Chapter 2 - Stable Angina Flashcards
What are the symptoms of stable angina?
Predictable chest pain
This may radiate to the neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
Precipitated by exercise or stress
Relieved by rest/GTN
What happens during a stable angina?
There is atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries that restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart
There is also an increase in oxygen demand within the heart due to exercise/stress
What are some complications of angina?
Unstable angina
MI
Stoke
What is Prinzmetal’s angina?
This is caused by narrowing of the proximal coronary artery due to spasm, causing pain at rest
How should acute angina attacks be managed?
With sublingual GTN (tablets or spray)
When chest pain is experienced:
Stop activity and rest
Take sublingual GTN
If pain persists after 5 mins, take another
If pain persists 5 mins after the second dose, call 999
When should long term anti-anginal therapy be considered?
When patients are experiencing more than 2 acute anginal attacks a week
What is first-line for long-term prevention of angina?
Beta blockers e.g. atenolol, bisoprolol
Or rate limiting CCB e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
What should be done if beta-blockers or CCBs alone fail to control anginal symptoms?
Use a beta-blocker and a dihydropyradine CCB e.g. amlodipine
What should be done if beta-blockers and/or CCBs don’t effectively control anginal symptoms?
Add either a: Long acting nitrate Nicorandil Ivabradine Ranolazine
When should a patients response to anginal treatments be monitored?
2-4 weeks after a change in drug therapy
Should patients with angina be considered for secondary prevention of CV events?
Yes - aspirin 75mg daily and a statin
And an ACEi should be considered especially if the patient has diabetes
What is the mechanism of action of nitrates?
Reduction in venous return (which reduced left ventricular work)
Coronary vasodilator
How long does the effect of GTN sublingual tablets/spray last?
20-30 mins
How long does the action of isosorbide dinitrate last?
Standard release - a few hours
Modified release - 12 hours
What are the contraindications of nitrates?
Hypotension
Hypovolaemia
Marked anaemia