6. IHD

Question 1

Aetiology:

Answer 1

Progressive build up of plaque inside the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis), causing the arteries to become narrower and harden, which can partially or completely block blood flow to the heart causing a MI. Blood vessels become hypertrophic, trying to pump blood faster with more volume.

Question 2

Diagnosis:

Answer 2

Presence of symptoms and risk factors.

Coronary angiogram and arteriograms, echocardiogram, stress echocardiography, CT scans, MRA, blood tests

Question 3

Risk factors:

Answer 3

Modifiable risk factors: Hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, tobacco use, physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes, diet, alcohol, low SES, certain medications, left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to other conditions
Non-modifiable risk factors: Ageing, family history, gender, ethnicity, congenital impairments of the heart and vessel, and valve structure and function. STROKE.

Question 4

Symptoms:

Answer 4

Appear 4-5 months before MI, or even one week prior. Makes diagnosis difficult.
Women: Back, neck or jaw pain, nausea, pressure/tension in the chest, fatigue, indigestion
Men and women: Central chest pain, left arm and shoulder pain, dizziness, sweating, breathlessness, vomiting.

Question 5

Treatment:

Answer 5

Prevention and health promotion, medication (pharmacotherapy, blood pressure reducers, arteriole vasoconstrictors, anticoagulants, antiarrythmics, lipid-lowering drugs).

Question 6

Types of surgery:

Answer 6

CABG (coronary artery bypass graft
PTCA
Thrombectomy (remove thrombus)
Pacemakers
Valve replacements
Heart transplant
Balloon angioplasty

Question 7

Co-occurring conditions:

Answer 7

Diabetes, obesity, pulmonary disease, COPD, rheumatic fever, anxiety, depression

Question 8

Link to stroke:

Answer 8

Share similar risk factors with stroke. Due to regulatory effect on heart function, a stroke can effect the heart’s rhythm and can cause MI.