Acute Coronary Syndrome Overview (03:29)

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Coronary artery disease patients are at risk for acute myocardial infarction, hemodynamic instability, congestive heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The medical goal is to preserve the heart muscle. Hear modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and learn about angina and ischemia.

Atherosclerosis (02:13)

Learn about the process of diseased coronary arteries—the most common cause of decreased oxygen supply—and how they lead to heart attacks. Hear the difference between stable angina and acute coronary syndrome.

Initial Assessment (05:57)

Angina patients require a 12 lead EKG, blood pressure monitor, pulse oximetry, and IV access. STEMI patients are fast tracked to the cath lab for PCI. Hear typical and atypical angina symptoms and pharmacological measures, and learn about procedures after patient stabilization.

Treatment of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (03:53)

Patients fall into moderate or high risk of death categories; hear symptoms of each. High risk patients are triaged to early cardiac catheterization and receive IV heparin, aspirin, nitrates, and beta blockers. Learn about monitoring moderate risk patients.

Treatment of Patients with Stable Angina (02:18)

An outpatient assessment of patients at low myocardial infarction risk should include an EKG, treadmill testing, echocardiography, and thallium scans. Drug therapy includes aspirin, nitroglycerin, nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors. Lifestyle changes are required to reduce angina risk.

Credits: Assessment and Care of the Patient With Acute Coronary Syndrome (00:17)

Credits: Assessment and Care of the Patient With Acute Coronary Syndrome