree Block)

3rd Degree Block or Complete Heart Block

Ventricular Fibrillation Abnormal

Asytole

What can we do to prevent cardiovascular disease?

• Not smoke• Watch alcohol consumption• Be physically active• Control diet• Be aware of ones family health history• Know your stats