Stable Angina Flashcards
What is the definition of angina
a discomfort in the chest and/or adjacent areas associated with myocardial ischaemia but without myocardial necrosis
What is the pathophysiology of myocardial ischaemia
Mismatch between supply of O2 and metabolites to myocardium and the myocardial demand for them.
What causes myocardial ischaemia (3)
Obstructive coronary atheroma (Very common)
Coronary artery spasm (Uncommon);
Coronary inflammation/arteritis (Very rare)
What are the uncommon causes of myocardial ischaemia (3)
Anaemia- reduced oxygen transport
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Thyrotoxicosis- excess of thyroid hormone in the body
When does myocardial oxygen demand increase
Situations where HR and BP rise: exercise, anxiety/emotional stress and after a large meal, cold weathee
What stage of Atherosclerosis does stable angina occur
Obstructive plaque >70% lumen
What stage of Atherosclerosis does acute coronary syndromes occur
Spontaneous plaque rupture & local thrombosis with degree or occlusion
What is essential in making the diagnosis
History:
Comes on during exertion
Common in individuals with high CV risk
Treatment is mainly symptomatic
What is essential to establish the characteristics of patients pain (4)
Site of pain (watch for patient gestures): retrosternal
Character of pain: often tight band/pressure/heaviness.
Radiation sites: neck and/or into jaw, down arms.
Aggravating e.g. with exertion, emotional stress
& relieving factors e.g. rapid improvement with GTN or physical rest.
What features make angina less likeky
- Sharp stabbing pain (pleuritic or pericardial)
- Associated with body movements or respiration
- Very localised; pinpoint
- Superficial with/or without tenderness
- No pattern to pain
- Begins sometime after exercise
- Lasting for hours
History of complaint of suspected angina (3)
Breathlessness on exertion
Excessive fatigue on exertion for activity undertake
Near syncope on exertion
How many stages are there in the Canadian Classification of angina severity
4
Stage 1 CCS
Ordinary physical activity does not cause angina, symptoms only on significant exertion.
Stage II CCS
Slight limitation of ordinary activity, symptoms on walking 2 blocks or > 1 flight of stairs.
Stage III CCS
Marked limitation, symptoms on walking only 1-2 blocks or 1 flight of stairs.
Stage IV CCS
Symptoms on any activity, getting washed/dressed causes symptoms.
Non-modifiable risks for coronary artery disease (5)
Age, gender, creed, family history and genetics
Modifiable risks for coronary artery disease (5)
Smoking Lifestyle and Diet Diabetes Hypertension Hyperlipidaemia
What do you look for to diagnose on examination (7)
Tar staining on fingers Obesity (centipedal) Hypertension Corneal arcus Xanthalasma Abdominal aortic aneurysm Diabetic retinopathy
