Mod D Tech 11 Recognition and Management of cardiac conditions Flashcards

1
Q

Name 4 Types of Cardiac Condition

A

Coronary Artery Disease

Acute Coronary Syndromes (Unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction)

Heart Failure

Cardiac Arrest

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2
Q

Coronary Artery Disease

A

Atheroma (laying down of fatty deposits)

+ Sclerosis (Hardening of plaque) = Atherosclerosis (deposition of atheroma combined with hardening of the coronary arteries) ↓ Decreased blood flow

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3
Q

Angina Pectoris

A

The most common symptom of coronary artery disease Caused by temporary lack of oxygen and an accumulation of carbon dioxide and lactic acid in the myocardium during a period of increased oxygen demand Frequently related to exertion – painful symptoms revert when the exertion ceases

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4
Q

Name 2 types of Angina Pectoris

A

2 types: Stable Angina

Unstable Angina (Acute Coronary Syndrome)

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5
Q

Describe Stable Angina

A

Generally predictable Follows a recurrent pattern Precipitated by exertion and/or emotion, producing pain of similar intensity, duration and location Most attacks are relieved by rest and/or nitrates within 2-3 minutes

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6
Q

Describe stable Angina (ACS)

A

More serious, indicates increasing obstruction of the coronary arteries Unpredictable Noticeable changes in frequency, intensity or duration of pain May occur at rest and even during sleep, waking the patient Often precedes an Acute Myocardial Infarction Sometimes referred to as pre-infarction or crescendo angina

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7
Q

Clinical Features of Angina

A

Central, retrosternal chest pain Pain referred to the throat, jaw and teeth also to the armpits and often into the arm Frequently described as heaviness in the arms or chest Pallor

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8
Q

Referred Pain

A

Nerves from damaged heart tissue convey pain signals to spinal cord levels T1-T4 on the left side, which happen to be the same levels that receive sensation from the left side of the chest and part of the left arm. The brain isn’t used to receiving such strong signals from the heart, so it interprets them as pain in the chest and left arm

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9
Q

What is an Acute Myocardial Infarction

A

Death of an area of myocardium (infarction) Occurs when a coronary artery becomes occluded or significantly narrowed by a blood clot, embolism or vasospasm

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10
Q

Clinical Features of Acute MI

A

Rapid onset of severe central (retrosternal) chest pain, often described as crushing in nature May radiate to the neck, jaw, arms or back. Nausea and vomiting Faintness Feeling of impending doom Diaphoresis Rapid, shallow respirations Pallor / Grey Changes in vital signs 15 - 20% of patient’s may experience no chest pain Pain tends to last for more than 15 – 20 minutes

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11
Q

What is Heart Failure

A

Inability of the heart to pump adequately Left and right sides of the heart can fail separately or simultaneously Left heart failure (LVF) may accompany AMI and present as severe dyspnoea caused by pulmonary oedema

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12
Q

Heart Failure usually starts on which side

A

Right sided failure usually secondary to left sided failure. Results in fluid retention in the peripheral circulation (Congestive heart failure)

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13
Q

Clinical Signs of heart Failure

A

Laboured or difficult breathing (dyspnoea) Severe respiratory distress when the patient lies flat (orthopnoea) Ankle oedema Cyanosis Restlessness & agitation Confusion Elevated BP (Sympathetic response causes vasoconstriction) Wheeze Diaphoresis

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14
Q

Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes

A

ABCD approach

Ensure a defibrillator is immediately available

Reduce the workload of the heart

Aspirin 300 mg orally (crush/chew)

Nitroglycerine (GTN spray or tablet

Consider O2 therapy and/or Entonox

Assess pain score prior to and following pain relief

Monitor vital signs

12 lead ECG

Request Paramedic assistance for IV access and administration of morphine

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15
Q

Paramedic Management numonic

A

Morphine Oxygen Nitrates Aspirin

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16
Q

GTN 400 mcg Actions

A

Actions A potent vasodilator drug: Dilates the coronary arteries/relieves coronary spasm Dilates the systemic veins which lowers the pre-load Reduces the blood pressure

17
Q

GTN 400 mcg Indications for use

A

Indications Cardiac chest pain due to angina or myocardial infarction Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema 1-2 sprays under the tongue Repeat every 5-10 mins providing systolic >90mmHg

18
Q

GTN 400 mcg Contra-indications

A

Contra-indications Hypotension (actual or estimated systolic blood pressure <90mmHg) Hypovolaemia Head Trauma Cerebral Haemorrhage Sildenfil (Viagra) other related drugs used in previous 24 hours Unconscious patients

19
Q

GTN 400 mcg Side effects

A

Side Effects: Headache Flushing Postural Hypotension Tachycardia

20
Q

Aspirin 300mg Indications for use

A

Indications Adults with central chest pain of cardiac origin or clinical / ECG evidence of AMI Should be administered to any adult patient with chest pain unless the diagnosis is clearly non-cardiac or the drug is contraindicated. In suspected MI’s a 300mg Aspirin tablet should be given regardless of any previous Aspirin taken that day.

21
Q

Aspirin 300mg what does aspirin do and cautions

A

Anti-platelet action which reduces clot formation Analgesic, anti inflammatory, anti pyretic Cautions: Asthma Pregnancy Kidney or liver failure Gastric or duodenal ulcer Current treatment with anticoagulants Side effects: Gastric bleeding Wheezing in some asthmatics

22
Q

Aspirin 300mg Contra-indications

A

Contra-indications: Known aspirin allergy or sensitivity Children under 16 (may precipitate Reye’s Syndrome) Haemophilia or other clotting disorders Severe hepatic disease Active gastrointestinal bleeding

23
Q

Sickle cell Crisis when can this happen

A

During an infection, pregnancy, following surgery or even mental stress; the Sickle cells tend to clump together reducing blood flow through small arteries and capillaries leading to hypoxia.

24
Q

Sickle cell Crisis signs and symptoms

A

Main Signs & Symptoms Tiredness Laboured breathing Stroke Weakness Pallor Dyspnoea Fever Swelling of joints Severe pain (particularly in the back, abdomen, limbs)

25
Q

Sickle cell Crisis Management

A

Assess A,B,C,D and correct if necessary

Time critical? – Rapid, smooth transport & pre-alert

Ask if the pt. has an individual treatment plan

Administer high flow Oxygen (94-98% SpO2)

Undertake 12 lead ECG

Fluid resuscitation if required

Pain management

26
Q

Cardiac Arrest causes

A

Acute coronary disease (Common cause)

Electrocution

Drowning

4 H’s 4 T’s

27
Q

4 H’s and 4 T’s

A

Hypoxia

Hypothermia

Hypovolaemia Hypo

Hyperkalaemia

Thrombus

Toxins

Tension Pneumothorax

Tamponade