Cardiology Flashcards
What is atherosclerosis ?
chronic inflam + activation of immune system => lipid deposition in artery walls => fibrous atheromatous plaques => stiffening, stenosis + rupture
what size vessels does atherosclerosis affect ?
medium and large
what is a thrombus in fast flowing arteries mainly made of ?
mainly formed of platelets
name modifiable CVD RF ? (8)
- high cholesterol
- smoking
- alcohol
- poor diet
- poor sleep
- sedentary lifestyle
- stress
- obesity
name non-mod CVD RF ? (3)
- increasing age
- FHx
- Male
what is primary prevention for cardiovascular disease ?
QRISK > 10% => statin (atorvastatin 20mg at night)
How do statins work ?
reduce cholesterol produced by liver by inhibiting HMG CoA reductase
statin SE ? (4)
- myopathy
- rhabdomyolysis
- T2DM
- haemorrhagic stroke
secondary prevention for CVD ?
4As
- Antiplatelet (aspirin, clopidogrel)
- Atorvastatin
- atenolol/bisoprolol
- ACEI
stable angina pathophys ?
caused by atherosclerosis affecting coronary arteries => insufficient supply of blood to meet demand => chest pain
how to differentiate between stable and unstable angina ? (2)
stable when: sx only come with exertion + always relieved by GTN
what is the definitive Ix for stable angina ?
- cardiac stress testing (with ECG)
- coronary angiogram
stable angina Mx ? (3)
3 steps
- immediate sx relief (GTN spray)
- long term sx relief (BB or CCB - verapamil, diltiazem)
- secondary prevention (4As)
what would you consider revascularisation in a patient with stable angina ?
(PCI or CABG plus DAPT for 1 yr - clopi and aspirin)
- when optimal med therapy proves inadequate or if ERR bad
what are the 3 types of ACS ? what tissue affected? ischaemia or infarction ? troponin levels
- unstable angina (sub endo ischaemia): trop -ve
- NSTEMI (sub endo infarct): trop +ve
- STEMI (transmural infarct): trop +ve
what do all ACS have in common ?
all share plaque rupture, thrombosis and inflammation
describe ECG changes in STEMI ? (4)
- ST elevation
- Tall T waves
- New LBBB
- Pathological Q walves
describe ECG changes in NSTEMI/unstable angina ?
- ST depression
- T wave inversion
- non-specific
- Normal !
what blood test would you specifically get in suspected ACS ?
troponin
- get 2 samples few hrs apart to see increase (or trend)
what could cause a raised troponin ? (5)
(released when myocardial cell damage)
- Myocarditis
- Pericarditis
- MI
- ventricular strain
- PE
more
What is immediate Mx of ACS ?
MONA
- IV morphine (+antiemetic - metaclopromide)
- Nitrate
- aspirin 300mg
(give oxy if sats < 95%)
STEMI Mx ? (after initial Mx) time frames ?
- PCI within 2 hrs of presenting
- thrombolysis > 2 hrs (streptokinase, alteplase)
(or CABG)
ongoing mx of ACS ? generally (3)
- echo to assess LVF
- cardiac rehab
- secondary prevention
what is secondary prevention after ACS ?
6As
- Aspirin
- Another antiplatelet (ticagrelor/clopi)
- Atorvastatin
- ACEI (ramipril)
- Atenolol (or other BB)
- Aldosterone antagonist