I had the pleasure of seeing John Smith today. He is a pleasant 62 year old male that was referred for cardiac assessment.
CARDIAC RISK FACTORS
Increased BMI: BMI 32.5
Hypertension: Present, controlled with medication
Dyslipidemia: Present, controlled with statin therapy
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2, diagnosed 5 years ago, well-controlled with oral agents
Smoking Status: Ex-smoker, 20 pack-years, 1 pack per day for 20 years
Ex-smoker: Quit in 2010, remotely
Family History of Premature Atherosclerotic Disease: Father had MI at age 52, Mother had PCI at age 60.
CARDIAC HISTORY
Coronary Artery Disease: Diagnosed 2018. Angiogram 2018 showed 70% LAD stenosis, treated with PCI and stent placement. Stent remains patent.
OTHER MEDICAL HISTORY
Osteoarthritis, chronic back pain (L5-S1 fusion 2015)
CURRENT MEDICATIONS
Antihypertensives: Lisinopril 10 mg daily, Amlodipine 5 mg daily
Heart Failure Medications: None
Lipid-lowering Agents: Atorvastatin 40 mg daily
Other Medications: Metformin 500 mg twice daily, Aspirin 81 mg daily
ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES
Penicillin (rash), Sulfa drugs (hives)
SOCIAL HISTORY
Lives with wife in a detached house. Married. Two adult children. Retired. Non-smoker. Consumes alcohol socially (2-3 units per week). Has private health insurance. Independent with all ADLs and IADLs.
HISTORY
Mr. Smith presents today with a 3-month history of intermittent chest tightness, primarily with exertion, described as a dull pressure in the substernal area radiating to his left arm. Symptoms typically resolve with rest within 5-10 minutes. He reports feeling more fatigued recently and notes a decrease in his exercise tolerance, now able to walk only two blocks before experiencing symptoms, whereas previously he could walk a mile without discomfort. He denies palpitations, syncope, orthopnoea, or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea. He has no recent cough or fever. No recent changes in medication.
Review of systems is otherwise non-contributory.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Vital Signs: BP 135/85 mmHg, HR 72 bpm, O2 Sat 98% on room air.
Precordial examination was unremarkable with no significant heaves, thrills or pulsations. Heart sounds were normal with no significant murmurs, rubs, or gallops.
Chest was clear to auscultation.
No peripheral edema.
INVESTIGATIONS
Laboratory Test Results: (01 November 2024): CBC WNL, Electrolytes WNL, Creatinine 90 µmol/L, GFR 65 mL/min/1.73m², Troponins <0.01 ng/mL, BNP 150 pg/mL, HbA1c 6.8%, Lipid Panel: Total Cholesterol 4.2 mmol/L, LDL 2.1 mmol/L, HDL 1.1 mmol/L, Triglycerides 1.5 mmol/L.
ECG Results: (01 November 2024): Normal sinus rhythm, rate 70 bpm, no acute ischemic changes, old inferior infarct.
Echocardiogram Findings: (01 October 2024): Left ventricular ejection fraction 55%, mild concentric left ventricular hypertrophy, normal valvular function.
Stress Test Results: (15 October 2024): Exercise stress echocardiogram showed mild reversible inferolateral ischemia at peak exercise.
Holter Monitor Findings: None known.
Device Interrogation Results: None known.
Cardiac Perfusion Imaging Results: None known.
Cardiac CT Findings: None known.
Cardiac MRI Findings: None known.
Any other investigations: Carotid Ultrasound (20 September 2024): No significant carotid stenosis.
SUMMARY
John Smith is a pleasant 62 year old male that was seen today for cardiac assessment.
Cardiac Risk Factors: Increased BMI, hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, ex-smoker with 20 pack-years, and significant family history of premature atherosclerotic disease.
Mr. Smith presents with new onset exertional chest tightness and decreased exercise tolerance. Investigations reveal an ECG with old inferior infarct, an echocardiogram showing preserved LVEF and mild LVH, and an exercise stress echocardiogram demonstrating mild reversible inferolateral ischemia. Laboratory results indicate well-controlled diabetes and dyslipidemia.
ASSESSMENT/PLAN
#1 Stable Angina, likely secondary to coronary artery disease progression
Assessment: Patient's symptoms are highly suggestive of angina, exacerbated by exertion and relieved by rest. Given his history of CAD and recent positive stress test, further evaluation is warranted to assess for disease progression.
Plan:
- Initiate Sublingual Nitroglycerin 0.4mg PRN for chest tightness.
- Optimise anti-anginal therapy: Increase Atorvastatin to 80mg daily. Consider adding a beta-blocker if blood pressure tolerates.
- Refer for Coronary Angiography to assess extent of coronary artery disease and guide revascularisation strategy.
- Lifestyle modification counselling: Reinforce importance of regular exercise, healthy diet, and strict glycemic control.
- Education provided regarding symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and when to seek emergency care.
#2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Assessment: HbA1c 6.8% indicates reasonable glycemic control, but continued monitoring is essential, especially with new cardiac symptoms.
Plan: Continue Metformin 500mg BID. Review glycemic control in 3 months with repeat HbA1c. Educate on impact of diabetes on cardiovascular health.
FOLLOW-UP
Will follow-up in due course, pending investigations, or sooner should the need arise.
Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to participate in John Smith’s care. Feel free to reach out directly if any questions or concerns.