Cardiac Emergency Essay Example

Cardiac Emergency

Barrack’s Case Study

The patient’s name is Barrack Obama who is 48 years and presents cardiac problems indicated by chest pains and are orchestrated by having indulged in a strenuous working condition. Although he has quit the job, his condition appears critical with increased and periodical pain chests and today is at 8 out of 10 although the general health indicates everything is fine.

From the case analysis, the patient presets a provisional diagnosis of stable angina pectoris indicated by periodical chest pains caused by chronic stress but generally the body health is normal. The underlying cause of the cardiac problem may be attributed to the strenuous lifestyle condition lived by the Barrack prior to retiring. Angina presents with strenuous, prompt and prolonged exertion of one’s lifestyle especially work (Arden, 2011). However, critical observation is necessary to ensure no underlying cardiac problems are causing the chest pains.

The following is the assessment of patient following the A to E procedure:

1. There is no indication of airway blockage although the patient seems to have high breathing rate.

2. The breathing process is quite regular but indicates a high respiration at 28 although there are no abnormal sounds. The SaO2 is 90% indicating normal oxygen saturation in the blood.

3. Blood circulation appears very irregular at a pulse of 148; the blood pressure is quite high especially the systolic measure at 172/90.

4. The patient is conscious and exhibits normal health generally; the pupils are equal and reactive, as well as the blood glucose is normal at 5.8mmol. Further, the GCS score is normal at 15.

5. The patient’s exposure indicates some fever at a temperature of 37.5^oC, however, the body’s health condition is normal and no observed injuries or haemorrhage.

The pathophysiology of angina pectoris is a cardiovascular condition marked by severe chest pains and inadequate supply of blood to the heart. The condition occurs when the heart muscles are deprived of enough oxygen supply due to one of the heart’s artery being constricted or blocked (Patient Platform, 2017). The result is increased discomfort, pressure to the chest, hyperventilation and pain. Angina pectoris affects about 8% among men and 3% among women of the UK population between the ages of 55-64 (Patient Platform, 2017).the prevalence increases with age for both genders. The condition also reduces the quality of life among patients and their functional capacity. Chest pains can be serious and life threatening and mostly presents a classic symptom for heart attacks (Wee, Burns & Bett, 2015). Since the patient presents stable or normal body health, it is apparent the patient is presenting the type of stable angina pectoris that can effectively be managed by sufficient rest and medication. Although chest pains can be caused by hyperventilation and anxiety, ruling out the onset of heart attack cannot be ruled out (Kaski, Arrebola-Moreno & Dungu, 2011). Critical investigations have to be conducted to ensure effective management of the patient effectively.

Further investigations are necessary to ascertain the root cause of the chest pains and rule out any eventuality of heart attack. The need for ECG scale will give the rhythmic status of Barrack’s heart. From the analysis, his ECG indicates ST elevation a sign of abnormal electrical impulses in the heart working. A full ECG will give indications for ischemic changes, however, a normal ECG does not rule out the diagnosis of angina (Wee, Burns & Bett, 2015).

First, the patient requires sufficient rest to relax his body and enable the blood circulation to normalise and ensure efficient flow of blood to the heart muscles. The treatment process of Mr Barrack will involve managing the pain using analgesics, control the high blood pressure and ensure normal respiration and blood circulation. Further, administer anti-platelet drugs to ensure no blockage of blood due to clots, as well as give sublingual nitroglycerin (SLNTG) which is effective in the management of the symptoms of pectoris angina (Arden, 2011). If the patient is not allergic to aspirin, chewing a tablet is necessary to curb the fever and pain experienced by the patient. The treatment process should also ensure achieving the goal of eliminating occurrence of myocardial infarction and prevent long term complications to the heart muscles (Kaski, et al., 2011). Lifestyle modification is another mode of managing the condition being experienced by Mr Barrack.

Transport need is urgent for further medical observation to avert any eventualities of a heart attack presentation to the patient. Continued chest pains caused by cardiovascular problems can be an underlying indicator of cardiac arrest.

References

Arden, C. (2011). The management of stable angina. Br J Cardiol, 18(3), s1-s12.

Kaski, J., Arrebola-Moreno, A. & Dungu, J. (2011). Treatement strategies for chronic stable angina. Expert Opin Pharmacother, 12, 2833-2844.

Patient Platform (2017). Stable angina. Patinet Platform Ltd. Accessed April 24, 2017 from <https://patient.info/doctor/stable-angina-2>.

Wee, Y., Burns, K. & Bett, N. (2015). Medical management of chronic stable angin. Aust Prescr., 38(4), 131-36.