Chest Pain Flashcards
List the five causes of chest pain requiring immediate management
Acute coronary syndrome (some form of block of the blood flow to the heart) Aortic dissection PE Pneumothorax Boerhaave's perforation
Describe the symptom history of acute coronary syndrome
Sudden crushing chest pain
Radiating to arms and neck
List the signs of acute coronary syndrome
Hypercholestremia (xanethelomata, xanthelasma, arcus)
Atherosclerotic vascular disease - weak pulses, peripheral cyanosis, bruits on auscultation of carotids, ulcers, atrophic skin
Signs of anaemia - koilonychia, glossitis, angular stomatitis, conjunctive pallor
Signs of arrhythmia
What is angular stomatitis?
Slight inflammation in corners of the mouth, suggestive of anaemia
List some signs of atherosclerotic vascular disease
Atrophic skin Weak pulses Bruits on auscultation of carotids Ulcers Peripheral cyanosis
Describe the symptom history of aortic dissection
Chest pain, radiating to back
List the signs of aortic dissection
Absence of pulse in one arm?
Difference in blood pressure >20mmHg between arms
Hypertension / hypotension
Aortic regurgitation
Pleural effusion (from rupture of aorta or inflammation)
Central, crushing
MI
Associated with fever
Pericarditis
List some gasto causes of chest pain
Gastritis GORD Ulcer Boerhaave's syndrome Reflux oesophagitis Oesphageal spasm
List causes of chest pain that is sudden
MI
Aortic dissection
Pneumothorax
PE
Tearing pain radiating to the back
Aortic dissection
Radiation to neck/shoulder and trapezius muscle ridges
Pericarditis
Radiation to arms/neck or jaw
MI or Pericarditis
Worse lying down
Pericarditis
GORD
