Acute Coronary Syndrome: MI, STEMI/NSTEMI & Sudden Death

These flashcards review key concepts from the lecture on Acute Coronary Syndrome, including definitions, symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic protocols, and treatment options.

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)?

A condition characterized by prolonged chest pain including STEMI, NSTEMI, and unstable angina.

What is Myocardial Infarction (MI)?

Death of myocardial tissue due to insufficient blood flow through coronary arteries, often caused by thrombus.

What distinguishes STEMI from NSTEMI?

STEMI is caused by an occlusive thrombus resulting in ST elevation on EKG, while NSTEMI involves a non-occlusive thrombus and does not show ST elevation.

What are common symptoms of myocardial infarction?

Chest discomfort lasting more than a few minutes, pain in upper body areas, diaphoresis, nausea, and lightheadedness.

What risk factors are associated with cardiovascular disease?

Obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, diabetes mellitus, and a sedentary lifestyle.

What is unstable angina?

Chest pain occurring at rest, lasting longer than stable angina, and often unrelieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

What is Prinzmetal’s angina?

A type of unstable angina caused by vasospasm of coronary arteries, typically occurring at rest.

What is the typical treatment protocol for STEMI?

Immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 90 minutes or fibrinolysis within 30 minutes.

What are common diagnostic tests for acute myocardial infarction?

12-lead ECG, serum biomarkers like Troponin, echocardiogram, and cardiac catheterization.

What is the nursing care for a patient experiencing a myocardial infarction?

Include medication administration, continuous monitoring, providing oxygen, and preparing for PCI or CABG if necessary.

What complications can arise from myocardial infarction?

Dysrhythmias, heart failure, and cardiogenic shock.

What is the recommended dietary modification after an MI?

Low salt, low saturated fats, and a high fiber diet with lifestyle modifications.

What is the purpose of administering beta blockers in myocardial infarction patients?

To reduce heart workload, lower heart rate, and prevent further ischemia.

What patient symptoms are often more predominant in women during MI?

Shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, fatigue, and lightheadedness.

What is the role of Artificial Intelligence in myocardial infarction prediction?

AI-based models have been shown to improve risk prediction and reduce in-hospital myocardial infarction rates.

What are the symptoms of cardiogenic shock?

Hypotension, altered mental status, and signs of poor perfusion.

What actions should be taken during post-cardiac arrest care?

Manage airway, hemodynamics, and consider targeted temperature management.

What indicates a higher risk for sudden death in a patient?

Left ventricular hypertrophy, ejection fraction less than 30%, and conduction abnormalities.