UTHSC PA Program Podcast

  References Bushardt RL, Colomb-Lippa DM, Klinger AM, Reed H.  The JAAPA QRS Review for PAs: Study Plan and Guide for PANCE and PANRE . 1st ed. LWW; 2021. ISBN: 9781975143817 Attaran RR, Edwards ML, Arena FJ, et al. 2025 SCAI Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Venous Disease: This statement was endorsed by the Society for Vascular Medicine (SVM).  J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr...

In this episode, we review hypotension, a clinical state of abnormally low blood pressure that can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and organ dysfunction. We discuss the major underlying mechanisms, including hypovolemia, distributive shock, cardiogenic causes, and obstructive physiology, along with common risk factors such as dehydration, hemorrhage, sepsis, medications, endocrine disorders, a...

In this episode, we review hypertensive emergency, a life-threatening condition defined by severely elevated blood pressure accompanied by acute end-organ damage. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology of vascular endothelial injury and impaired autoregulation, along with common risk factors such as chronic uncontrolled hypertension, medication nonadherence, kidney disease, stimulant use, and e...

In this episode, we review giant cell arteritis (GCA), an autoimmune large-vessel vasculitis that most commonly affects the temporal arteries and can lead to devastating ischemic complications if not recognized early. We discuss the underlying inflammatory pathophysiology, major risk factors including advanced age and polymyalgia rheumatica, and the hallmark presentation of temporal headache, jaw...

In this episode, we review atrial flutter, a supraventricular tachyarrhythmia caused by a reentrant electrical circuit within the atria that produces the classic "sawtooth" flutter waves on EKG. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology, major risk factors including heart failure, COPD, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and obstructive sleep apnea, and the typical presentatio...

In this episode, we review rheumatic heart disease, a chronic valvular complication that develops after acute rheumatic fever following untreated Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis. We discuss the autoimmune pathophysiology driven by molecular mimicry, leading to inflammatory damage of the heart valves, particularly the mitral valve. Clinical manifestations including migratory polyarthritis, cardit...

In this episode, we review cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition caused by rapid accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac leading to impaired ventricular filling and hemodynamic collapse. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology of rising intrapericardial pressure, common causes including malignancy, infection, autoimmune disease, uremia, trauma, and post-MI complications, and w...

n this episode, we review atrioventricular (AV) blocks, focusing on the mechanisms, EKG findings, clinical presentation, and management of first-, second-, and third-degree heart block. We discuss how conduction delays through the AV node can range from benign prolongation of the PR interval to complete electrical dissociation between the atria and ventricles. Key distinctions between Mobitz type...

In this episode, we review atrial septal defects (ASDs), one of the most common congenital heart defects characterized by persistent communication between the atria resulting in a left-to-right shunt. We discuss the major ASD subtypes, including secundum, primum, sinus venosus defects, and patent foramen ovale, along with the pathophysiology behind right heart enlargement and pulmonary overcircula...

In this episode, we review atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, and discuss the underlying mechanisms driving its characteristic "irregularly irregular" rhythm. We cover the pathophysiology of chaotic atrial electrical activity, major risk factors including advanced age, hypertension, obesity, heart failure, and sleep apnea, and the growing prevalence of AF in th...

In this episode, we cover torsades de pointes, a life-threatening form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with a prolonged QT interval. We break down the electrophysiology behind delayed ventricular repolarization and early afterdepolarizations, which set the stage for this distinctive "twisting" QRS pattern on EKG. High-yield risk factors—including electrolyte abnormalities (low po...

In this episode, we dive into stress (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy, a reversible form of acute left ventricular systolic dysfunction that often mimics acute coronary syndrome but occurs without obstructive coronary artery disease. We unpack the proposed mechanism of a catecholamine surge leading to myocardial stunning, producing the classic apical ballooning pattern on imaging. The discussion highlig...

In this episode, we cover pericardial effusion, the accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac, and its progression to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening emergency. We break down the pathophysiology of increased intrapericardial pressure impairing ventricular filling, emphasizing how the rate of fluid accumulation is just as critical as volume. Common etiologies—including infection, malig...

In this episode, we review patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), a common congenital heart defect characterized by persistent connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery, resulting in a left-to-right shunt and pulmonary overcirculation. We break down the underlying physiology of failed ductal closure after birth, including the roles of oxygen tension and prostaglandins, and discuss why premature i...

In this episode, we explore hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a common inherited cardiac disorder defined by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy, most often involving the interventricular septum. We break down the underlying genetics of autosomal dominant sarcomere mutations and how they lead to myocyte disarray, diastolic dysfunction, and dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. C...

In this episode, we break down infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the endocardial surface and heart valves that can lead to destructive vegetations and life-threatening complications. We walk through the underlying pathophysiology—from endothelial injury and platelet-fibrin deposition to bacteremia and vegetation formation—and highlight common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus an...

In this episode, we cover intestinal (mesenteric) ischemia, a high-acuity vascular emergency characterized by reduced blood flow to the intestines leading to ischemia, necrosis, and potential perforation. We break down the four primary mechanisms—arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, nonocclusive low-flow states, and venous thrombosis—and highlight key risk factors such as atrial fibrillation, a...

In this episode, we cover peripheral artery disease (PAD)—a chronic atherosclerotic condition that leads to reduced blood flow and limb ischemia, most commonly in the lower extremities. We break down the underlying pathophysiology of progressive arterial narrowing and impaired oxygen delivery, and highlight major risk factors such as smoking (the strongest contributor), diabetes, hypertension, and...

In this episode, we review carotid artery disease, a major cause of ischemic stroke resulting from atherosclerotic narrowing of the carotid arteries. We break down the pathophysiology of plaque buildup, luminal stenosis, and embolization, and discuss key risk factors including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, diabetes, and advanced age. The episode highlights the often silent progression of...

In this episode, we review deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a critical condition within the spectrum of venous thromboembolism and a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. We break down the underlying pathophysiology using Virchow's triad—venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability—and discuss common risk factors including immobility, surgery, malignancy, pregnancy, and inher...

Kyphosis is characterized by an excessive forward curvature of the thoracic spine along the sagittal plane, often developing gradually over time. In this episode, we review the common causes and risk factors—including aging, osteoporosis, spinal injury, and degenerative disease—along with typical signs and symptoms such as back pain, fatigue, and a rounded back posture. We discuss key diagnostic a...

Scoliosis is a common spinal condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees with associated vertebral rotation. In this episode, we review the key clinical features of scoliosis, including risk factors, epidemiology, and typical physical exam findings such as uneven shoulders or hips. We also discuss the diagnostic role of spinal X-rays, current management stra...

In this episode, we review nursemaid's elbow, also known as radial head subluxation, a common upper extremity injury in young children. We discuss the typical mechanism—sudden traction on an extended arm, such as when a child is lifted or swung by the hand—which causes displacement of the annular ligament around the radial head. The episode highlights classic clinical findings including a child ho...

In this episode, we review osteoporosis, a common metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk due to an imbalance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. We discuss key risk factors such as aging, postmenopausal estrogen loss, low BMI, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle, along with the epidemiology showing that 1 in 2 w...

In this episode, we review compartment syndrome, a limb-threatening orthopedic emergency caused by increased pressure within a closed muscle compartment that compromises tissue perfusion. We discuss the underlying pathophysiology of rising intracompartmental pressure leading to ischemia, cellular hypoxia, and potential muscle and nerve damage. The episode highlights common causes such as fractures...