Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

• Definition of ACS• Signs and symptoms of ACS• Gender and age related difference in ACS• Pathophysiology of ACS• Treatment of ACS• Protocol “For the Patient Experiencing Chest Pain”

Worldwide Statistics

Each year:• > 4 million patients are admitted with unstable angina

and acute MI • > 900,000 patients undergo PTCA with or without

stent• From 1 to 4 percent of patients ultimately proven to

have acute coronary syndrome are sent home from the emergency department.

• Only about 2 percent of patients with cocaine-associated chest pain have acute coronary syndrome.

What is Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) ?

Umbrella term used to cover a group of clinical symptoms compatible with acute myocardial ischemia

• Stable Angina (chest pain with activity)• Unstable Angina (Chest pain with activity or rest)• Myocardial Infarction with positive EKG (ST

elevation MI – STEMI)• Myocardial Infarction with normal EKG (Non-ST

segment elevation MI – non-STEMI)

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Ischemic DiscomfortUnstable Symptoms

No ST-segment

elevation

Unstable Non-Q Q-Wave

angina AMI AMI

ST-segment

elevation

History

Physical Exam

ECG

Acute

Reperfusion

What happens during ACS?Atherosclerotic plaque ruptures and precipitates

thrombus formation

Acute Coronary Syndrome

Risk Factors for ACS

• History of CAD• Family history of CAD• High blood pressure• Age:

Men > 33 yrs old

Women > 40 yrs old

• Blood vessel disease

• Diabetes• Smoking• Overweight• High

Cholesterol• Menopausal• No exercise

Symptoms of ACS

• Chest pain or chest discomfort• Indigestion• Fainting• Nausea and vomiting• Pain in arms, shoulders, neck, back or jaw• Pain in abdomen• Shortness of breath• Sweating• Weakness

Gender Differences in ACS

Women verses Men• Women are usually older and with more

co-morbidities, such diabetes and hypertension when ACS occurs

• Women may have atypical chest pain• Women have more shortness of breath,

fatigue, nausea, back and neck discomfort than men

Gender Differences (con’t)

• Women seek medical care later than men

• Women seem to be evaluated less intensively than men

• Stress testing is less specific in women than men, with higher false positives in women

Diabetes and ACS

• Patients are older, more often women

• Patients are at increased risk for heart / renal failure, cardiogenic shock and death

• Pain perception may be altered due to neuropathy

Treatment of ACS

Medical Management of ACS

What if your patient has Chest Pain?Inpatient

• Stay at the patient’s bedside and summons help

• Assess patient and vital signs

• Implement the protocol, “For the Patient Experiencing Chest Pain”

For The Patient Experiencing Chest Pain [CHESTPAIN] Protocol

1. Notify Rapid Response team by calling 8263.2. STAT EKG, CK Total, CKMB, Troponin1.3. Saline lock if no IV access.4. After EKG obtained, NTG 0.4 mg SL q5 minutes up to 3 tabs

prn for chest pain. Hold if systolic B/P <100.5. Nasal O2 at 2LPM, titrate to keep O2 saturation 90% or

greater.6. Notify physician of current assessment, vital signs and above

actions taken. Have patient chart, current medication list and labs available when calling physician.

7. Nurse should not delay calling the attending physician because of waiting on lab results.

Any

questions?questions?

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