Coronary Artery Disease, Atherosclerosis, Chronic Stable Angina, Acute Coronary Syndrome, STEMI, NSTEMI, Myocardial Infarction, Unstable Angina, Left Anterior Descending Artery, Widow Maker, PCI, CABG, Troponin, ECG, Stress Test, Thallium Scan, Beta Block

Coronary Artery Disease, Atherosclerosis, Chronic Stable Angina, Acute Coronary Syndrome, STEMI, NSTEMI, Myocardial Infarction, Unstable Angina, Left Anterior Descending Artery, Widow Maker, PCI, CABG, Troponin, ECG, Stress Test, Thallium Scan, Beta Blockers, Nitrates, Antiplatelets, Oxygen Therapy, Cardiac Catheterization, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Dysrhythmias, Nursing Interventions, Cardiac Rehabilitation Exam Questions Verified and Complete with A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026 What is the primary factor for developing CAD? Atherosclerosis What's the purpose of the two main coronary arteries? Supply blood to the heart muscle What does the right main coronary artery supply? (2) - Blood to right Atrium & ventricle - SA & AV node What does the left main coronary artery supply? Blood to left atrium & ventricle What does the Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery supply? Front & left side of the heart Which coronary artery is known as the "widow maker"? Left Anterior Descending artery, blocks stop blood flow to the left side of the heart What is coronary artery disease (CAD)? includes chronic stable angina and acute coronary syndromes. It affects the arteries that provide blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the myocardium. When blood flow through the coronary arteries is partially or completely blocked, ischemia and infarction of the myocardium may result. What is atherosclerosis? Buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on artery walls (plaque), which can restrict blood flow. What complications does atherosclerosis cause? (9) - Impaired perfusion - Aneurysms - Angina - CKD - Coronary heart disease - Heart attack - Heart failure - PAD - Stroke What is chronic stable angina? Chest discomfort that occurs with moderate to prolonged exertion in a pattern that is familiar to the patient. The frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms remain the same over several months. How is chronic stable angina treated? Nitro & Rest What is ischemia? Occurs when insufficient oxygen is supplied to meet the requirements of the myocardium. Lack of oxygen that occurs with angina is limited in duration and does not cause permanent damage of myocardial tissue. What is acute coronary syndrome (ACS)? (3) - Unstable angina - Acute MI - Atheroscleorsis plaque ruptures resulting in thrombus formation What % of accumulation starts to block blood flow & result in chest pain & SOB? 40% What is unstable angina? a change in usually patent of angina, unexpected, more severe & lasts longer than stable angina, may not disappear with rest, might signal a heart attack What is NSTEMI? non-ST elevation myocardial infarction What is STEMI? ST elevation myocardial infarction What are unmodifiable risk factors for CAD? - 65 years old - Men - African American - Hispanic - Genetics/family history What are modifiable risk factors of CAD? (10) - Elevated cholesterol - Elevated LDL - Low HDL - HTN - DMT2 - Stress - Kidney disease - Metabolic syndrome - Smoking - Obesity How long does stable angina last? 15-20 minutes How long do manifestations of an acute MI last? 20 minutes What are precipitating factors of stable angina? (5) - Exercise - Strong