ch.10 Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction

Comprehensive vocabulary definitions covering Coronary Artery Disease, Angina types, Myocardial Infarction, and emergency dental office protocols.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A condition resulting in the greatest number of deaths each year in the US (approx. $370,000$ deaths per year) where oxygenated blood flow to the myocardium is reduced, often caused by atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis

The major cause of CAD characterized by the build-up of yellowish plaques on the inner walls of large and medium-sized elastic and muscular arteries.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

The necrosis of a portion of the myocardium due to total or partial occlusion of a coronary artery; commonly known as a heart attack.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain resulting from inadequate blood supply and/or increased demand for oxygen to the myocardium, often associated with CAD, valvular heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension.

Stable Angina

The most common form of angina, usually induced by physical activity or stress and responds positively to nitroglycerin within $10-15\,\text{minutes}$; considered stable if no changes in frequency or duration occur within $60\,\text{days}$.

Unstable Angina

A condition falling between stable angina and MI caused by coronary plaques that have undergone destruction and repair; characterized by pain occurring at rest or lasting more than $20\,\text{minutes}$ after nitroglycerin.

Variant (Prinzmetal's) Angina

Atypical vasospastic angina that usually occurs spontaneously while at rest, often at odd hours; caused by a transient spasm of a coronary artery.

Diaphoresis

A symptom of Angina Pectoris and Myocardial Infarction characterized by excessive or abnormal sweating.

Levine sign

A clinical sign where a patient holds a clenched fist to the sternum, indicating chest pain consistent with Angina Pectoris or Myocardial Infarction.

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath; a symptom often accompanying Myocardial Infarction.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A diagnostic tool used alongside blood tests and symptoms to diagnose Myocardial Infarction.

Nitroglycerin

A medication that dilates coronary blood vessels to decrease the oxygen demand of the myocardium; contraindicated if systolic blood pressure is less than $100\,mmHg$.

Aspirin (Antithrombotic Effect)

Administered in a $324\,mg$ dose during a suspected MI; should be chewed to allow acetylsalicylic acid to be absorbed quicker and revascularize the myocardium.

Ventricular Fibrillation

A form of dysrhythmia characterized by rapid, ineffective heart contractions; requires immediate defibrillation with an AED.

Asystole

A condition characterized by the complete absence of heart contractions.

Pulse Oximetry Threshold

Oxygen should be administered via nasal cannula or non-rebreather bag if the patient's readings are less than $$95\%$.