Cardiovascular Systems 15 - Patient Cases

Question 1

How can chest pain due to the musculoskeletal system be identified?

Answer 1

• Pain upon palpation
• Caused by physical strain
• No dullness of percussion

Question 2

How can cardiac causes of chest pain be identified?

Answer 2

• ST-elevation MI identified by high troponin levels and ST elevation
• Non ST-elevation MI identified by high troponin but no ST elevation

Question 3

How can you tell the difference between stable and unstable angina?

Answer 3

• If the pain happens during activities and goes away with rest, it is stable angina
• If the pain lasts longer, occurs during rest or is more severe it is unstable angina

Question 4

What is used when evaluating someone with chest pain as an outpatient?

Answer 4

• Stress ECG (low cardiac risk)
• Stress test with perfusion scan (moderate risk/abnormal ECG) shows how well the heart is supplying itself with blood
• Angiography ( high risk) checks blood vessels

Question 5

What is angina?

Answer 5

Chest pain resulting from reduced blood from the heart

Question 6

Why does gasteroesopageal reflux disease cause chest pain?

Answer 6

By acid reflux