Core Conditions - CHD & HF & Stroke + TIA + Palliative Care Flashcards
what conditions are included in Coronary heart disease
it is a continuum of disease from stable angina to unstable angina to ACS
what is stable angina?
usually occurs predictably with physical exertion or emotional stress, last for no more than 5 minutes (usually less) and is relieved within minutes of rest, as well as sublingual nitrates
what is typical angina
all 3 of the following symptoms
1) chest, neck or jaw tightness exertion
2) precipitated by physical
3) relieved by GTN or rest within 5 minutes
what is atypical angina?
2 of the stable angina symptoms + atypical symptoms (gastrointestinal discomfort +/- SOB +/- nausea)
what is unstable angina?
new onset angina or abrupt deterioration in previously stable angina, often occurring at rest
keypoint = occurs at rest
pathophysiology of coronary heart disease
- Mostly due to atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries
- Plaque breaks up inside the artery
- = blood clot forms on the plaque surface and blocks the blood flow through the coronary artery
- Lack of oxygen to the myocardium – sub-endocardial myocardium is initially affected
- Myocardial necrosis
RF for CHD
- QRISK2 assessment (>10% is significant) – takes into account:
- Age - risk ↑ with age
- Sex - risk ↑ in males
- Ethnicity – more common in Asian/African descent
- Postcode (deprivation ↑ risk)
- Smoking status
- PMHx – e.g. diabetes etc.
- FHx
- BMI
- BP
- Total cholesterol : HDL ratio
what is the diagnostic pathway for angina?
consider which type of angina it is - typical or atypical
if stable angina is suspected –> refer to specialist chest pain service for confirmation
if diagnosis uncertain –> 12 lead ECG
1) pathological Q wave - previous MI
2) LBBB - if new onset = MI until proven otherwise
3) STEMI or NSTEMI
what are some symptom of ACS
acute onset central chest pain which might radiate down to arm & jaw, often occurs with little/no exertion
DM pts might not feel any pain due to neuropathy
associated symptoms
- N+V
- dizziness/syncope
- sweatiness
- SOB
- haemodynamic instability eg BP < 90, thread pulse
- complication - pulmonary oedema
diagnostic pathway for ACS
admission to hospital for confirmation - ECG + troponin level (raised 3-6 hours after MI - 2 weeks)
unless symptoms onset > 72 hours and no complications –> arrange test in primary care
what needs to be included in the counselling on angina
factors that provoke angina - exertion, emotional stress, exposure to cold, eating a large meal
long term complication - stroke, MI, unstable angina
aim to control symptoms
how to use GTN spray/sublingual
lifestyle intervention to reduce CV risk
sexual activity - can continue, GTN helps if symptoms occur, Give 24 hours between phosphodiesterase inhibitors as contraindicated - if taken viagra - do not take GTN and rest
how would you tell patients to administer GTn spray
• Prime: Press nozzle 5 times quickly, spraying into the air. Done the 1st time it’s used and if it has not been used in a week
1) Sit down and rest.
• 2) Remove the plastic cover and hold the bottle upright with your forefinger on top of the grooved nozzle. There is no need to shake the bottle.
• 3) Open your mouth and bring the bottle as close as possible, aiming it under your tongue.
4) Press the nozzle firmly with your forefinger to release the spray under your tongue.
DONOT inhale the spray
5 ) Release the nozzle and close your mouth. Avoid swallowing immediately after taking a dose.
• 6) For a second dose repeat the above steps.
• 7) Replace the plastic cover after use.
what are the side effect of GTN spray
postural hypotension
dizziness
tachycardia
throbbing headache
is a patient with stable angina able to drive a car?
yes - only if symptoms do not occur during rest
what are some primary pharmacological management for stable angina?
GTN spray while waiting for a referral
if pt experience chest pain inform them to
- stop what they are doing and rest
- use GTN
- take a 2nd dose if pain continue after 5 mins
- call 999 if pain still continue 5 mins after 2nd dose of GTN
Beta-blocker/CCB - 1st line for stable again
Isosorbide/Nicorandil/Ivabradine - 2nd line
Secondary prevention
what medications are used for secondary prevention in stable angina
ACE inhibitor if MI +DM
Aspirin 75mg
Statin - reduce CVD risk
hypertension meds
how often should you review a patient with angina?
every 6 months - 1 year
what needs to be review in the annual review of heart failure
assess CV risk & talk about modifiable factors
assess HR, BP, sings and symptoms of heart failure
screen for depression
meds reviews
- compliance
- side effects
- how to use GTN spray
emphasise when to seek medical advice such as acute chest pain
what are the side effects of a statin?
proximal myopathy (pain, tenderness, weakness)
statin should be given at night to avoid weakness and can potentially lead to a fall
definition of heart failure
it is a complex syndrome in which the ability of the heart to maintain the circulation of blood is impaired as a result of a structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection
what is classified as Class I (Mild) Heart Failure in the New York Heart Association Functional Classification
No limitation of physical activity. Ordinary physical activity does not cause undue fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea (shortness of breath)