CVD - Acute Coronary Syndromes

Question 1

What are the 2 pathological processes of acute coronary syndromes?

Answer 1

• Blood vessel narrowing (Resulting in inadequate oxygen delivery for tissue needs. Presents as a “cramp” in affected tissue/muscle. If this foes on for many years the specialised tissue can become fibrotic and lead to heart failure.)
• Blood vessel occlusion
  (This is much more dramatic. There is no oxygen delivery to the tissue and leads to tissue death. Presents as much more severe pain and will result in loss of function)

Question 2

What are the 3 main arteries supplying the heart?

Answer 2

• right coronary artery
• left anterior descending coronary artery
• circumflex coronary artery

Question 3

True or false:
Blood can only flow the coronary arteries to the coronary tissue when the valves are open (systole)

Answer 3

False:
Blood can only flow when the valve is shut (during diastole)

Question 4

What occurs in the arteries during coronary artery disease

Answer 4

Atherosclerosis (build up of plaque) in the coronary arteries. These plaques will gradually increase in size, narrowing the vessel, reducing blood flow

Question 5

At what time does ischemia move from reversible to permanent, if the occlusion is not removed?

Answer 5

20 minutes

Question 6

what are the 3 main forms ischaemic events affects the heart

Answer 6

• Atherosclerosis with blood clot
• Atherosclerosis
• Spasm of the arteries