Acute Coronary Syndromes Flashcards
Define Acute Coronary Syndrome
Covers a spectrum of acute cardiac conditions from unstable angins to varying degrees of MI
What indicates a Q-wave infarction
ST elevation
What indicates a Non-Q infarction
ST depression/ T wave inversion
What indicates an unstable angina on an ECG
Normal (can’t detect)
Clinical classification of unstable angina
- Cardiac chest pains at rest and increasing
2. No rise in troponin levels
When can MI be diagnosed on ECG alone
If ST is elevated
When is diagnosis made if there is no ST elevation but MI has happened
After troponin results come in
What are characteristics of a non Q-wave MI
- Poor R wave progression
- Biphasic (inverted) T wave
- ST elevation
Signs of an MI
- Unremitting
- Severe
- Occurs at night
- Sweating
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
Risks that increase MI chances
- Higher age
- Diabetes
- Renal Failure
- Left ventricular systolic dysfunction
How is MI initially managed
- 999!
- if ST elevation is seen by paramedic, transfer to PCI centre
- 300mg aspirin immediately
- Pain relief
How is MI managed in hospitals
- Diagnosis
- Bed rest
- Oxygen therapy
- Narcotics/nitrates
- Aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor
- Beta-blockers
How is ACS commonly caused
Plaque rupture - arterial thrombosis
or CORONARY VASOSPASM (not common)
What is troponin
Regulates actin:myosin contraction
Why is looking at troponin levels not accurate for MI
- Positive in pulmonary embolism
- Myocarditis
- Arrythmias
- Heart failures
How does aspirin function
- Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 which produce PROSTAGLANDINS
irreversibly
Role of prostaglandins
Pro-inflammatory - induce clotting