Angina Pectoris
Angina Pectoris
Angina Pectoris
Navarro
The Human
Heart
What is Angina
Pectoris?
Angina pectoris (stable angina) is the
medical term for chest pain or
discomfort that results from reduced
coronary blood flow, causing a
temporary imbalance between
myocardial body supply and demand.
Angina isn't a disease; it is a symptom
of an underlying heart problem.
Pathophysiology
Coronary
atherosclerosis
Exposure to
cold
vasoconstrict
ion
elevated
blood
pressure
Physical
exertion
increasing
myocardial
oxygen demand
anemi
a
Legend:
Primary cause
Other factors
associated with AP
Concomitant
factors
S/S
significant
obstruction of a
major coronary
artery
reduced
coronary
blood flow
imbalance
between
myocardial
oxygen supply
and demand
Eating a
heavy
meal
increases the blood
flow to the
mesenteric area for
digestion
hypovole
mia
smoki
ng
Stress or
any
emotionprovoking
situation
release of
catecholamin
es
increases
blood
pressure
and heart
rate
Increase
myocard
ial
workloa
d
anaerobic metabolism
replaces aerobic
metabolism for
nourishment
produces lactic
acid
factor P is
released from
ischemic
myocardial cells
the heart muscle
does not have any
pain fibers pain is felt
wherever
substance P
reacts with a
pain receptor
poorly localized pain and may
radiate to the neck, jaw,
shoulders, and inner aspects of
the upper arms, usually the left
Angina Pectoris
Other symptoms:
Weakness or
numbness in the
arms, wrists, and
hands may
accompany the
pain
Shortness of breath
Pallor
Diaphoresis
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea and
Mechanism of Action:
Nitrates cause blood vessels to relax and dilate. This results in a drop in
peripheral resistance and blood pressure and a decrease in venous return
to the heart. These actions will decrease myocardial workload and can
restore the appropriate balance in the supply demand ratio in the heart.
Indication:
They are indicated for the long-term management of angina pectoris
caused by atherosclerosis. These drugs are sometimes used in
combination with nitrates to increase exercise tolerance.
Contraindications:
The beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with bradycardia,
heart block, and cardiogenic shock because blocking of the
sympathetic response could exacerbate these diseases. They also
are contraindicated with pregnancy and lactation because of the
potential for adverse effects on the fetus or neonate.
Mechanism of Action:
Calcium channel blockers reduce myocardial oxygen
demand and increase myocardial blood and oxygen
supply, lowering blood pressure and reducing
myocardial contractility and heart rate. They are also
potent coronary vasodilators which increases oxygen
supply.
Indication:
Calcium channel blockers are indicated for the treatment of Prinzmetal
angina, chronic angina, effort associated angina, and hypertension. Because
they may actually increase ischaemia and mortality in those with heart
failure, or left ventricular dysfunction, these drugs are not usually prescribed
in the initial treatment of angina.
Contraindication:
Calcium channel blockers are contraindicated in the presence of allergy to
any of these drugs to avoid hypersensitivity reactions and with pregnancy or
lactation because of the potential for adverse effects on the fetus or neonate.
Nursing Management:
Assessment
What to assess?
patients symptoms and activities especially those
that precede and precipitate attacks of angina
pectoris
risk factors for CAD
patients response to angina
patients and familys understanding of the
diagnosis
adherence to the current treatment plan
ACRONYM
FACTORS ABOUT
PAIN THAT NEED TO
BE ASSESSED
ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
Position/Location
Provocation
Quality
Quantity
Radiation
Relief
Severity
Symptoms
Timing
3. Preventing Pain
Identify the level of activity that causes the patients pain, and plans the
patients activities accordingly
Nursing Management:
Evaluation
Expected patient outcomes may include:
1. Reports that pain is relieved promptly
a. Recognizes symptoms
b. Takes immediate action
c. Seeks medical assistance if pain persists or changes in quality
Nursing Management:
Evaluation
3. Understands ways to avoid complications and demonstrates
freedom from complications
a. Describes the process of angina
b. Explains reasons for measures to prevent complications
c. Exhibits normal ECG and cardiac enzyme levels
d. Experiences no signs and symptoms of acute MI
Potential Complications
Myocardial infarction
Congestive heart failure
Acute pulmonary edema
Cardiogenic shock
Dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest