Cardio #3 (test 1) Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD)?
It’s when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow, stiff, or blocked—mostly because of fatty buildup (called atherosclerosis). This reduces oxygen to the heart, which hurts the heart muscle.
What causes coronary artery disease (risk factors)?
The same things that cause atherosclerosis: smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, not exercising, and family history.
What is angina?
It’s chest pain caused by not enough oxygen reaching the heart muscle. It usually happens when you’re active or stressed.
What’s the difference between stable and unstable angina?
Stable angina: Happens in a regular pattern (like during exercise) and goes away with rest or medication.
Unstable angina: Happens at any time, even at rest. It’s more serious and can lead to a heart attack.
What is a heart attack (MI) and what causes it?
A heart attack happens when a heart artery is blocked for too long, stopping oxygen from getting to the heart muscle. This kills part of the muscle, which can’t grow back.
What are signs and symptoms of a heart attack?
Chest pain or pressure
Pain in the shoulder, jaw, or arm
Sweating, pale skin, nausea
Trouble breathing
Feeling really tired
Fast heartbeat, abnormal heart sounds
Changes on an ECG and high heart enzyme levels in blood
What problems can happen after a heart attack?
More chest pain
Irregular heartbeats
Heart failure
Heart valve problems
Shock, sudden death
Swelling around the heart
Heart wall or artery tearing
Weak heart pumping
How is a heart attack treated?
Quickly giving meds like aspirin, oxygen, and nitrates
Doing an ECG and blood tests
Possibly giving clot-busting drugs or opening the artery
with a stent (PCI)
Long-term: medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, and treating other issues like high blood pressure or cholesterol
What is an arrhythmia?
It’s when the heart beats in an odd or irregular way. Some are harmless, others can be life-threatening.
What is atrial fibrillation (AF)?
The top part of the heart (atria) quivers instead of beating properly. It can cause blood clots and raise the risk of stroke.
What is ventricular tachycardia?
The bottom part of the heart beats way too fast (150–200 bpm). This means the heart doesn’t fill properly, so not enough blood is pumped. It can cause chest pain, fainting, and can lead to cardiac arrest
What is ventricular fibrillation?
The bottom part of the heart just shakes instead of pumping. Blood doesn’t go anywhere. This causes cardiac arrest and needs immediate defibrillation (shock).
What is asystole?
This is a flatline—no heart activity at all. The heart has stopped. You can’t shock it. CPR and adrenaline are needed right away.
What is heart failure?
It’s when the heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can happen after a heart attack or due to high blood pressure, valve problems, or other heart damage.
What class of medication is Nitroglycerin?
Nitrate – it helps relieve chest pain.
What is Nitroglycerin used for?
To treat active chest pain from unstable angina or a heart attack.
How does Nitroglycerin work?
It relaxes (opens up) the blood vessels so more oxygen-rich blood can reach the heart.
How is Nitroglycerin given in an emergency?
Under the tongue (sublingual) or as a nasal spray—works quickly because it skips the stomach.
What are some common side effects of Nitroglycerin?
It can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and a bad headache.
What should the nurse check before giving Nitroglycerin?
Ask if the patient takes erectile dysfunction meds (can dangerously lower blood pressure when combined)
What do you monitor when giving Nitroglycerin?
Watch for ongoing chest pain and check blood pressure before and after each dose.
What are the nursing steps for giving Nitroglycerin tablets?
Give one tablet under the tongue.
If pain continues after 5 mins, give a second.
A third can be given if pain still continues.
Stop if BP is too low, or if pain isn’t gone after 3 doses—then call the doctor.
What is the most common cause of coronary artery disease?
Aneurysm
Coronary spasm
Atherosclerosis
Embolism
Atherosclerosis
Angioplasty is a procedure which:
sucks atherosclerotic plaques out of arteries
tests for elevated cardiac enzymes
opens blocked arteries via balloon inflation
redirects blood flow around blockages in arteries
opens blocked arteries via balloon inflation
