Complete Solutions
What modifiable risk factors are associated with Coronary
Artery Disease? correct answer: Diet (unhealthy food)
Lifestyle (activity)
Obesity (weight)
Smoking
Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
What non-modifiable risk factors are associated with Coronary
Artery Disease? correct answer: Gender (most commonly
males)
Race
Advanced Age
Family Hx
Left Coronary Artery (LCA) correct answer: Comes off the
ascending aorta and branches into two main branches - the left
circumflex (left main) & the left anterior descending artery
(LAD)
Left Main supplies blood to the left atrium, left side of ventricle
Left anterior descending supplies blood to the front and bottom
of the left ventricle
Right Coronary Artery (RCA) correct answer: Comes off the
ascending aorta and supplies blood to the right atrium, right
ventricle, and bottom of left ventricle.
,Does collateral circulation happen suddenly? correct answer:
No. It gradually develops over time d/t a narrowing or blockage
of a vessel.
What is coronary artery disease characterized by? correct
answer: Characterized by plaque building up in the coronary
arteries --> leads to narrowing and decreased perfusion to
myocardial tissue. Limits amount of oxygenated blood that can
get to the heart muscle --> heart becomes ischemic, over time
becomes necrotic --> then ya have an MI
What disease process most commonly causes CAD? correct
answer: Atherosclerosis
What's the normal cholesterol ranges? correct answer: HDL
(more than 60)
LDL (less than 100)
Triglycerides (less than 150)
Total Cholesterol (less than 200)
What diagnostic tests can be done to identify coronary artery
disease? correct answer: Lipid panel (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides,
Total Cholesterol)
Angiogram (catheterization used to assess valves, pressures, and
if there's any blockages)
,Cardiac stress test (evaluates heart under continuous stress) -
either physical or chemically done
Calcium Scoring Screen (CT done to visualize calcium
deposit/buildup in the coronary arteries)
What's the treatment for coronary artery disease? correct
answer: Percutaneous intervention (PCI)
- Atherectomy
- Angioplasty
- Stenting
Medications (atorvastatin, fenofibrate)
Lifestyle changes (increase exercise, no alcohol matthew, and
stop smoking)
Diet modifications (decreasing fat/sodium)
How does an atherectomy treat CAD? correct answer: Catheter
is threaded into the heart and plaque is removed with rotating
shavers that grinds it down
- Body will get rid of the wastes (break it down)
How does an angioplasty treat CAD? correct answer: Catheter
is threaded into the heard and a balloon is inflated (pushes
plaque to the side of the vessel)
Makes it wider for blood to flow --> often follow with a stent to
give support to the vessel wall
, How does stenting treat CAD? correct answer: A catheter is
threaded into the heart & a stent is placed likely after an
angioplasty (to give support to vessel wall)
Also have drug alluding stents (coated with medication to
prevent tissue growth and clots)
Lifestyle changes for coronary artery disease correct answer:
Diet low in fat, sodium
Increase exercise
Avoid alcohol and smoking
What is Acute Coronary Syndrome? correct answer: Umbrella
term used when there is a concern for myocardial ischemia, and
it encompasses unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI
Used to describe any situation in which blood flow is suddenly
blocked to myocardial tissue.
What's the pathophysiology of a Myocardial Infarction (MI)?
correct answer: Plaque dislodges (emboli) or develops in the
coronary arteries (CAD) --> blocks oxygenated blood to cardiac
tissue and results in ischemia. Prolonged ischemia will lead to
an infarction (death of tissue)
Is ischemia reversible? correct answer: Yes if blood supply is
restored