ACS Flashcards
Definition of a NSTEMI
Subtotal occlusion of coronary arteries leading to myocardial infarction. However there is no ST elevation however there may be T wave inversion or ST depression
Definition of a STEMI
Complete occlusion of a coronary artery causing myocardial infarction associated with an ST elevation
Definition of unstable angina
Chest pain provoked by minimal exercise or at rest caused by atheromatous plaque rupture causing platelet aggregation, lumen narrowing and tissue ischeamia. ST depression/T wave inversion may occur. No rise in troponin or CrK
Clinical features of ACS?
Severe anginal chest pain lasting longer than 20 minutes accompanied with autonomic symptoms of sweating, fatigue, vomiting and nausea. Some patients get pain radiating into back jaw and left arm.
Which patients may not suffer these symptoms as much or at all?
Elderly or poorly controlled/longstanding diabetics
What may you look for on examination?
Pulmonary oedema or systolic murmurs of aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation
Investigations include what?
12 lead ECG, cardiac enzymes troponin I and T, FBC, BMs, echocardiogram, erect chest radiograph
What are you looking for on the ECG?
Any pathological Q waves, ST elevation, ST depression, T wave inversion. Normal ECG does not exclude ACS.
How long does it take for cardiac enzymes to become detectable?
6 hours
When does troponin I+T peak?
12-24 hours
How long do troponins remain raised?
Up to 14 days post MI
Why are troponins used over the old markers CK and myoglobin?
Troponins have greater sensitivity as a test in the first 6 hours
What are you looking for on a chest radiograph?
Pulmonary oedema as a result of ischeamia and any other diagnosis such as aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, pneumothorax, PE
What might FBC show in ACS?
Shows if there is any anaemia. You might also test INR, CRP, TFT, RFTs
Lifestyle modification to prevent secondary attack includes what?
Smoking cessation, good glycemic control, hypertension control and cholesterol intake.
If diagnosis of NSTEMI or unstable angina is made what scoring system does NICE recocomment
For risk assessment for 6month mortality?
The GRACE scoring system (age, killip grade of CHF, HR, BP, previous interventions, history of MI etc)
Risk is split up into 3 groups which are?
Low (less than 3%), intermediate (3 to 6%) and high (above 6%)
Immediate management for suspected ACS
Resuscitation as required.
Pain relief: GTN and/or an intravenous opioid (use an antiemetic with opioids).
Single loading dose of 300 mg aspirin unless the person is allergic.
A resting 12-lead ECG - but don’t delay transfer to hospital.
Assess oxygen saturation, using pulse oximetry before hospital admission if possible. Give oxygen if oxygen saturation (SpO2) is less than 94% with no risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure; aim for SpO2 of 94-98% (aim for 88-92% for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).