Acute Coronary Syndrome, Angioplasty & T-LoC Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Acute Coronary Syndrome, Angioplasty & T-LoC Deck (22)
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1
Q

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

A
Sudden ischaemic (restriction blood supply to tissue) disorders of the heart include: Unstable Angina & Acute Myocardial Infarction
Represent a continuum of a similar disease process.
2
Q

Unstable Angina

A

Angina of effort increasing frequency & provoked by less excitation.
Angina occurring recurrently & unpredictably (not specific to exercise).
Unprovoked & prolonged episode of chest pain - no ECG or laboratory evidence of MI.

3
Q

Acute Myocardial Infarction

A

A process of death or damage to an area of the myocardium.
Occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked or significantly narrowed.
This is due to spasm, atheroma (arterial wall damage) or thrombus (blood clot).

4
Q

ACS Signs and symptoms

A

Central pain in the chest and constricting in nature.
It may present in the shoulders and/or the upper abdomen.
May be referred to the neck, jaws and arms.
Pain will be persistent.
Indigestion type pain: typical in some parts of London.
Female presentation often differs: fatigue, heavy arm, neck pain, indigestion.

5
Q

ACS aims

A

Reduction of myocardial necrosis in patients with ongoing infarction.
Prevention of major adverse cardiac events.
Rapid defibrillation when VF occurs.

6
Q

ACS

A

All have sudden ischaemia.
Can not be differentiated in the first few hours.
All have the same initiating events.

7
Q

ACS initiating events

A

Plaque rupture.
Thrombus formation.
Vasoconstriction (blood vessel walls contracting).

8
Q

Diagnosis

A

Clinical Presentation.
ECG changes.
Cardiac Markers.
Angiographic evidence.

9
Q

Time is life

A

for every 30 minutes of occlusion. 1 year of life is lost.

1 minute = 11 days.

10
Q

Treatment for ACS

A

Primary survey assessment and correction.
Monitor closely, O2 if the patient is hypoxic.
Entonox as required.
Paramedic GTN & Aspirin 300mg.
Where appropriate remove to the ambulance at this stage, avoid patient exertion.
12 lead ECG monitor cardiac rhythm and base obs.
N.B. pain assessment before and after analgesia.
Hospital pre-alert (blue call).
Continue further treatment en route.

11
Q

target time on scene with ACS patient

A

no more then 10 minutes.

12
Q

TLoc

A

A brief loss of conciousness that is caused by a temporary reduction of oxygenated blood flow to the brain.

Also termed as Vaso-Vagal attack, Syncope or Faint.

13
Q

TLoC three main causes

A

Postural Syncope
Emotional Stress
Cardiac Arrhythmias (abnormal hear rhythms)

14
Q

Postural Syncope - causes

A

often occurs when a patient sits or stands quickly from a recumbent position.
Prolonged periods of standing, particularly in hot weather.
Athletes are vulnerable when standing still suddenly after vigorous activity.

15
Q

Emotional Stress - causes

A

Usually precipitated by stress or fright which causes a reflex dilation of blood vessels and results in pooling of blood in the limbs.

16
Q

Cardiac Arrhythmias - causes

A

Due to a transient decrease in cardiac output as a result of severe bradycardia (BPM ) which diminishes cardiac output.
Usually resolves itself when the arrhythmia settles.

17
Q

TLoC Red Flags: these patients should go to hospital

A

ECG abnormality.
Signs or history consistent with heart failure (breathlessness, bi-basal crackles on auscultation of the lungs, relevant medications, oedema, SOB on exertion, orthopnoea (Dyspnoea [SOB] while lying flat) etc.)
TLoC on exertion
Family History of sudden cardiac death in people aged who did not experience prodromal (show signs indicating an attack about to happen) symptoms.

18
Q

TLoC - signs and symptoms

A

Pulse feeble and slow, changing to feeble and fast.
Skin pale, cold and clammy.
Pupils equal and dilated.
Breathing shallow to normal.
LoC
Usually of sudden onset.
Often preceded by feeling giddy, cold sweat, abdominal discomfort and blurred vision.

19
Q

TLoC - General management

A
Primary survey.
Ensure open airway.
AVPU.
Appropriate oxygen therapy.
Loosen any tight clothing but maintain patients modesty.
Treat any injuries.
12 lead ECG.
Monitor for any change in condition.
Reassurance.
20
Q

TLoC - management of concious patient

A

Keep patient recumbent to facilitate cerebral perfusion.
Elevate lower limbs where possible.
Encourage patient to remain in recumbent position.
Transport as a stretcher case.

21
Q

TLoC - management of unconscious patient

A

Place patient in stable-side position.

Ensure open airway.

22
Q

TLoC recovery

A

TLoC is normally of a brief duration.
Delayed recovery could mean a more serious condition.
All unexplained and prolonged recovery TLoC should go to hospital.
May, on a rare occasion, be a precursor to sudden death.