Coronary artery disease path Flashcards
What is coronary artery disease?
Arteries becomes clogged d/t atherosclerosis
Which artery is most problematic if clogged if CAD?
Left anterior descending artery
-bc it determines perfusion to body
Coronary arteries branch from the ____
Aorta (gives heart oxygenated blood)
Not everyone with coronary artery disease has had a ______
heart attack
Nonmodifiable risk factors of CAD
-Age: older
-Gender: males early, women catch up after menopause
-Family hx
-Ethnicity: AA, Hispanics, NA
-Genetics
Modifiable risk factors of CAD
-HLD
-HTN
-Cigs
-DM
-Obesity/inactivity
-Diet high in fats, salts, transfat carbs
-Depression
-Stress
Atherosclerosis causes artery blockage so it leads to: (3)
-Decreased perfusion
-Endothelial dysfunction
-Heart has to work harder to pump blood
What is endothelial dysfunction?
-Vessels aren’t blocked but become narrow when filled with plaque
What is the main symptom of CAD?
Angina
A complete occlusion=
myocardial infarction
What is stable angina?
-Episodic
-Occurs on exertion, relived by rest
-Lasts 2-5mins
-Coronary flow is diminished by NOT blocked
What is unstable angina?
-Severe & new onset
-Occurs at rest
-Last >10 min
What is important to do if chest pain occurs?
Exclude the heart being the cause of chest pain before exploring noncardiac causes
Cardiac chest pain s/s
-Pressyre or tightness
-Poorly localized (elephant)
-Associated w/ physical exertion or other stress
-Relived w/ rest, usually within mins
-Prolonged symptoms may represent an acute coronary syndrome
Non-cardiac chest pain s/s
-Sharp or stabbing
-Focal, well localized
-May be positional, spontaneous at rest
-No predictable relation to physical exertion
-May last few seconds to days at a time
Atypical Angina in women s/s
-Discomfort (not chest pressure)
-Hot/burning
-Tenderness
-Indigestion
-Heart burn
-Nausea
-Fatigue/weakness
-Lightheadedness
-Dyspnea
Angina pectoris & pain w/ myocardial infarction
-Chest pain not brought on by exertion
-Radiate to other areas
-Not relieved in 2-5 mins
-Accompanied by N/V, SOA, diaphoresis
-Risk for MI increased
What do we do for stable angina?
Educate! Rest & relax
Decrease demand on heart
Stop smoking
Treat HLD
Call 911 if not better in 5 mins
What is preload?
Amount of volume in left ventricle before heart pump
What is afterload?
Opposing ejecting-Pressure that the heart has to squeeze against to contract (BP)
What is myocardial contractility?
Contractile capabilities of the heart
