M.T. is a 72-year-old woman, who is transported by ambulance to the hospital, with dizziness, fainting, weakness, fatigue, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, and indigestion (heart burn) pain. These symptoms began about 2 hours ago and have become progressively worse since arriving at the hospital. Blood pressure is 200/100; pulse is 102 and regular. Lung sounds are clear. No murmur is noted on cardiac auscultation. Her ECG and cardiac enzyme levels are indicative of myocardial infarction (MI). Her past history is significant for smoking 20 years. She did quit about 5 years ago. She says she has "always" had a high cholesterol level and she was told about 10 years ago that she was a "borderline diabetic." Her mother had a "heart attack" at age 62. She is currently on a cholesterol reducing drug and an antihypertensive drug. She does take these medications daily.
1. What are M.T.'s risk factors?
2. How is high cholesterol classified in medicine?
3. What is the significance of having elevated cardiac enzymes?
4. What factors will impact her prognosis?
5. Discuss the pathophysiology of a myocardial infarction?
6. Name the clinical manifestations of a myocardial infarction?
7. What is the diagnostic criteria used to diagnosis a myocardial infarction?
8. Discuss treatment regimen(s) used for a myocardial infarction? In the case of medications, give trade name, generic name, mode of action, route of administration, and contraindications.