Managing patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.
Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) can be described as ST-segment elevation or non-ST-segment elevation, including unstable angina. Traditionally, ST-segment elevation ACS has been considered to be more serious, but non-ST-segment elevation ACS has higher mortality rates in the longer term. This article discusses diagnosis, including history taking, clinical examination, electrocardiogram and biochemical markers that help to differentiate between types of non-ST-segment elevation ACSs. Risk stratification and treatment strategies are examined, as well as pharmacological treatments. The nurse's role in assessment, treatment, ongoing management and discharge practice is discussed.
Coady
Elaine
E
Cardiothoracic Centre, St. Thomas' Hospital, London. elaine.coady@gstt.nhs.uk
D000465:Algorithms; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D003328:Coronary Thrombosis / Q000150:complications; D003663:Decision Trees; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010808:Physical Examination; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors