Cardiology IV Flashcards

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS)

Result from a sudden blockage in a coronary artery causing unstable angina or myocardial infarction.

Troponin

A blood test utilized to diagnose heart muscle damage, specifically NSTEMI.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

A heart attack diagnosed via EKG that requires immediate treatment like PCI or thrombolytics.

Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)

A type of heart attack not apparent on an EKG and diagnosed through blood tests, sometimes requiring cath lab intervention.

Artificial Heart valves

Replacement valves that can be mechanical or bioprosthetic, addressing issues like stenosis or regurgitation.

Pacemaker

A device that regulates heartbeats using electrical impulses delivered to heart muscles.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)

A device placed in the chest or abdomen to treat irregular heartbeats and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD)

A mechanical pump that supports heart function by pumping blood from the left ventricle to the aorta.

Thrombolytic

Clot-dissolving drugs given during STEMI when PCI is not available within 90 minutes.

Coronary Angiogram

A procedure that visualizes coronary arteries using a catheter and radiopaque dye during catheterization.

Left heart cath

Catheterization procedure on the left side of the heart, including the coronary arteries.

Right heart cath

Catheterization procedure on the right side of the heart.

Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)

A medical emergency caused by a sudden reduction of blood supply to the heart muscle.

Myocardial ischemia vs Myocardial infarction

Ischemia is insufficient blood flow without muscle damage, while infarction involves muscle death due to oxygen deprivation.

Unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI.

Name the 3 types of ACS

Treatment for STEMI

Managed through PCI or thrombolytics.

Advantages of thrombolytics for STEMI

Readily available and can be administered through a peripheral IV, but may cause fatal bleeding.

Advantages of PCI for STEMI

Lower risk of bleeding and effective in resolving blockages, but requires special facilities and cardiologists.