Acute Coronary Syndrome and Sudden Death Flashcards
What is the most likley pathology underlying all acute cornary syndrones?
- coronary thrombosis
In coronary thrombosis what is the name of the cap that covers the plaque, and what can happen in coronary thrombosis?
- fibrous cap covering collagen and lipids becomes vulnerable
- fibrous cap ruptrues releasing collagen and lipids
If the fibrous cap on an atherosclerosis plaque ruptures, what can happen?
- lipids and collagen are released
- platelets come into contact with collagen
- platelet clotting factors are activated and a blood clot forms
Once the platelet have been activated and a blood clot forms, what can happen next?
- blood clot can cause a complete occlusion
- blood clot can cause a partial occlusion
What can happen if the coronary artery has a partial or complete block?
- partial = unstable angina
- complete = major ST elevation MI
When diagnosing a patient with acute coronary syndrome, what pain do they generally present with?
- usual cardiac pain
- occurs at rest
When diagnosing a patient with acute coronary syndrome, what happens to their colour and sweat?
- appear pale
- sweaty
When diagnosing a patient with acute coronary syndrome, can commonly be seen in an ECG?
- can be normal
- ST elevation (major MI)
- ST depression
- T wave inversion
In angina and myocardial infaction what would you see in troponin levels?
- angina = normal levels
- MI = high levels
Is creatine kinase (CK) an effective measure for a myocardial infraction?
- generally no as present in all muscles
- CK-MB is specific to cardiac muscle
When is troponin not effective in a myocardial infarction?
- if a patient has more than one MI
- troponin stays in the blood for up to 6 days
- CK-MB can distinguish between new and old MI
There are 3 types of coronary syndrome. what are they?
1 - unstable angina
2 - Non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI)
3 - ST elevation MI (STEMI)
Unstable angina is one of the 3 acute coronary syndromes, what would happen to a patients:
1 - chest pain
2 - ECG
3 - troponin levels
1 - chest pain = increased cardiac chest pain (occurs at rest)
2 - ECG = could be normal or abnormal
3 - troponin levels = normal levels
Non-ST elevation is one of the 3 acute coronary syndromes, what would happen to a patients:
1 - chest pain
2 - ECG
3 - troponin levels
1 - chest pain = cardiac chest pain
2 - ECG = may be normal or abnormal
3 - troponin levels = increased levels
ST elevation MI is one of the 3 acute coronary syndromes, what would happen to a patients:
1 - chest pain
2 - ECG
3 - troponin levels
1 - chest pain = cardiac chest pain
2 - ECG = ST elevation
3 - troponin levels = elevated levels
Of the 3 acute coronary syndromes, unstable angina, Non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI) and ST elevation MI (STEMI), which is the most serious, where 1 is the most serious and 3 is the least serious?
1 - ST elevation MI (STEMI)
2 - Non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI)
3 - Unstable angina
Which leads on the ECG signal demonstrate the anterior aspect of the heart?
- V1-V4
When managing acute coronary syndrome patients what is the first drugs they are given as anticoagulants and anti-platelets?
- anticoagulants = low molecular weight heparin (factors 2,7,9,10,11,12)
- anti-platelets = asprin (COX-1 inhibition)
In additon to anti-coagulants and anti platelets, what other drug might be given acutely to aleviate symptoms?
- glyceryl trinitrate
What are the 3 signs of severity in a patient with acute coronary syndrome?
- severity of pain
- ECG changes
- troponin levels
In a patient with acute coronary syndrome, and who is experiencing an MI with ST elevation, what is now one of the most common treatments to treat patients?
- Percutaneous coronary intervention service clinic
- catheter inserted with wire
- balloon inflated and stent is implanted
If an artery is occulded in an acute MI, how long before the tissue begins to die and what is the total time heart muscle can be saved surrounding the MI?
- 15 minutes before tissue becomes necrotic
- can still save the cardiac tissue up to 12 hours after MI
In patients with acute MI, what treatment has changed medicine and has reduced mortality?
- percutaneous coronary intervention (stenting)
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has improved outcomes and mortality in patients with acute coronary MI. If they can be transferred to a PCI service within what time, that should always be the case?
- <2 hours
What is primary prevention in medicine?
- stopping patients from having condition in the first place