Question

Imagine you have a follow up care appointment with a patient you treated for a MI.

What kind of regular cardiac monitoring would you be conducting to detect changes in cardiac function?

Answer 1

Regular cardiac monitoring post-MI includes using ECGs for electrical pattern changes, echocardiograms or MRIs for pumping efficiency and structural assessment, and tracking cardiac biomarkers such as creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin to determine cardiac muscle damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

When monitoring a patient post-myocardial infarction (MI), regular cardiac monitoring is essential to detect changes in cardiac function. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are vital for observing electrical patterns such as ST or Q wave changes that indicate ischemic damage. Echocardiograms or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be utilized to evaluate the heart's pumping efficiency and structural changes. Additionally, monitoring cardiac biomarkers like creatine kinase MB and cardiac troponin levels can reflect ongoing or recent cardiac muscle damage. Limitations exist with some tests, as not all myocardial damage may be evident on an ECG, thus necessitating a combination of methods for comprehensive cardiac function assessment.