Cardiovascular Issues 13(d)

Overview of the Heart

Damage to the Blood Vessels Arteriosclerosis - – Hardening/ stiffening of the artery walls. – Flexibility is lost. Atherosclerosis – – Thickening of the artery wall due to cholesterol/ fat buildup.

Atherosclerosis

Damage to the Blood Vessels Thrombosis - – Blockage resulting from excessive buildup (atherosclerosis). Embolism – – When a piece of cholesterol/ fat breaks away and causes a clot further down the bloodstream. – Primary causes of sudden strokes, etc.

Damage to the Ventricles Atrial Fibrillation - – When the atria begin to quiver and not properly contract. – Reduces blood flow. – Causes fatigue, chest pains, or sometimes no symptoms. – Treated with medications or implants.

Damage to the Ventricles Ventricular Fibrillation - – When the ventricles begin to quiver and not properly contract. – Most often stops blood flow, resulting in death if not fixed. – Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) through a shock can fix.

Damage to the Entire Heart Coronary Heart Disease - – Results from the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Heart Attack - – Also called Myocardial Infarction. – Is the interruption of blood flow to a region of the heart. – Cardiac muscle begins to die.

Damage to the Entire Heart Cardiac Arrest - – Anything resulting in the heart not pumping blood through the body. Asystole - – Also called Flatline – Form of cardiac arrest when the heart ceases beating. – Patient may be temporaroliy aided by CPR. Unfortunately, survival is less than 2%, as the heart usually restart. – Cardiac muscle begins to die.