Symptoms of ACS Flashcards
Why do you get chest pain?
When part of the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen (myocardial ischemia), it sends pain signals as a distress response. This pain, known as angina, is usually described as a crushing or squeezing sensation in the chest.
Referred pain: The pain can radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or abdomen due to the shared nerve pathways in the heart and those areas (referred pain).
Why do you get SOB?
As the heart struggles to pump efficiently due to the ischemia, it cannot meet the body’s oxygen demands. This leads to the buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary congestion), making breathing difficult.
Increased workload: The body tries to compensate by increasing respiratory rate to meet oxygen needs.
Why do you get diaphoresis (sweating)?
ACS triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine). This causes the body to sweat profusely, even at rest, as part of the “fight or flight” response.
Why do you get vomiting / nausea?
The vagus nerve, which connects the heart and gastrointestinal tract, may become irritated due to myocardial ischemia. This can lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Why do you get palpitations?
Reduced oxygen to the heart muscle can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), which patients may experience as palpitations or a fluttering sensation. Ischemia can irritate the heart’s electrical conduction system, leading to abnormal rhythms.
Why do you get weakness and fatigue?
With the heart unable to pump blood effectively due to ischemia, there is reduced oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues, resulting in fatigue and a general feeling of weakness.
Why do you get dizziness / lightheadedness?
The heart’s impaired pumping ability leads to low cardiac output, causing hypotension (low blood pressure). This results in reduced blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness or even fainting (syncope).
Why do you get a feeling of impending doom?
Severe cardiac events like ACS can trigger intense anxiety, partly due to the body’s release of stress hormones (e.g., adrenaline) and the brain’s recognition of a critical internal issue. Patients often report a sense of impending doom.
Why do you get syncope (fainting)?
In severe cases of ACS, low cardiac output and hypotension can result in a temporary loss of consciousness (syncope) as the brain is deprived of sufficient blood flow.
