Acute Coronary Syndrome ACS Flashcards
What is Angina Pectoris?
Stable angina: fixed stenosis of coronary arteries due to atheromatous plaque.
Demand lead ischemia- occurs during exercise/stress
Predictable and safe
What advice is given to someone when they have an angina attack?
Stop, sit and spray
Stopping and sitting will reduce the oxygen demand of the heart and GTN spray will reduce the BP and afterload on the heart)
What is ACS?
Any acute presentation of coronary artery disease. Its a previsional diagnosis which covers a spectrum of diseases including STEMI, NSTEMI and unstable andgina
When do ACSs occur?
When there is plaque rupture and thrombosis => dynamic stenosis with sub total or total occlusion.
Supply lead ischemia. Unpredictable and dangerous
Coronary arteries are end arteries. What is meant by this term?
Any area is only supplied by one artery
What factors can increase the likelihood of plaque rupture?
High lipid content of plaque Thin fibrous cap Sudden changes in intraluminal pressure Bending and twisting arteries including heart contraction Mechanical injury and plaque shape
What causes platelets to adhere to the site of endothilial injury?
Exposed subendothilial collagen, tissue factor and von Willebrands Factor
How are platelets activated and what substances are released from activated platelets?
Activated by a conformational change and begin to extend pseudopodia.
ADP is released through platelet degranulation
TXA2 is generated by by COX enzyme
Why does ST elevation happen?
The death of monocytes leads to the failure of the Na+/K+ pump meaning that resting potential is not well established
What would you discover in an ACS history?
Acute, severe, central crushing chest pain radiating to the arm and jaw (esp left)
Similar to angina but prolonged and not relieved by GTN
Associated with sweating, nausea and vomiting
Signs of an STEMI on ECG
1) Acutely?
2) After 24 hours?
3) Any previous MI?
1) ST elevation within first few hours
2) Pathological Q wave formation and T wave inversion
3) Pathological Q waves +/- inverted T waves
What are the parameters for ST elevation in a STEMI?
> 1mm ST elevation in 2 adjacent limb leads
2mm ST elevation is 2 or more adjacent precordial leads
New onset bundle branch block
ST elevation in Leads 2, 3 and aVF. Where is the MI and which artery is effected?
Inferior MI affecting the Right coronary artery
ST elevation in Leads 2, aVL and V5-6. Where is the MI and which artery is effected?
Lateral MI effecting the Left circumflex artery
ST elevation in V1-4. Where is the MI and which artery is effected?
Anterioseptal MI effecting the left anterior descending artery
ST elevation in Leads 2, aVL, V3-6. Where is the MI and which artery is effected?
Anteriolateral MI effecting the Left circumflex or LAD
Which cardiac enzyme is no longer used in ACS diagnosis?
Creatinine Kinase (peaks within 24 hours)
Which protein marker is used in ACS diagnosis?
Troponin- highly specific for cardiac muscle cells
TnI will be the most sesitive but TnT can be used also. Will peak in about 6 hours
How is a STEMI treated immediately?
Morphine and antiemitic Oxygen if hypoxic Nitrates (GTN if BP > 90mmHg) Asprin- 300mg tablet (chew it) \+Ticagrelor 180mg (Clopidogrel 300mg can be used)
What is the pharmacological action of asprin?
COX 1 antagonist so prevents production of TXA2