Acute Coronary Syndrome Flashcards
1
Q
Etiology of ACS
A
Deterioration of stable plaque which leads to rupture, platelet aggregation, and thrombus (clot)
2
Q
UA
A
Unstable angina
3
Q
NSTEMI
A
Non ST segment elevation or myocardial infarction
4
Q
STEMI
A
Total occlusion of coronary artery
5
Q
Unstable Angina
A
- Lasts longer & more frequent
- Doesn’t go away with rest
6
Q
Stable Angina
A
- Comes & goes
- Doesn’t last long
- During exercise or stress then goes away
7
Q
CAD
A
Plaque build up in the walls or coronary arteries
8
Q
ACS Develops
A
Plaque becomes unstable & ruptures; clotting process starts in artery
9
Q
Unstable Angina or NSTEMI
A
As thrombosis continues blood supply to the heart muscle is reduced & muscle tissue can start to die
10
Q
STEMI
A
Clot completely blocks coronary artery; muscle tissue below clot can die
11
Q
Risk Factors for ACS
A
- Smoking
- Physical Inactivity
- Diabetes
- Family History
- Hypertension
- Overweight
12
Q
Symptoms of ACS
A
- Dyspnea
- Pressure, tightness, discomfort in chest
- Pain/discomfort in jaw, neck, back, stomach
- Dizziness, lightheaded from lack of oxygen
- Nausea/sweating from pain
- Overwhelming sense of doom
13
Q
Special Considerations for Symptoms
A
- Women - more subtle symptoms - neck, middle back pain or heartburn
- Elderly - Similar to women, dont feel much pain
14
Q
Assessment for ACS
A
- Appearance - Facial expression, skin gray/pallor, sweaty
- Neurological - Anxiety, grip test, follow commands
