Management of Angina

Question 1

Pt says having intermittent chest pain, what qs would ask?

Answer 1

Can use SOCRATES to take hx
Ask if had before/ medications used to help

Question 2

What is angina?

Answer 2

Obstruction of the coronary artery by fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) - arteries supply blood to heart and ensure pumps

Question 3

What is stable angina?

Answer 3

Often has a trigger (stress/ exercise) and stops within a few mins of resting

Question 4

What is unstable angina?

Answer 4

When lasts >20 mins or occurs at rest

Question 5

What are the symptoms of angina?

Answer 5

Central crushing chest pain
Referred pain - arm/ neck/ jaw
Nausea
Breathlessness

Question 6

What are signs of angina?

Answer 6

Pallor
Sweating
Relieved by rest or GTN

Question 7

What are RFs for angina?

Answer 7

Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol , obesity, older age, stress, family history

Question 8

How is angina dx?

Answer 8

ECG, coronary angiogram, lipid profile test, blood glucose

Question 9

What is often tx for angina?

Answer 9

Antiplatlet therapy
Beta blocker therapy

Question 10

What lifestyle factors can pt do to reduce risk?

Answer 10

Physical activity
Dietary modification
Weight reduction
Smoking cessation

Question 11

What is mx of acute angina in practice?

Answer 11

GTN spray - 2 puff sublingually
High flow oxygen
Repeated GTN after 5 mins if required

Question 12

What to do if pain not received after GTN?

Answer 12

Calll 999
Administer 300mg aspirin
Be prepared for CPR is MI

Question 13

What to be wary of in pt who have angina

Answer 13

Often anticoagulated