Acute Coronary Syndrome

What does ACS stand for in medical terms?

Acute Coronary Syndrome, which includes heart attacks.

What are common symptoms of a heart attack?

Chest pain, which may radiate to shoulders, arms, neck, and back, as well as pressure, tightness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

How can you differentiate between musculoskeletal pain and cardiac pain?

Musculoskeletal pain is reproducible with movement or palpation, while cardiac pain typically is not.

What does diaphoresis indicate in the context of ACS?

It is a warning sign that may accompany other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anxiety, indicating a potential cardiac event.

What should be done if PCI cannot be administered within 90 minutes for STEMI?

Administer tPA, but assess for contraindications for thrombolytic therapy.

What are risk factors for atherosclerosis?

Smoking, diabetes, hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia, family history of coronary disease, and obesity.

How is NSTEMI defined in relation to troponins and EKG changes?

NSTEMI is defined by elevated troponins and may show ST-depression or T-wave inversion.

What is unstable angina characterized by?

Chest pain at rest with related symptoms of ischemia, but with normal EKG and normal troponins over time.

What does the acronym MONA-BASH stand for in the context of treating ACS?

Morphine, Oxygen, Nitro, Aspirin, Beta-blocker, ARB/ACE-I, Statin, Heparin.

What is indicated by J-point elevations on an EKG?

They are typically benign and indicate early repolarization, not usually associated with acute coronary syndrome.

How long should dual antiplatelet therapy be maintained for drug-eluting stents?

For 12 months.

What should patients with NSTEMI be prepared for in terms of timing for cath lab intervention?

They should be taken to the cath lab within 24 hours unless in hypotensive shock, heart failure, or sustained ventricular arrhythmia.

What potential benefit do high-intensity statins provide in ACS management?

They have anti-inflammatory effects.