NON–ST-ELEVATION ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME Flashcards
What is non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome?
A continuum of unstable angina, non–Q-wave myocardial infarction, non–ST-segment elevation MI, and STEMI due to coronary plaque rupture and thrombus formation
This process is clinically recognized as acute coronary syndrome (ACS) when it causes symptoms.
What is the current definition of a myocardial infarction?
Evidence of myocardial necrosis in a clinical setting consistent with myocardial ischemia, including cardiac biomarker rise or fall
This includes symptoms of ischemia, ECG changes, pathologic Q waves, imaging evidence, or identification of an intracoronary thrombus.
Which cardiac biomarkers are utilized in the diagnosis of NSTE-ACS?
Troponin, specifically troponin T and troponin I, which are highly sensitive and specific for cardiac myocyte injury
High-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) assays allow earlier detection of serum troponin after an MI.
What conditions can cause elevations in troponin besides epicardial coronary artery disease?
Conditions include:
* Myocarditis
* Acute congestive heart failure
* Cardiac contusion
* Tachyarrhythmias
* Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
* Infiltrative diseases (e.g., amyloidosis)
* Systemic illnesses (e.g., chronic kidney disease)
Numerous non-coronary cardiac diseases and systemic illnesses can elevate troponin.
What are the factors that make up the TIMI risk score?
Factors include:
* Age > 65 years
* Three or more CAD risk factors
* Prior catheterization demonstrating CAD
* ST-segment deviation
* Two or more anginal events within 24 hours
* ASA use within 7 days
* Elevated cardiac markers
Each factor counts as 1 point, with total scores indicating low, intermediate, or high risk.
What are the components of the GRACE ACS risk model at the time of admission?
Components include:
* Age
* Heart rate
* Systolic blood pressure
* Creatinine
* Congestive heart failure Killip class
* Cardiac arrest at admission
* ST-segment deviation
* Elevated cardiac enzymes/markers
Risk scores categorize patients as low, intermediate, or high risk for in-hospital death.
What are the three currently used oral P2Y12 receptor inhibitors?
The three P2Y12 inhibitors are:
* Clopidogrel
* Prasugrel
* Ticagrelor
These agents block the P2Y12 receptor and are used in dual antiplatelet therapy.
What are the differences between the intravenous antiplatelet agents?
Eptifibatide and tirofiban are reversible GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, while abciximab is an irreversible inhibitor
All three agents increase the risk of major bleeding and thrombocytopenia.
What antiplatelet agents are recommended in patients with NSTE-ACS?
Aspirin should be administered, or clopidogrel as a substitute for aspirin if contraindicated
Ticagrelor is preferred over clopidogrel based on the PLATO study.
What anticoagulant agents are recommended by the ACC/AHA guidelines?
The guidelines recommend unfractionated heparin (UFH) and enoxaparin for parenteral anticoagulant therapy
Parenteral anticoagulant therapy is recommended for all patients with NSTE-ACS.
What is the Class IIb recommendation for the use of rapidly acting P2Y12 bridge therapy in patients undergoing PCI?
The ESC NSTE-ACS guidelines provide a Class IIb recommendation for its routine use, balancing reductions in ischemic events with increased bleeding risk.
P2Y12 bridge therapy is evaluated for its efficacy and safety in the context of PCI.
Which parenteral anticoagulant agents are recommended by the ACC/AHA guidelines?
The ACC/AHA guidelines recommend:
* Unfractionated heparin (UFH)
* Enoxaparin
* Fondaparinux
* Bivalirudin
These agents are recommended for all patients with NSTE-ACS.
What is the recommended maintenance dose of aspirin for patients with NSTE-ACS?
81 mg daily
Non–enteric-coated aspirin should be administered promptly after presentation.
What are the P2Y12 inhibitors recommended for patients treated with an early invasive or ischemia-guided strategy?
The recommended P2Y12 inhibitors are:
* Clopidogrel
* Ticagrelor
These inhibitors are part of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).
For how long should P2Y12 inhibitor therapy be continued in post-PCI patients treated with coronary stents?
At least 12 months
This is crucial for patients who have undergone PCI with stenting.