Ischaemic Heart Disease And Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards
What is a MI ?
Necrosis of a section of myocardial tissue due to ischaemia ( an inadequate supply of blood to affected tissue ).
What usually causes an MI ?
An atheromatous plaque that ruptures or erodes in a coronary artery causing a thrombus to form. This can partially or completely block the blood flow in the artery.
What are some risk factors for a MI ?
Male sex
Advancing age
Obesity
Smoking
Hypertension
Physical inactivity
Hypercholesterolaemia
DM
Family history
What are some complications of a MI ?
Heart failure
Stroke
Depression
Sudden death
What lifestyle management should be given to prevent recurrence of a MI ?
Stop smoking
Cardioprotective diet : low salt, low sugar, wholegrain
Increase physical activity
Weight loss
Limit alcohol
What medications should be started when someone has had an MI ?
ACEi
Aspirin + Clopidogrel
Beta blocker
Statin
What indicates a MI ?
Detection of high troponin levels
Symptoms of ischaemia
ECG showing ST-T changes or new left bundle branch block
Development of pathological Q waves
What are some differentials for an MI ?
Cardiac :
- pericarditis
- myocarditis
- mitral valve prolapse
- Aortic dissection
Pulmonary :
- PE
GI :
- peptic ulcer
- pancreatitis
- cholecystitis
What is angina ?
A clinical syndrome of chest pain or pressure that accompanies periods of MI. It is usually aggravated by by activities which increase myocardial demand for oxygen.
What are the clinical features of angina ?
Tight, dull or heavy discomfort often seen retrosternally or left side
Fatigue
Nausea
What are some conditions which precipitate atherosclerosis ?
Hypertension
Hypercholesterolaemia
Smoking
Diabetes
What are some differentials for angina ?
Aortic stenosis
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Mitral valve prolapse
Aortic dissection
PE
GORD
Gastritis
Pancreatitis
What investigations should be performed when suspecting angina ?
Blood tests
CXR
ECG
What medication should be used for an acute attack of angina ?
Short acting nitrate
What is the management of unstable angina ?
Aspirin and antithrombin therapy
Offer fondaparinux
Offer coronary angiography with follow on PCI within 72 hours of admission
What is the management of chronic angina ?
Lifestyle measures - increase physical activity, stop smoking, increase food and veg, weight control.
Manage stress
GTN spray
Consider aspirin, ACEi
Offer statin and treatment for high blood pressure