Ischaemic heart disease Flashcards
Which antibiotics interact with statins?
Macrolides e.g. clarithromycin or erythromycin.
What is the antiplatelet of choice in peripheral arterial disease or following an ischaemic stroke?
Clopidogrel
What is familial hypercholesterolaemia?
An autosomal dominant genetic condition causing very high cholesterol levels.
What are the 3 important features when making a clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia?
Family history of premature cardiovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction under 60 in a first-degree relative).
Very high cholesterol (e.g., above 7.5 mmol/L in an adult).
Tendon xanthomata (hard nodules in the tendons containing cholesterol, often on the back of the hand and Achilles).
What is the management of familial hypercholesterolaemia?
Specialist referral for genetic testing and statins.
What are the major side effects of GTN?
Headache and dizziness due to low blood pressure.
Why are non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (e.g. verapamil or diltiazem) contraindicated with beta-blockers?
Due to the risk of atrioventricular block.
If both beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are contraindicated/not tolerated in the management of stable angina, what are the alternative options?
Long-acting nitrate (isosorbide mononitrate), nicorandil, ivabradine or ranolazine.
Describe the differentials for chest pain
Cardiac: angina, ACS, aortic dissection, pericarditis.
Respiratory: PE, pneumothorax, pneumonia.
GI: oesophagitis, oesophageal spasm, peptic ulcer disease.
Other: costochondritis, rib fracture, herpes zoster, depression/anxiety.
Stable vs. Unstable plaque
Stable plaque has less fat and inflammatory cells and more fibrous cells.
Unstable plaque has more fat and inflammatory cells and less fibrous cells —> more likely to rupture.
At what percentage stenosis of arteries does angina occur?
70% stenosis —> angina.
Does 100% occlusion of artery cause angina or MI?
Progressive angina. Rupture of plaque causes MI.
Define ischaemic penumbra
Tissue at risk of infarction where perfusion is inadequate to support function, but just adequate to maintain cell viability.
What is a +ve FHx for CVD?
First degree relative having MI/stoke < 60 years old.
Define atherosclerosis
Build up of atheromas in artery walls causing sclerosis (hardening/stiffening).
Describe the process of atherosclerosis
- Fatty streak formation from lipid deposits, due to endothelial injury.
- Migration of leukocytes and SM cells into vessel wall.
- Macrophages engulf lipids leading to foam cell formation.
- Fibrous cap formation (SM cell migration).
- Rupture of fibrous atheromatous plaque.
- Thrombus formation (platelet aggregation and fibrin mesh).
What are the 3 consequences of plaque formation?
Stiffening of artery walls —> hypertension.
Stenosis —> angina.
Rupture —> ischaemia —> MI.
List the risk factors for CVD
Non-modifiable: age, male, FHx.
Modifiable: raised cholesterol, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, poor sleep, stress.
Co-morbidities: diabetes, hypertension, CKD, inflammatory conditions, atypical anti-psychotics.
What are the consequences of atherosclerosis?
Angina, MI, stroke/TIA, peripheral arterial disease, chronic mesenteric ischaemia.
Describe the primary prevention measures for CVD
Optimise modifiable risk factors - stop smoking, decrease alcohol, treat co-morbidities, healthy diet, excerise.
Statins.
Which patients should be offered statins for primary prevention of CVD?
QRISK3 score >10%, CKD (eGFR <60), T1D (for >10 years or are over 40).
What type and dose of statin should be offered to patients for primary prevention?
Atorvastatin 20mg
What is QRISK score?
Estimates the % risk that a patient will have a MI or stroke in next 10 years.
What is the MOA of statins?
Inhibit HMG CoA reductase, decreasing cholesterol production in the liver.