Angina Flashcards
What is Angina?
Pain due to ischaemia of the heart muscle
Does anything make it worse? (4)
Exertion, emotion, cold weather, heavy meals (anything that increases the body/hearts demand for oxygen so the heart has to work harder)
What is the main cause? (1)
The main cause is Atherosclerosis that blocks the arteries in the heart
What other causes are there? (4)
Anything that reduces the hearts ability to provide oxygen to the body e.g Anaemia, tachyarrhythmias, arteritis
Is there anything that makes it better? (2)
It is usually relieved by rest and the use of Nitrates (GTN)
What is stable angina?
Angina induced by exertion and relieved by rest
What is Unstable angina?
Angina with increasing frequency or severity, and occurs on minimal exertion or at rest
What is Decubitus Angina?
Angina precipitated by lying flat
What is Variant/Prinzmetal Angina?
Angina brought on by coronary artery spasm
What is the difference between unstable angina and ACS?
ACS shows changes in Troponin levels but unstable angina does not
Is it common?
Yes very, 8% of men and 3% of women between 55-64 years old are affected
Risk Factors (7)
Age, Male, Hypertension, Smoking, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes, family history of heart disease
Symptoms (9)
Central chest pain, tightness, heaviness, pain in the arms, pain the jaw/neck/teeth, dypsnoea, nausea, sweating, syncope
Signs (3)
Tachycardia, Hypotension, Pallor
Investigations (3)
ECG, Bloods (FBC, U&E, Troponins), ECHO
