CCC1 - Coronary Artery Disease

What is the underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD)?

Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in coronary arteries) $

What is atherosclerosis?

The buildup of plaques in artery walls that causes narrowing or occlusion of arteries $

When do atherosclerotic plaques typically begin forming?

In childhood and continue developing through adulthood $

What happens to blood flow in coronary artery disease?

Blood flow and perfusion to the myocardium decrease $

What occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients during increased demand?

Angina $

What can occur if a coronary artery becomes significantly narrowed?

Myocardial ischemia $

What is angina?

Chest pain caused by decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle $

What are modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease?

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, chronic stress, and alcohol consumption $

What diet increases the risk for coronary artery disease?

A diet high in saturated fats, sodium, and refined sugars $

What lifestyle factor involving movement increases CAD risk?

Sedentary lifestyle $

What are nonmodifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease?

Advanced age, family history, sex, and race/ethnicity $

Which racial group has a higher risk for coronary artery disease?

African Americans $

What are common symptoms of CAD in males?

Chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and jaw, neck, or back pain $

What are common symptoms of CAD in females?

Nausea, jaw/neck/upper back pain, lower chest or upper abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fainting, indigestion, extreme fatigue, sometimes chest pain $

Why can CAD be harder to recognize in females?

Symptoms are often atypical and chest pain may be absent $

What lab test assesses cholesterol levels and CAD risk?

Cholesterol panel $

What lab marker can indicate increased cardiovascular risk due to inflammation?

Homocysteine $

What cardiac enzymes are used to diagnose myocardial infarction?

Troponin I, Troponin T, CK-MB, and myoglobin $

Which cardiac enzyme is the most specific indicator of myocardial infarction?

Troponin $

What diagnostic test records the electrical activity of the heart?

Electrocardiogram (ECG) $

What diagnostic test uses ultrasound to evaluate heart structure and function?

Echocardiogram $

What test evaluates the heart’s response to increased workload?

Stress test $

What is the gold standard diagnostic test for coronary artery disease?

Cardiac catheterization $

What does cardiac catheterization allow providers to see?

Coronary arteries and areas of blockage $

What important information should nurses obtain in the history of a CAD patient?

Family history, lifestyle, occupation, smoking history, diet, sleep habits, and comorbidities $

What type of physical assessment should be performed for CAD patients?

Head-to-toe assessment $

What rehabilitation program helps patients recover after cardiac events?

Cardiac rehabilitation $

What is an important lifestyle change taught to patients with CAD related to tobacco?

Smoking cessation $

What diet is commonly recommended to reduce blood pressure and CAD risk?

DASH diet $

What type of activity should CAD patients be encouraged to increase?

Physical activity $

What weight goal should CAD patients aim for?

Maintain a healthy weight $

What broader factors affecting health should nurses consider in patient education?

Social determinants of health $

What phrase emphasizes the urgency of treating heart ischemia?

“Time is muscle” $

Why is rapid treatment important during myocardial ischemia?

Prolonged lack of oxygen causes permanent heart muscle damage $

What are potential complications related to CAD treatment?

Medication side effects, cardiac catheterization complications, and CABG surgery complications $

What surgical procedure bypasses blocked coronary arteries?

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery $