Pahto & Risk Factors
What is the primary cause of coronary artery disease?
Answer: Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the coronary arteries).
Rationale: Atherosclerosis narrows coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart.
What is the most common symptom of CAD?
Answer: Angina (chest pain).
Rationale: Angina occurs when the heart muscle receives insufficient oxygen-rich blood.
What class of drugs is used to lower cholesterol and prevent CAD progression?
Answer: Statins (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin).
Rationale: Statins reduce LDL cholesterol and stabilize plaques.
What happens when coronary arteries become significantly blocked?
Answer: Myocardial ischemia occurs, leading to chest pain (angina).
Rationale: The heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen, causing pain or discomfort.
What is heart failure, and how does CAD contribute to it?
Answer: A weakened heart muscle from repeated ischemia reduces pumping efficiency.
Rationale: Chronic ischemia or infarction impairs cardiac function, leading to heart failure.
What is percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)?
Answer: A catheter-based procedure to open narrowed coronary arteries, often using a stent.
Rationale: PCI (also known as angioplasty) improves blood flow and reduces symptoms.
Name one modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Answer: Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle.
Rationale: Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce CAD risk.
Why is a lipid profile important for clients with CAD?
Answer: Having the LDL within normal limits is the primary goal due to its strong association with advancing CAD. Total cholesterol is used a a predictor or coronary events and is also monitored in clients with CAD. HDL is known as the good cholesterol because it transports other lipoproteins such as LDL to the liver to be removed. HDL should be >40 for men and >50 for women to be effective.
What surgical procedure involves creating a bypass around a blocked coronary artery?
Answer: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).
Rationale: CABG uses a vessel graft to restore blood flow.
Why does hypertension increase the risk of CAD?
Answer: It damages blood vessels, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis.
Rationale: High blood pressure weakens artery walls, promoting plaque buildup.
What is a consequence of CAD?
Answer: Decreased oxygen delivery to the myocardium, leading to ischemia and potential myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Rationale: Impaired perfusion in coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries by plaques, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to the myocardium (heart muscle). This results in ischemia (lack of oxygen) in the affected area of the heart, which can progress to a myocardial infarction (MI) if the blood flow is not restored in time. Ischemia deprives the heart muscle of the oxygen it needs, leading to cell death and tissue damage (MI). In CAD, the blood flow to the coronary arteries is actually reduced due to plaque buildup, not increased. Impaired coronary perfusion in CAD leads to decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle, which reduces the heart's contractility. While interventions like angioplasty or stenting can restore blood flow, CAD itself is a progressive condition that may not be fully reversible.
What diet is recommended for CAD patients to reduce cardiovascular risk?
Answer: The Mediterranean diet or DASH diet.
Rationale: These diets reduce saturated fats, promote healthy fats, and lower sodium intake to prevent further plaque buildup.
Which cholesterol type is considered "good," helping to remove excess cholesterol?
Answer: High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
Rationale: HDL helps transport cholesterol to the liver for excretion, reducing CAD risk.
Why can CAD increase the risk of a stroke?
Answer: Atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries can lead to embolism or clot formation.
Rationale: Clots can travel to the brain, causing ischemic strokes.
What education will the nurse provide to a client with a new prescription for atorvastatin?
Answer: Take in the evening if possible without regard to food. Avoid grapefruit juice. Report muscle pain or tenderness
Rationale: Statins can be taken at any time, but recommended in the evening and there is no need to take with milk or food. Patients should report muscular pain as muscle Aches and Pain (Myalgia) is one of the most frequently reported side effects, with some individuals experiencing muscle tenderness, weakness, or cramping. Statins can cause rhabdomyolysis which is a very rare but serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and releases a substance into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys.