5 Myocardial Infarction and Acute Coronary Syndromes Free Online FlashCards

What defines acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

Acute coronary syndrome is a group of urgent conditions caused by a sudden reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle.

How can a coronary plaque trigger ACS?

A disrupted coronary-artery plaque can trigger a blood clot to form over it, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

How does unstable angina differ from myocardial infarction?

Unstable angina causes acute ischemia but does not produce the characteristic rise or fall in cardiac troponin that indicates heart-muscle injury.

What symptoms can suggest a heart attack?

Possible symptoms include chest pressure or pain, discomfort spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, fatigue, or lightheadedness.

What should you do for possible heart-attack symptoms?

Call 911; do not drive yourself or wait to see if symptoms pass. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, start CPR if able, and use an AED if available.

When should the initial 12-lead ECG ideally be obtained?

Obtain a 12-lead ECG promptly, ideally within 10 minutes of arrival.

Should STEMI treatment wait for a troponin result?

Do not wait for a troponin result before acting on a diagnostic STEMI ECG.

Which three conditions make up ACS?

ACS includes unstable angina, non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

What is a myocardial infarction?

A myocardial infarction occurs when heart muscle is injured or dies because of inadequate blood flow.

How are STEMI and NSTEMI primarily distinguished?

STEMI and NSTEMI are distinguished primarily by the ECG; both are heart attacks and require urgent assessment.

Who may have less typical or subtle heart-attack symptoms?

Symptoms may be subtle or less typical, particularly in older adults, people with diabetes, and women.

Does a nondiagnostic initial ECG rule out ACS?

A nondiagnostic initial ECG does not rule out ACS. Repeat ECGs if symptoms continue, recur, or change.