Stable Angina Flashcards
State the signs and symptoms of stable angina.
Chest pain or discomfort (usually retrosternal), triggered by exertion or stress, relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, lasts <10-15 minutes.
What are the cardinal symptoms of stable angina?
Retrosternal chest pain or discomfort, triggered by exertion or emotional stress, relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
What are the most common risk factors for stable angina?
Atherosclerosis, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, family history of coronary artery disease (CAD), age >45 (men), >55 (women).
What is the first-line diagnostic test for stable angina?
Resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and clinical assessment.
What other diagnostic tests are used for stable angina?
Exercise treadmill test, stress echocardiography, coronary angiography, CT coronary angiogram.
What is the management for stable angina?
Anti-anginal medications (e.g., nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin), statins, lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation).
What are the complications of stable angina?
Myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure, arrhythmias.
What medications are used to relieve symptoms in stable angina?
Nitrates (short-acting for acute relief), beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers.
What is the role of aspirin in stable angina management?
Antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of thrombosis and prevent myocardial infarction.
What is the role of statins in stable angina management?
Statins lower cholesterol levels, reduce atherosclerotic plaque progression, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular events.
What lifestyle changes are recommended for stable angina?
Smoking cessation, healthy diet (low-fat, low-salt), regular physical activity (as tolerated), weight management, blood pressure control.
What is the role of exercise stress testing in stable angina diagnosis?
It helps assess the severity of symptoms, triggers ischemia, and estimates the risk of CAD.
When is coronary angiography indicated in stable angina?
When symptoms are not controlled with medical therapy or there is a suspicion of severe coronary artery disease.
What is the first-line medical therapy for stable angina?
Nitrates (for symptom relief), beta-blockers (for long-term symptom control and reducing myocardial oxygen demand).
How do beta-blockers help in stable angina?
They decrease heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, thus reducing the frequency and severity of angina attacks.
What is the role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable angina?
PCI may be considered if there is significant coronary artery stenosis causing severe symptoms or if medical therapy is ineffective.
What is the role of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in stable angina?
CABG is indicated in patients with multiple-vessel disease or left main coronary artery disease if symptoms are not controlled by PCI or medical therapy.
