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Case
Summary
1. A
patient presented with classic symptoms of a heart attack. A
blood clot had formed in a coronary artery narrowed by
atherosclerotic plaque formation, usually related to high blood
lipoproteins such as triglycerides, cholesterol and lipids.
This in turn cut off the blood supply to an area of heart muscle,
medically called ischemia.
2. Symptoms
include acute chest pain, often radiating down the arm, sweating,
vomiting and shortness of breath.
3.
His wife called 911 and within minutes emergency response
personnel were administering life-saving care, including
medication, breathing assistance and other measures. Transported
to the emergency room, diagnostic tests such as the
electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, MRI and serum cardiac markers
helped confirm an acute myocardial infarction commonly called a
heart attack.
4.
This critically ill patient was admitted to the hospital's
coronary care unit where he received around-the-clock care.
Cardiologists, critical care nurses and monitoring of cardiac
damage by blood tests and procedures such as the angiogram are
critical to helping a patient recovering from a heart attack.
Mr. Dixon received aspirin, anticoagulants (Streptokinase) to
prevent further clots, a beta blocker medication to reduce
cardiac demand and continued monitoring of essential serum
cardiac markers.
5.
After hospitalization for several days, the patient was released
to further recover at home. He will have to make several
lifestyle changes to include smoking cessation, exercise, diet
and stress reduction. Medications are available to reduce
cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure and other
abnormalities that contribute to coronary heart disease risk.
6.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) is the number one cause of
death in the United States. It is fatal if not treated.
Although heart damage always occurs in a heart attack, patient's
who are treated may continue to live for many years.
7.
Emergency medical technicians gave initial care to the patient.
They were relieved at the hospital by an emergency room team
consisting of emergency room doctors and nurses. Clinical
laboratory scientists performed blood testing to determine
cardiac enzyme levels. After admittance to the CCU, a
specialized team of nurses and a cardiologist monitored Mr.
Dixon. The cardiovascular team were responsible for the
electrocardiogram (EKG technologist), and the angiogram
(cardiovascular technologist and cardiologist).
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