Medications
What is the role of Aspirin in cardiac care
It inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of clot formation after a myocardial infarction.
What does a BP of 102/55 indicate post-MI?
It may reflect reduced cardiac output or the effect of medications like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.
Why was Mr Joseph told to chew Aspirin in the ambulance?
Chewing speeds up absorption, providing a faster antiplatelet effect during an acute MI.
What happens during a myocardial infarction?
A coronary artery becomes blocked, reducing blood flow to heart muscle, causing tissue damage.
Why is Metoprolol preferred over Propranolol for patients with asthma
Metoprolol is cardio-selective (targets β1 receptors), whereas Propranolol is non-selective and can worsen asthma by blocking β2 receptors in the lungs.
What does “S1 and S2 present” mean in cardiac auscultation?
Normal heart sounds indicating the closure of atrioventricular and semilunar valves—no murmurs or extra sounds noted.
What food should be avoided with Atorvastatin?
Grapefruit, as it inhibits CYP3A4 and increases statin levels, raising the risk of side effects.
How does LV dysfunction affect the heart’s pumping ability?
It reduces the heart’s ability to eject blood effectively, leading to symptoms like fatigue and fluid retention.
What is the mechanism of action of Frusemide
t’s a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, promoting fluid loss and reducing preload in heart failure
Why is capillary refill important in cardiac assessment?
It assesses peripheral perfusion and circulatory status; delayed refill may indicate poor cardiac output.
How would you explain GTN PRN to Mr Joseph?
N is taken as needed to relieve chest pain by dilating coronary arteries and improving blood flow.
What is the role of ACE inhibitors in heart failure?
They reduce afterload and preload, improve cardiac output, and prevent remodeling of the heart.
hy is Mr Joseph prescribed both Aspirin and Ticagrelor
Dual antiplatelet therapy targets different pathways to prevent clot formation—Aspirin inhibits thromboxane A2, Ticagrelor blocks the P2Y12 receptor.
What does mild LV dysfunction suggest about cardiac output?
The left ventricle is not pumping efficiently, which can lead to reduced cardiac output and symptoms of heart failure.
Why might potassium supplements not be prescribed with Frusemide and an ace inhibitor
Potassium levels are monitored and only supplemented if needed; over-supplementation can be harmful. Ace inhibitors also have the potential to cause hyperkalemia
How do antiplatelet drugs prevent further cardiac events?
hey inhibit platelet activation and aggregation, reducing the risk of thrombus formation in coronary arteries.
What chemical is released when GTN is metaboliSed?
What is rare but potentially life threatening condition that can be caused by statins?
Rhabdomyolysis
What enzyme does atorvastatin inhibit?
HMG-COA reductase inhibitor
How does Metoprolol reduce myocardial oxygen demand
By decreasing heart rate and contractility.