MI/Angina/CAD Flashcards
What does ‘Cath Lab’ refer to?
A specialized medical facility for cardiovascular procedures
Includes angioplasty, angiogram, and CABG.
What is a normal creatinine level?
0.9 - 1.2
Creatinine levels above 1.3 require reporting.
What should be done if a patient’s creatinine is over 1.3?
REPORT immediately
Also check urine output; below 30 ml/hr is concerning.
How long before and after a procedure should Metformin be stopped?
48 hours
This is to prevent complications related to renal function.
What does a non-palpable pedal pulse indicate?
Call healthcare provider (HCP)
Indicates possible perfusion issues.
What is the goal of stable angina management?
No chest pain during daily activities
Activities include combing hair, dressing, etc.
What is the maximum number of nitroglycerin doses a patient can take for chest pain?
3 doses
Taken 5 minutes apart; call 911 if pain persists.
How should nitroglycerin be administered?
Sublingually (SL)
Do not swallow; place under the tongue.
What is a common adverse effect of nitroglycerin?
Headache (HA)
It is considered a normal side effect.
What are the signs of cardiogenic shock after a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Severe hypotension
Requires immediate medical attention.
What is a contraindication for using isosorbide?
Sildenafil (‘-afil’ drugs)
Using them together can be fatal.
What should be monitored for chronic heart failure?
Rapid weight gain, worsening crackles, sudden edema
Indicates fluid overload.
What is the proper storage for nitroglycerin?
Avoid light and heat
Do not store in pill boxes or cars; use a purse.
What should a patient do if a nitro patch falls off?
Take nitro (pill/spray)
New patch can take 40-60 minutes to work.
What is the administration frequency for a nitro patch?
Once daily
Do not use more than one patch at a time.
What areas should be avoided for nitro patch application?
Hairy, scarred, burned, calloused, broken skin
Must be a clean, dry, shaven area.
What is a key point about applying a nitro patch?
Rotate locations daily
Teach patients to wash hands after application.
What type of angina is characterized as ‘unpredictable’?
Unstable angina
It is unrelieved with rest.
What is a common side effect of hypotension when using nitroglycerin?
Need for slow position changes
This helps prevent dizziness or fainting.
What are Antiplatelets and their potency compared to anticoagulants?
Antiplatelets are less potent than anticoagulants
What is the normal platelet count range?
150-400k
What are the risks associated with a platelet count less than 50k?
RISKY
What is the INR range for Warfarin?
2.5-3.5
What is the antidote for Warfarin?
Vitamin K
What does aPTT stand for in relation to Heparin?
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time
What is the aPTT range for Heparin?
46-70
What is the antidote for Heparin?
Protamine Sulfate
List some conditions that increase bleed risk.
- Peptic ulcers
- Active bleeds
- Use of NSAIDs
- Use of certain vitamins (Echinacea, Garlic, etc.)
What should be avoided before a CATH LAB or surgery?
NPO 6 - 12 hours
What indicates a Myocardial Infarction?
(+) Positive Troponin
What is the priority treatment for a clot in a heart attack?
Remove the clot
What are the types of clot busters?
- Thrombolytics
- Fibrinolytics
What is the duration of t-PA (Alteplase, Streptokinase) effect?
8 hours
What should be avoided after a CABG procedure?
- Heavy lifting
- Baths
What are the contraindications for thrombolytics?
- Active bleeds
- Peptic ulcers
- History of arteriovenous malformations
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Hypertension (over 180/110)
What should be done if a stress test is stopped?
Chest pain or ST elevation
What should be avoided 24-48 hours before a chemical stress test?
- Cigarettes
- Caffeine
- Certain medications (Nitro, Beta Blockers)
What is the NPO requirement before and after a stress test?
4 hours
What does a positive Troponin test indicate?
Heart Attack (MI)
What is the significance of ST elevation in a stress test?
Indicates potential heart issues
What is Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
Necrosis of heart muscles due to lack of oxygen from coronary artery blockage
MI is often referred to as a heart attack.
What are common signs and symptoms of a Myocardial Infarction?
