Cardiovascular Diseases and Myocardial Infarction Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, classifications, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, and interventions for cardiovascular diseases, angina, and myocardial infarction based on the lecture material.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States; it is particularly common among white, middle-aged men.

Atherosclerosis

The most common cause of heart disease in the U.S., characterized by an abnormal accumulation of lipids, fatty substances, and fibrous tissues within the vessel wall that narrows or blocks blood flow to the myocardium.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

An umbrella term (also known as a heart attack) for clinical signs and symptoms associated with acute myocardial ischemia, with or without infarction. It includes stable angina, unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI.

PQRST Assessment for Chest Pain

A clinical pain assessment mnemonic representing Provocative/Palliative factors, Quality, Radiation, Severity (0-10 scale), and Timing/Duration.

Anginal Equivalents

Atypical symptoms of myocardial ischemia—such as epigastric discomfort, jaw pain, sudden dyspnea, altered LOC, or unexplained fatigue—that are common in older women and individuals with diabetes.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness occurring when myocardial oxygen supply fails to meet oxygen demand; clinically occurs when approximately 70% of the coronary artery lumen is narrowed.

Stable Angina

Predictable chest pain triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress that is typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin (NTG).

Unstable Angina

Also called preinfarction or crescendo angina; it increases in severity and frequency, is not fully predictable, and can occur even at rest.

Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina

Chest pain that occurs at rest, is caused by coronary artery vasospasm, and presents with reversible ST-segment elevation on EKG.

CCS Angina Class I

Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification where angina occurs only with strenuous, rapid, or prolonged exertion, causing no limitation of ordinary physical activity.

CCS Angina Class II

Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification where angina occurs with moderate exertion, resulting in slight limitation of ordinary physical activity.

CCS Angina Class III

Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification where angina occurs with light exertion, resulting in marked limitation of ordinary physical activity (e.g., walking 1–2 blocks or climbing 1 flight of stairs).

CCS Angina Class IV

Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification where an individual is unable to perform any physical activity without discomfort, and angina symptoms may be present at rest.

MONA TASS

A mnemonic for the immediate pharmacologic management of Myocardial Infarction: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin, Thrombolytics, Anticoagulants, Stool Softeners, and Sedatives.

Morphine (in MI Management)

An analgesic used in acute MI to relieve pain and anxiety; acts as a vasodilator to decrease cardiac workload by reducing both preload and afterload.

Aspirin (in MI Management)

An antiplatelet medication that prevents the synthesis of thromboxane A2, preventing platelet aggregation and coronary artery constriction.

Myocardial Ischemia (EKG Changes)

Electrocardiographic changes showing inverted T waves, tall peaked T waves (>6 mm in limb leads, >12 mm in precordial leads), or ST-segment depression (>1 mm).

Myocardial Injury (EKG Changes)

Electrocardiographic changes characterized specifically by ST-segment elevation (>1 mm).

Myocardial Infarction (EKG Changes)

Electrocardiographic evidence of tissue necrosis indicated by pathologic Q wave changes (width ≥ 0.04 seconds or depth ≥ 1/3 the height of the R wave).

Myoglobin (Serum Marker)

The earliest serum cardiac marker to elevate after myocardial injury, rising in 1–3 hours, peaking at 6–10 hours, and normalizing within 12–24 hours.

Troponin (TnI / TnT)

Highly specific cardiac biomarkers that rise 3–4 hours post-myocardial injury, peak between 10–24 hours, and remain elevated for 10–14 days.

CK-MB

A cardiac isoenzyme marker that rises 4–6 hours after myocardial damage, peaks in 12–24 hours, and returns to normal baseline levels in 3–4 days (72–96 hours).