Chapter 12

Cardiac Emergencies

Acute coronary syndrome

Any condition caused by acute reduction in blood flow to the heart, including angina and MI

Signs and Symptoms of MI

Chest pain, weakness, dyspnea, diaphoresis, pallor, impending doom/denial, abnormal vitals, sudden cardiac arrest

What is a myocardial infarction?

eAth to an area of the myocardium due to lack of oxygenated blood through coronary arteries

Silent MI symptoms and common populations

Weakness, epigastric pain, ingestion. Common in women and the eldery

What does jugular vein distension when seated suggest?

Congestive heart failure

Left vs. right heart failure symptoms

Pulmonary edema, dyspnea, cough. JVD and pedal edema.

Hypertension symptoms

Headache, blurred vision, nausea, nosebleed, dizziness or syncope, tinnitus. Always assess patients with an abnormal BP for these signs.

What heart devices should you be careful with when using an AED?

AICD, pacemaker, and VAD