PVD, IHD and acute coronary syndrome Flashcards
what is pvd?
peripheral vascular disease- atherosclerosis affecting peripheral vessels. E.g limbs/aorta (abdomen)
what are the symptoms of chronic ischemia in limbs?
- intermittent claudication in calves when walking
-skin/nail changes
how would you assess the severity of chronic ischemia of lower limbs?
ask how far they can walk before pain begins i.e short distance and pain= greater severity of disease
what causes acute ischemia of limbs?
embolus/plaque rupture = emergency
what are the symptoms of acute ischemia of limbs?
-pale
-pulseless
-cold
-constant severe pain
-paralysed
how is pvd of lower limbs managed?
-risk factor modification
-exercise
-surgery (stent, bypass graft, amputation)
what does atherosclerosis of the aorta cause?
abdominal aortic aneurysm due to swelling of the aorta
what does swelling of the aorta lead to?
swelling-weakens walls-risk of rupture-bleed out/death
who is most at risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
men over the age of 65- they must undergo screenings.
what are the symptoms of abdominal aortic anuerysm?
-often asymptomatic
-vague abdominal pain
if acute/rupture- severe pain- requires surgery and has a 50-90% mortality rate.
what is the top cause of mortality in the western world?
ischemic heart disease
does stable angina cause pain on exertion or rest?
exertion
is stable angina acute or chronic?
chronic
what investigation would be use to assess angina/ischemic heart disease?
Echocardiogram- dye placed in catheter outlines sclerosis (narrowing) of the arteries.
what causes stable angina?
narrowing of the coronary arteries by atherosclerosis
