Chest Pain and A.fib TBL Flashcards
How is the wells clinical prediction for pulmonary embolism interpreted?
Greater than six points: high-risk 2 to 6 points: moderate risk
less than two points: low risk
What is responsible for 40% of ER chest pain visits?
Musculoskeletal conditions and chest wall pain
List the top 3 causes of chest pain in primary care setting in order
Chest wall pain, reflux esophagitis, costochondritis
What are the four best independent predictors of musculoskeletal (versus cardiac or pulmonary) chest pain?
Absence of cough, stinging pain, pain that is reproducible on palpation, localized muscle tension
Which electrocardiogram findings can be used to predict acute MI?
ST elevation, new left bundle branch block, Q waves, hyperacute T waves
List key predictors of acute MI in patients with nearly normal ECG findings
Male sex,
older than 60,
pressure type pain,
pain radiating to arm, shoulder, neck or jaw
What five factors are used to predict patients whose chest pain is caused by CAD?
Age 55 or older in men, 65 or older in women Known CAD or CVD Pain not reproducible by palpation Pain worse during exercise Patient assumes pain is cardiogenic
How is risk calculated in clinical decision rule for determining chest pain caused by CAD?
Each variable worth 1 point
0 to 1 points: low risk
2 to 3 points: moderate risk
4 to 5 points: high-risk
What should you do for a patient with chest pain with low risk of MI?
Evaluate for non-cardiac causes
What should you do for a patient with chest pain at moderate risk for MI?
Order ECG to look for findings consistent with ischemic heart disease, and if positive give oxygen aspirin and transport to emergency department
What should you do for a patient with chest pain at high risk for MI?
Order ECG, give oxygen and aspirin and transport to emergency department
What should be done if moderate risk chest pain patient has normal ECG or nonspecific ST waves?
Order troponin testing, get eval by cardiologist and stress testing
What four components of an ECG indicate MI?
ST segment changes, new onset left bundle branch block, presence of Q waves, and new onset T-wave inversions
What should the initial approach to patient with chest pain be?
Always consider a cardiac etiology first
How does the presence of comorbidities (like diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) affect prediction of ACS in patients older than 40?
They are only weak predictors but should be included in initial assessment
Which seven factors are used to predict pulmonary embolism?
Clinical symptoms of DVT, other diagnoses less likely, tachycardia, immobilization within the past four weeks, previous DVT or PE, hemoptysis, malignancy
State the clinical triad of pericarditis
Pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, diffuse ECG ST T-wave changes
What is the best predictor of heart failure in clinical setting?
History of heart failure or acute MI
most present with dyspnea on exertion
Which three symptoms are present in 97% of those diagnosed with PE?
Dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain
Which symptoms are common in Thoracic aortic dissection?
Pain radiating to back, pulse differential in upper extremities
What is the CHADS method of identifying patients at increased risk of stroke?
Congestive heart failure, hypertension, age over 75, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke
Which patients is adjusted-dose warfarin recommended for?
All patients with non-valvular a fib who are at high risk of stroke and for some who are at moderate risk
Which patients is antiplatelet therapy with aspirin recommended for?
Patients with a fib at low risk of stroke and for some patients at moderate risk