Hospital Course:
The patient is a 67-year-old male who presented with acute chest pain and shortness of breath. Our work-up revealed elevated troponin levels, ST-segment elevation on ECG, and a significant blockage in the left anterior descending artery on coronary angiography. Given these findings, the clinical picture was most consistent with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, though the differential diagnosis included pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection. Pulmonary embolism was ruled out due to a negative D-dimer test, and aortic dissection was excluded following a normal CT angiogram. The patient was admitted with acute myocardial infarction for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
During the hospital stay, the patient underwent successful PCI with stent placement. He was started on dual antiplatelet therapy, beta-blockers, and statins. The patient's condition improved significantly, with resolution of chest pain and normalization of cardiac biomarkers.
Physical Exam
Constitutional: Alert and oriented, no acute distress.
Vital Signs: Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg, heart rate 72 bpm, respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute, temperature 36.8°C.
Cardiovascular: Regular rate and rhythm, no murmurs, rubs, or gallops.
Respiratory: Clear to auscultation bilaterally, no wheezes, rales, or rhonchi.
Assessment & Plan:
The patient is a 67-year-old male who presented with acute chest pain and shortness of breath. Our work-up revealed elevated troponin levels, ST-segment elevation on ECG, and a significant blockage in the left anterior descending artery on coronary angiography. Given these findings, the clinical picture was most consistent with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, though the differential diagnosis included pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection. Pulmonary embolism was ruled out due to a negative D-dimer test, and aortic dissection was excluded following a normal CT angiogram. The patient was admitted with acute myocardial infarction for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
# Acute Myocardial Infarction (ICD10: I21.9)
Assessment: The patient responded well to PCI and medical management. Troponin levels decreased to normal range by 1 November 2024. ECG showed resolution of ST-segment elevation.
Plan:
Medications:
- Aspirin 81 mg daily
- Clopidogrel 75 mg daily
- Metoprolol 50 mg twice daily
- Atorvastatin 40 mg daily
Other Orders:
- Cardiac rehabilitation referral
- Daily ECG monitoring
Follow Up:
- Follow up with cardiology in 1 week
- Primary care physician follow-up in 2 weeks
