Angina Flashcards
What are the signs and symptoms of angina?
pain and tightness of chest
dull ache of the chest that spreads to the shoulders and jaw
discomfort of arms, back and jaw without chest pain
What are the causes of angina?
caused by atherosclerosis
risk factors: HTN, smoking, diabetes, high-cholesterol diet
What is the pathophysiology of angina?
Coronary heart disease causes coronary arteries to narrow due to the build up of plaque
narrowing of the coronary arteries makes it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries causing the symptoms of angina.
Administer GTN spray as prescribed, if not relieved after 5 mins have another spray - to dilate blood vessels and keep them open to maintain adequate blood flow and reduce pain
Rest and avoid overexertion or stimulating activities - enable heart to decrease its workload and recover from overworking itself
advise patient to stop smoking, refer to quit line - prevents further risk of an MI
encourage health diet to reduce the risk of any further blockages - reduces risk of atherosclerosis a main cause of the condition puts less strain on the heart long term
consider use of anticoagulant if prescribed for long term thrombus prevention - if arteries are very blocked up by plaque, reduced long term risks of developing an embolism
