The role of platelet activation and thrombosis in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndrome- how does this influence treatment Flashcards
What is the triad of conditions in acute coronary syndromes
Unstable angina (UNSA), non ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
What can occur before an infarct is fully evolved
Sudden cardiac death
What happens in unstable angina
A quiescent plaque ruptures resulting in the underlying fatty material being exposed to blood
What happens when underlying fatty material is exposed to blood
Blood is intensely thrombogenic resulting in activation of the platelet cascade which can cause sub or complete occlusion
Describe occlusion
Occlusions can be micro or macro. Microvascular occlusions occur in the micro circulation
What can be used to study plaque rupture
OCT real time imaging
Describe OCT real time imaging
OCT is an angiogram which requires a catheter into the lumen of the artery from the brachial artery and are used to monitor erosion and plaque rupture
Describe the ‘vulnerable plaque’ and inflammation in ACS
Active plaques are vulnerable. An undiscovered virus may result in inflammation. In patients with ACS vulnerable plaques are numerous and inflammation is widespread
What would happen if a filling defect is seen on an angiogram catheter from the radial artery
It would be aspirated then stented
What keeps the stent in place
Platelet recruitment and adhesion at the site of injury forming a monolayer
Why does a clot arise
Due to activation of the clotting cascade resulting in tissue factor formation and activation of the coagulation cascade
What type of clots and clots in coronary arteries
Platelet clots
What treatment do platelet clots need
Antiplatelet medication
Describe the overlap between the coagulation and platelet cascade
Thrombin aggregates platelets
What do aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel and GPII/IIIa inhibitors target
Platelet cascade, are anti-platelets
What are the two types of drugs used as antithrombotics
Anti-coagulation and anti-platelet
What do fondaparinus. LMWH, heparin and bivalirudin target
Coagulation cascade so are anti-coagulation
What happens to platelets during activation
They change from the smooth, discoid shape they are at rest into spiny and spheric when activated
What can unstable angina result in
Either STEMI or NSTEMI
How do you treat a patient with a NSTEMI
NSTEMI= clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor
How do you treat a patient with STEMI
Immediate intervention is required meaning that you give IV drugs as well, the drugs given are Prasugrel, Ticagrelor and IV Gp2b3a inhibitors.
What is the first antiplatelet drug
Aspirin
Describe the antithrombotic trialists’ collaboration on efficacy of aspirin on vascular events in high risk patients
All studies show aspirin is better than the control by 22%. In unstable angina those with aspirin were 44% better
Describe the MOA of aspirin
Aspirin inhibits cyclo-oxygenase meaning that thromboxane is inhibited