Myocardial Infarction Flashcards
What is the first step in diagnosing acute MI?
ECG
What is the crucial part of the ECG to diagnosing MI?
ST segment
What should the normal ST segment look like?
Should be the same height as the PR interval and the isoelectric line
What happens to the ST segment in an MI?
ST elevation
What else is used to diagnose MI and why?
The presence of troponin I or T (cardiac specific) as when heart cells burst/die these proteins are released
What is the coronary flow reserve?
Maximum amount of blood in the coronary blood flow
By how much can the coronary flow reserve increase?
5 fold
Why does angina happen on exertion?
Bc stenosis affects coronary flow reserve
When does coronary flow reserve increase normally?
During exercise
How does stenosis affect coronary blood flow?
After about 50% stenosis, the coronary flow reserve decreases so coronary blood flow can no longer increase as much - CFR decreases with increasing % stenosis
What causes the stenosis to increase from 50% to 100% in AMI?
Unstable clot/plaque - RBCs caught in fibrin net
What is chest pain due to in AMI?
Sensation of myocardial ischaemia
Where else is pain felt during an AMI?
Anterior chest, left arm, neck
Is the pain diffuse or localised and why?
Diffuse → nerve supply is somatic, no dermatomes, visceral nerve supply
What is the character of pain in AMI?
Tight, pressure, weight, constriction, dull
What triggers angina?
Exercise, cold, meals, psychological stress
What is relief for angina?
Rest, GTN
What causes shortness of breath in an MI?
Pulmonary oedema
What happens as the heart becomes increasing failing?
As LV EDP increases, CO increases less
Why does oedema occur?
Pressure on the venule end of capillaries → mean pressure increases → hydrostatic pressure increases
What happens when atherosclerotic plaque ruptures?
1) Endothelial layer feels back under sheer stress of exercise
2) Platelets starts accumulating on exposed atherosclerotic plaque which initiates the clotting casade
What is the difference between stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaque?
Stable plaque is separated from the lumen by a fibrous cap however in unstable plaque the fibrous cap is eroded
What state is the plaque in at body temp?
Liquid
What happens to unstable plaque?
1) Fibrous cap is eroded and communicated with the lumen
2) Cholesterol liquid is replaced by a blood clot
3) Intraplaque haemorrhage occurs which extends into the lumen of the coronary artery
What are 3 treatments for atherosclerotic plaque?
1) Statins (cholesterol lowering)
2) Anti-platelet drugs
3) Clot busters
How does cholesterol cause plaque?
1) Oxidised LDL is attacked by macrophages which think it is a foreign body
2) Activated macrophages induce intimal smooth muscle cell death and degrade matrix in the fibrous cap
3) Intimal smooth muscle cells become senescent
What drugs are used to lower LDL cholesterol by preventing the above process?
Statins
Why do you need anti-platelet drugs to treat plaque?
Because platelets aggregate at the site of rupture/erosin