- Pain (jaw, back, mid back/shoulder, heartburn, substernal)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Sweating (diaphoresis)
- Pale cool skin (dusky)
- Anxiety
Key words include sudden, crushing, and radiating pain.
List the risk factors associated with Myocardial Infarction.
- Stress
- Smoking
- Obesity (BMI over 25)
- Diabetes & Hypertension (over 140/90)
- High cholesterol diet (animal fats)
- Age (over 50) and African American males
- Men more than women
SODDA is a mnemonic for these risk factors.
What does CAM stand for in the context of MI progression?
- C - Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- A - Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
- M - Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Angina can be stable (relieved with rest) or unstable (unrelieved).
What is the first diagnostic test for Myocardial Infarction?
EKG (electrocardiogram)
Look for ST elevation or ST depression indicating blockage.
What lab value is a key indicator of a Myocardial Infarction?
Troponin (over 0.5 ng/mL)
It is the only indicator of MI among trauma labs.
Fill in the blank: The recommended diet for MI patients should be low in _______.
sodium and fluids (2g/2L per day)
This helps prevent heart failure.
What are the pharmacological treatments during chest pain?
- Oxygen
- Aspirin
- Nitroglycerin (under tongue, max 3)
- Morphine (for pain)
These treatments aim to relieve pain and improve oxygenation.
What is the purpose of Heparin in MI treatment?
Prevents clot growth (does not dissolve clots)
Use PTT (46-70) to monitor and Protamine Sulfate as the antidote.
What are the cautionary measures for administering Beta Blockers?
- Bad for heart failure patients
- Bradycardia (HR 60 or less)
- Low BP
- Breathing problems (asthma, COPD)
- Blood sugar masking (diabetics)
Beta blockers lower blood pressure and heart rate.
True or False: Calcium Channel Blockers are safe for patients with low HR and BP.
False
They should be avoided in such cases.
What are the signs of elevated potassium in MI patients?
Muscle cramps, spasms, peaked T waves, ST changes
Elevated potassium can lead to heart complications.
What is the first choice medication upon discharge for MI patients?
ACE inhibitors (-pril)
Lisinopril is a common example.
Fill in the blank: Patients should avoid _______ while taking Statins.
grapefruit
Grapefruit can increase the risk of side effects.
What does the acronym DURING stand for in the context of chest pain management?
D-U-A-N-M: O-Oxygen, A-Asa, N-Nitro, M-Morphine
This acronym helps remember the immediate steps to take during chest pain.
What is the role of Heparin in clot stabilization after a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Prevents clot growth; does not dissolve clots
t-PA is used to dissolve clots, whereas Heparin prevents further growth.
What is the therapeutic range for PTT when administering Heparin?
46 - 70 seconds
The maximum is noted as ‘3 x MAX’.
What is the antidote for Heparin?
Protamine Sulfate
This is used to reverse the effects of Heparin.
What class of medications do Beta Blockers belong to and what is their primary effect?
Beta Blockers (-lol); they block both BP and HR
Atenolol is a common example.
What are the cautionary considerations for using Beta Blockers?
Heart Failure, Bradycardia, Breathing Problems, Blood Sugar Masking
Each ‘B’ represents a different caution associated with Beta Blockers.
What is the function of Calcium Channel Blockers?
Calm BP & HR
Examples include Nifedipine, Diltiazem, and Verapamil.
What should be avoided when using Nitroglycerin?
Viagra (-afil)
The combination can lead to severe hypotension and death.
What are the first and second choices for antihypertensive medications after MI?
1st: Ace (-pril); 2nd: ARBs (-sartan)
Lisinopril and Losartan are examples.
What are the main precautions to take when administering Ace inhibitors?
Avoid pregnancy, angioedema, cough, elevated creatinine, elevated K+
These precautions help mitigate risks associated with Ace inhibitors.
What is the normal range for creatinine levels?
0.9 - 1.2
Elevated levels may indicate kidney issues.
Fill in the blank: High potassium levels can lead to ______.
High Pump
This refers to the increased cardiac workload associated with elevated potassium.
What should be monitored for in patients with elevated potassium levels?
Muscle cramps, spasms, peaked T waves, ST changes
These signs indicate potential cardiac complications.