NURS 4526 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Coronary Vasospasm, Cardiac Arrhythmia, Coronary Catheterization
Document Summary
When demand for o2 exceeds ability of coronary arteries to supply o2 it leads to myocardial ischemia; angina is the clinical manifestation of reversible myocardial ischemia (chest pain = intermittent). Primary reason for insufficient blood flow is narrowing of coronary arteries by atherosclerosis; for ischemia to occur, the artery is usually 75% or more stenosed. When the coronary artery occludes, 10 seconds after the myicardum becomes hypoxic. 20 min. with restoration of blood flow, aerobic metabolism resumes, contractility is restored & cellular repair begins. Squeezing, heavy, choking, suffocating, crushing rarely sharp/stabbing & usually doesn"t change with position or breathing. Refers to chest pain that occurs intermittently over time w/same onset/duration/intensity. Angina ppl usually complain of indigestion or burning sensation in epigastric region. Locations of pain during angina or mi: upper chest, substernal radiating to neck and jaw, substernal radiating down left arm, epigastric, epigastric radiating to neck/jaw/arms, neck & jaw, left shoulder and down both arms, intrascapular.
