Untitled Flashcards Set

Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)

Includes unstable angina and myocardial infarctions (MIs), characterized by plaque rupture, thrombosis, and inflammation.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

A condition involving myocardial cell death, leading to the release of troponin into the bloodstream.

Unstable Angina

A type of ACS without troponin rise, characterized by chest pain that may be spontaneous and severe.

STEMI

ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction, indicated by the presence of ST-segment elevation on an ECG.

NSTEMI

Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction, characterized by elevated troponin levels but without ST-segment elevation.

Risk Factors for ACS

Non-modifiable: age, gender, family history. Modifiable: smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity.

Troponin Levels

Proteins released into the bloodstream when myocardial cells are damaged, crucial for diagnosing myocardial injury.

ECG Changes in MI

ST elevation, T-wave inversion, pathological Q waves, and may show non-specific changes or be normal.

Silent MI

Myocardial infarction without typical chest pain, more common in elderly and diabetic patients.

Management of STEMI

Requires urgent revascularization via PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) or CABG.

Management of NSTEMI

Involves serial troponin testing and treatment based on risk assessment.

Complications of MI

Include cardiac arrest, left ventricular failure, bradyarrhythmias, and pericarditis.

CABG Indications

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting indicated for left main stem disease, triple-vessel disease, or refractory angina.

Role of Antiplatelets in ACS

Aspirin and a second antiplatelet agent are administered for at least 12 months to reduce vascular events.

Diagnosis Criteria for ACS

Increased cardiac biomarkers alongside symptoms of ischaemia or notable ECG changes.

Common Signs of ACS

Distress, anxiety, pallor, sweatiness, abnormal pulse or blood pressure.

Symptoms of ACS

Acute central chest pain lasting more than 20 minutes, potentially with nausea, sweating, and dyspnoea.

Differential Diagnosis of ACS

Includes stable angina, pericarditis, myocarditis, and aortic dissection.

Risk Factor Management

Includes smoking cessation, diabetes management, dietary changes, and promoting exercise.

Troponin Testing Timing

Troponin levels should be checked at specific intervals (e.g., two samples 3 hours apart) for accuracy.

Mental Health Considerations

Depression and anxiety are correlated with poor cardiovascular outcomes and should be managed accordingly.

Evidence for Patient Education

Patients should understand their condition, symptoms to watch for, and the importance of follow-up care.