Week 2- Chest Pain

Question 1

What is the main cause of a MI?

Answer 1

Atheromas

Question 2

What are the two ways atheroma can cause MIs?

Answer 2

1. Gets big enough to fully block artery
2. A bit breaks off and blocks artery further along

Question 3

Describe some common symptoms of an MI

Answer 3

Chest pain that radiates to other parts of body (arms, back, jaw etc.)
Pain described as tight or heavy like something sitting on chest
Pain is progressive
Worse upon exercising or eating (sometimes confused with indigestion)
Dizzy
Confused
Sweaty

Question 4

What are some risk factors for MIs?

Answer 4

Smoking
Alcohol
Obesity
Hypertension
Age
Genetics
Lack of exercise
Stress Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
High cholesterol

Question 5

What is used to diagnose MI?

Answer 5

12 lead ECG- disruption of normal electrical signals caused by ion movement
Serum troponin- troponin released due to disruption of cell structure

+ potentially other tests to rule other things out

Question 6

What are some differential diagnoses for chest pain?

Answer 6

Acute coronary syndrome
Pericarditis
Plueral inflammation e.g. pleurisy due to pneumonia
PE
Aortic distension
GI causes such as gastro-oesophageal reflux
Musculoskeletal injury

Question 7

How might an MI show up on an ECG?

Answer 7

ST elevation

Question 8

Why is a 12 lead ECG used?

Answer 8

Looks at all areas of heart as sometimes with MIs only one small area is affected