Angina Flashcards
episodes of pain or pressure in the anterior chest which may radiate to the left arm. Pain is caused by insufficient coronary blood flow resulting in ischemia. Usually relieved by nitroglycerin and rest
Angina Pectoris
- anterior deep chest pain, ranging from mild discomfort to agonizing pain and pressure
- pain radiates to occipital area, jaw, neck, shoulders, back or arms
- described as tightness, heaviness, choking sensation
- may experience numbness in arms, wrists or hands
- may have dyspnea, diaphoresis, or lightheadedness especially in the elderly patients
- Nausea and vomiting are common, and indigestion as well
- usually subsides with rest or nitorglycerin
- slight limitation of activity
presenting symptoms of chronic stable angina
this type of angina is more present in women. They often describe as flu like symptoms, feeling draggy and not like themselves. indicative of low vitamin D
atypical angina
what causes angina?
ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart.
- moderate to prolonged physical exertion
- heavy meal consumption
- stress or emotional strain
chronic stable angina
how is angina typically relived?
nitroglycerin and rest
- indigestion
- pain between the shoulders
- fatigue
- aching neck/jaw pain
- chocking sensation with exertion
- sleep disturbance
- dyspnea
symptoms of atypical angina
- no reported chest discomfort
- indigestion
- shortness of breath
- disorientation/confusion
Atypical angina in older adults
unstable angina that lasts longer than 15 minutes, presents with chest pain with minimal exertion and emotional stress, is not relieved with nitroglycerin and rest, and increases in occurrence, severity and intensity leads to what? (symptoms at rest indicates unstable)
acute coronary syndrome (which leads to a heart attack)
Sodium (reflects fluid balance: wherever salt goes water goes)
Potassium
Hypokalemia: can cause increased cardiac irritability
Hyperkalemia: can cause cardiac dysrhythmias
Calcium: affects blood coagulation and neuromuscular irritability
Magnesium: low levels lead to prolonged QT interval and increased cardiac irritability
BUN/Creatinine: kidney function
-lower glucose levels improve cardiac function
- C Reactive Protein: if present in the blood non-specific indicator inflammation or infection which can have a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis
labs important to assess angina.
must be assessed prior to invasive procedures
coagulation studies (PTT and APTT)
homocysteine levels assess for the risk of coronary vascular disease and the patient must be NPO for _____ hours before the test
12
found only in patients with myocardial muscle ischemia or necrosis, so any rise in value indicates possible MI (levels rise within 3-6 hours)
Troponins T and 1
most specific for MI (rises 2-3 hours after cardiac cells are injured and remains elevated for 12 hours
Creatinine Kinase MB (CK-MB)
is a small oxygen-binding protein found in heart and skeletal muscled which is released when heart or skeletal muscles are injured
Myoglobin