What does a typical attack look like?
Classic angina is described by three signs, and the more of them coincide, the higher the likelihood of coronary artery disease.
- Характер и локализация: давящая, сжимающая боль или тяжесть за грудиной, часто с иррадиацией в левую руку, шею, челюсть.
- Провокация: возникает при физической нагрузке (ходьба в гору, подъём по лестнице, вынос тяжестей), на холоде, после еды, при волнении.
- Купирование: проходит через 1–5 минут после остановки или приёма нитроглицерина.
An attack that lasts seconds, “stabs” at one point, intensifies with inhalation or movement - is not typical for angina pectoris. This pain is often associated with the chest rather than the heart.
Stable and unstable
- Stable angina: attacks are predictable, occur under approximately the same load, last the same, and are relieved in the same way
- Unstable angina: attacks have become more frequent, occur with less exertion or at rest, have become longer, and are less easily controlled. This is an emergency condition, a precursor to a heart attack.
Survey
- ЭКГ в покое — часто нормальная вне приступа, поэтому её одной недостаточно.
- Нагрузочная проба (тредмил, велоэргометрия) или стресс-эхокардиография — выявляют ишемию при нагрузке.
- Эхокардиография — оценка сократимости и последствий перенесённых инфарктов.
- Суточное мониторирование ЭКГ — при подозрении на безболевую ишемию и нарушения ритма.
- МСКТ-коронарография — неинвазивная оценка коронарных артерий.
- Инвазивная коронарография — золотой стандарт; выполняется, когда обсуждается стентирование или шунтирование.
- Анализы: липидный спектр, глюкоза, гликированный гемоглобин, креатинин.
Treatment
Treatment of coronary artery disease stands on two legs: drugs that reduce the risk of heart attack and death, and methods that eliminate narrowing of the artery. The first is mandatory for everyone, the second is required.
- Antiplatelet agents - reduce the risk of thrombosis on the plaque
- Statins in a dose that provides the target level of LDL cholesterol; are accepted constantly
- Beta blockers - slow down the heart rate, reduce the heart's need for oxygen and the number of seizures
- Nitrates - to relieve and prevent attacks
- Blood pressure control and diabetes compensation
- Stenting - with significant narrowing and persistent attacks
- Coronary artery bypass surgery - with damage to several arteries, the trunk of the left coronary artery, in some patients with diabetes
What reduces the risk
- Complete smoking cessation is the most powerful factor; the effect is noticeable already in the first year
- LDL cholesterol target achieved by statins rather than diet alone
- Blood pressure in target range
- Regular aerobic activity 30 minutes most days of the week
- Mediterranean diet: vegetables, fish, olive oil, less red meat and trans fats
- Weight loss and sleep apnea treatment
- Annual flu vaccination reduces risk of cardiovascular events