Feedback Cardiology

Acute Coronary Syndrome – Classification, Etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology

  • ACS – Unstable angina , STEMI, NSTEMI
  • UA – new-onset, rapidly worsening angina (crescendo angina), or angina at minimal exertion/rest in absence of myocardial damage
  • MI – angina at rest and evidence of myocardial necrosis (demonstrated by ↑troponins or CK-MB)
  • Difference between UA and NSTEMI
    • UA – ischemia, without infarction. No obvious ECG change
    • NSTEMI – occluding thrombus leads to myocardial necrosis and ↑in troponins/CK-MB
  • MI occurs when cardiac myocytes die due myocardial ischemia
  • Types of MI

Etiology

  • Atherosclerotic plaque ruption/erosion
  • Age, male gender
  • Family history of IHD
  • Smoking
  • HTN
  • Hyperlipidemia
  • Obesity, sedentary lifestyle

Pathophysiology

  • Rupture or erosion of the fibrous cap of a coronary artery plaque
  • Leads to platelet aggregation + adhesion, localised thrombosis, vasoconstriction and distal thrombus embolisation
  • Platelets release serotonin and TXA2 – results in thrombus formation and vasoconstriction
    • Causes myocardial ischemia due to reduction of coronary BF
  • Rich lipid pool within plaque and a thin fibrous cap – ↑risk of rupture

Feedback