Chest Pain - FM Flashcards
What is the leading cause of death?
Heart disease.
How is Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) defined?
ACS is a constellation of symptoms related to obstruction of coronary arteries, with chest pain being the most common symptom.
What is the most common symptom of ACS?
Chest pain.
How does ACS-related chest pain typically present?
It radiates to the left arm or jaw, is pressure-like in character, and is associated with nausea and sweating.
What are the three main classifications of ischaemic heart disease?
Stable angina, unstable angina, myocardial infarction.
Name three non-cardiac causes of chest pain.
Costochondritis, pleurisy, diaphragmatic irritation.
Where is the heart located?
In the middle mediastinum.
What are the three layers covering the heart?
Fibrous pericardium, outer parietal serous pericardium, inner visceral pericardium.
Which heart chamber forms the apex?
Left ventricle.
Which heart chamber forms the base?
Left atrium, with a small part of the right atrium.
Name the four main components of the cardiac conduction system.
SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, Right & Left bundle branches.
What is the pathophysiology of ACS?
Atheromatous plaque formation, plaque rupture, platelet aggregation, clot formation, coronary occlusion, myocardial infarction.
List three modifiable risk factors for ACS.
Smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity.
List three non-modifiable risk factors for ACS.
Gender, age, family history of cardiovascular disease.
What are the key clinical features of ACS?
Chest discomfort (tightness, heaviness) at rest, dyspnoea, diaphoresis, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
How is ACS classified based on ECG and cardiac enzymes?
STEMI (ST elevation, elevated cardiac enzymes), NSTEMI (ST depression, T-wave inversion, elevated enzymes), Unstable Angina (nonspecific ECG, normal enzymes).
What are the ECG changes seen in STEMI?
ST elevations, Q waves, hyperacute T waves, followed by T wave inversions.
What are the ECG changes seen in NSTEMI?
ST depressions or T wave inversions without Q waves in at least two contiguous leads.
Which ECG leads indicate an inferior wall MI?
Leads II, III, aVF.
Which ECG leads indicate an anterior wall MI?
Leads V1, V2, V3, V4.
Which ECG leads indicate a lateral wall MI?
Leads I, aVL, V5, V6.
Which artery is usually blocked in a lateral wall MI?
Circumflex artery.
What is the primary biomarker for ACS diagnosis?
Troponin.
What drugs are used in the management of ACS?
Oxygen, nitrates, beta-blockers, morphine, aspirin, clopidogrel, statins.
