Acute Coronary Syndromes Flashcards
What causes an acute coronary syndrome?
An acute coronary syndrome (ACS) results from plaque building up in the coronary arteries (coronary atherosclerosis). The plaques are made up of fatty deposits that cause the arteries to narrow, making blood flow more difficult
What is the danger of acute coronary syndrome?
The plaque can rupture, leading to clot (thrombus) formation and sudden, reduced blood flow (ischemia) to the heart. This causes an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Ischemia can cause cardiac muscle cell death (myocardial necrosis)
*ACS is a medical emergency
What are some risk factors that can lead to the plaque buildup that causes an ACS?
- Age: mean > 45 years, women > 55 years (or early hysterectomy)
- Family history: 1st degree relative with coronary event before 55 years (men) or 65 years (women)
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Known coronary artery disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Diabetes
- Chronic angina
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive alcohol
What are the classic symptoms of ACS?
Chest pain (often described as discomfort, pressure and squeezing), lasting >10 minutes, severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, syncope/presyncope and/or palpitations. The pain can radiate to arms, back, neck, jaw or epigastric region
Who is less likely to experience the classic symptoms of ACS?
Females, the elderly and patients with diabetes are less likely to experience the classic symptoms
When can symptoms of ACS occur?
Symptoms can occur at rest, or may be precipitated by minimal exertion, exercise, cold weather, extreme emotions, stress or sexual intercourse
What should patients with nitroglycerin (NTG) do if they experience chest pain?
Patients with prescription for sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) should use one dose every 5 minutes for up to three doses to relieve chest pain. If the chest pain or discomfort is not improved or is worse five minutes after the first dose, call 911 immediately
What does ACS encompass?
ACS encompasses non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
What does NSTE-ACS describe?
NSTE-ACS describes both unstable angina (UA) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which are indistinguishable upon presentation
How are the types of ACS differentiated?
The types of ACS are differentiated by ECG changes (ST segment elevation with STEMI), the presence of cardiac enzymes (occurs in NSTEMI and STEMI) and the extent of blockage in the affected artery (partial blockage in UA and NSTEMI and complete blockage with STEMI)
What should be done in patients with ACS at the site of first medical contact?
A 12-lead ECG should be performed and evaluated within 10 minutes at the site of first medical contact. Patients with an acute MI (STEMI or NSTEMI) should be urgently transported to a hospital with percutaneous intervention (PCI) capability, if possible
What are the most sensitive and specific biomarkers for ACS?
Biochemical markers (enzymes) are released into the bloodstream when myocardial cells die. Cardiac troponins I and T (TnI and TnT) are the most specific and sensitive biomarkers for ACS
*Creatinine kinase myocardial isoenzyme (CK-MB) and myoglobin are less sensitive markers but may still be monitored in clinical practice
When are TnI and TnT detectable and when should levels be obtained?
They are detectable in the blood within 2-12 hours, and for up to 5-14 days, after myocardial necrosis. Levels should be obtained at presentation and 3-6 hours after symptom onset in all patients with ACS syndrome
How can NSTE-ACS be treated?
NSTE-ACS can be treated with medications alone (referred to as medical management) or with PCI (preferred to as an early invasive strategy)
What is PCI?
PCI is a coronary revascularization procedure that involves inflating a small balloon inside a coronary artery to widen it and improve blood flow. Usually, metal mesh, called a stent, is placed into the artery afterward to keep the artery open
What is a STEMI?
A STEMI results from a complete blockage of one or more coronary arteries, and the blocked arteries need to be opened as quickly as possible
What is the preferred approach for patients with a STEMI?
PCI is the preferred approach, but if it cannot be done in a reasonable time frame, fibrinolytics should be given. Patients may also go directly for urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery if there is significant multi-vessel disease within the coronary arteries
What is the goal of acute treatment of ACS?
Immediate relief of ischemia and preventing MI expansion and death
What is the drug treatment included for ACS?
Drug treatment includes a combination of antianginal, antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications
What is the purpose of using antianginals and what are some examples?
Antianginals (morphine, nitrate, beta-blockers): decrease myocardial oxygen (O2) demand or increase myocardial O2 supply (blood flow) to relieve ischemia
What is the purpose of antiplatelets and what are some examples?
Antiplatelets (aspirin, P2Y12 inhibitors, glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors) inhibit platelet aggregation to prevent clot formation/growth
What is the purpose of anticoagulants and what are some examples?
Anticoagulants (UFH, LMWH, bivalirudin): inhibit clotting factors to prevent clot formation/growth
What are some drugs for ACS that should be given immediately (as needed)?
Morphine, oxygen, nitrates, aspirin
What are some clinical notes about Morphine?
Morphine sulfate may be used in patients with ongoing chest discomfort despite NTG therapy. Side effects: hypotension, bradycardia, N/V, sedation and respiratory depression
When should oxygen be administered?
Administer to patients with arterial oxygen saturation <90% (SaO2 < 90%) or those with respiratory distress
What are some clinical notes about nitrates?
Sublingual NTG if not already administered. Start IV NTG for persistent ischemic pain, hypertension, heart failure. Nitrates can reduce blood pressure. Do not use IV NTG if SBP < 90 mmHg, HR < 50 BPM or if patient is experiencing a right ventricular infarction. PDE-5 inhibitors are contraindicated with NTG
What are some clinical notes about aspirin?
Non-enteric-coated, chewable aspirin (162-325 mg) should be given to all patients immediately if no contraindications are present (do not use extended-release aspirin products). A maintenance dose of aspirin 81-162 mg daily should be continued indefinitely. If intolerant to aspirin, may use clopidogrel or ticagrelor
What are the drugs for ACS given after depending on the plan?
GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists, Anticoagulants or P2Y12 inhibitors
What are drugs for ACS that are given within 24 hours and continued as an outpatient medication?
Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
What are some clinical notes about beta-blockers?
An oral, low dose beta-blocker (beta-1-selective blocker without intrinsic sympathomimetic activity preferred) should be started within the first 24 hours unless contraindicated (e.g. decompensated heart failure, cardiogenic shock, HR < 45 BPM). If the patient has concomitant HFrEF that is stable, choose bisoprolol, metoprolol succinate or carvedilol. An IV beta-blocker or an oral long-acting non-DHP CCB are alternative options used in some situations
What are some clinical notes about ACE inhibitors?
An oral ACE inhibitor should be started within the first 24 hours and continued indefinitely in all patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF < 40%), those with HTN, DM or stable CKD unless contraindicated (use ARB if the patient is ACE inhibitor tolerant). Use in other patients may be reasonable. Do not use an IV ACE inhibitor within the first 24 hours due to risk of hypotension
What are medications to avoid in acute setting with patients with ACS?
- NSAIDs (except aspirin), whether nonselective or COX-2-selective, should not be administered during hospitalization due to increased risk of mortality, reinfarction, hypertension, cardiac rupture, renal insufficiency and heart failure
- Immediate release nifedipine should not be used due to increased risk of mortality
What is the MOA of aspirin?
Inhibits platelet aggregation/clot formation by inhibiting production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) via irreversible COX 1 and COX 2 inhibition
What is the MOA of P2Y12 inhibitors?
Bind to adenosine disphosphate (ADP) P2Y12 receptor on the platelet surface, which prevents ADP-mediated activation of the GPIIb/IIIa receptor complex, thereby reducing platelet aggregation
What is the MOA GPIIb/IIIa receptor antagonists?
Block the platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, which is the binding site for fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor and other ligands, thereby reducing platelet aggregation and further thrombosis