Acute Myocardial Infarction Flashcards
Which troponins are released by damaged cardiac muscle cells and can be used to diagnose an MI?
Troponin T and I
Why do heart attacks cause pain?
breakdown products of ATP and peptides stimulate the nerves in the heart so pain is felt. pain cannot be localised as the heart has no dermatome.
What are the symptoms of a MI?
chest pain, shortness of breath, light headed, anxiety / sense of impending doom
What is the cause of an MI?
sudden interruption of blood supply. |coronary heart disease, stimulant drugs (cause coronary arteries to narrow), hypoxia (e.g CO poisoning or lung disease)
What is a STEMI MI?
is complete occlusion (typically thrombosis or embolism) of a coronary artery. ST elevation in ECG.
What is a NSTEMI MI?
NSTEMI is usually a result of a transient or near-complete occlusion of a coronary artery or acute factor that deprives myocardium of oxygen. ECG does not show persistent ST elevation, but may show ischaemic changes such as ST depression or T-wave inversion. The ECG may also be normal.
What drug should a patient take while waiting for an ambulance?
300mg aspirin to thin the blood
What are complications of an MI?
arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, ventricular rupture or aneurysm, acuet mitral regurgitation, post Mi pericarditis, VTE, heart block, acute pericardial tamponade, recurrent ischaemia and infarction
How does someone with angina distinguish angina from MI?
If pain persists despite taking three doses of GTN over fifteen minutes, MI.
When should oxygen be given?
If sats are below 90%
What antiplatelet drug should all MI patients receive unless contraindicated?
aspirin
What drug should be used for pain relief?
GTN, or morphine if GTN is contraindicated
What methods are used to diagnose MI?
ECG, blood test for troponin, chest xray, echocardiogram, coronary angiography,
What drugs are also known as ‘clot busting’?
thrombolytics/fibrinolytics
What invasive methods of treatment are there for an MI?
primary PCI
