Chapter Fifteen Cardiovascular Health

The Cardiovascular System Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United StatesCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States Heart attacks and strokes are the most common life- threatening types of heart diseasesHeart attacks and strokes are the most common life- threatening types of heart diseases Much of these incidences are due to lifestyle concernsMuch of these incidences are due to lifestyle concerns

Characteristics of the Heart 4 chambered pump (atria, ventricles)4 chambered pump (atria, ventricles) Size of a fistSize of a fist Weighs about 1 poundWeighs about 1 pound Function - creates pressure to circulate blood throughout the bodyFunction - creates pressure to circulate blood throughout the body Blood enters via the Vena Cava into the right atrium (see Figure 15-2 on blood circulation)Blood enters via the Vena Cava into the right atrium (see Figure 15-2 on blood circulation)

Heart Beat Stimulation Signal sends impulses from the heartSignal sends impulses from the heart SA node (pacemaker of the heart) creates an electrical impulseSA node (pacemaker of the heart) creates an electrical impulse An electrical impulse spreads from the right side to the left (ECG)An electrical impulse spreads from the right side to the left (ECG) The pace of the heart is regulated by the brainThe pace of the heart is regulated by the brain

Risk Factors for Heart Disease That Can Be Changed (AHA) Tobacco SmokingTobacco Smoking Physical inactivityPhysical inactivity High cholesterol (Figure 15-2)High cholesterol (Figure 15-2) Hypertension Diabetes Mellitus Obesity and Overweight Reference: American Heart Association

Contributing Risk Factors for Heart Disease That Can Be Changed Contributing Risk Factors for Heart Disease That Can Be Changed High Triglyceride LevelsHigh Triglyceride Levels StressStress Chronic hostility and AngerChronic hostility and Anger Type D PersonalitiesType D Personalities Depression/AnxietyDepression/Anxiety Social IsolationSocial Isolation Low socioeconomic statusLow socioeconomic status

Major Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed HeredityHeredity AgingAging Being MaleBeing Male EthnicityEthnicity

Possible Risk Factors Currently Being Studied Inflammation and C- Reactive ProteinInflammation and C- Reactive Protein Insulin Resistance and Metabolic SyndromeInsulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome HomocysteineHomocysteine Infectious agentsInfectious agents Lipoprotein (A)Lipoprotein (A) LDL Particle size Fibrinogen Blood viscosity and Iron Uric acid

Major Forms of Cardiovascular Disease CAD (coronary artery disease)CAD (coronary artery disease) Atherosclerosis: build up of plaque on the arteriesAtherosclerosis: build up of plaque on the arteries HypertensionHypertension StrokeStroke Congestive heart failureCongestive heart failure

Hypertension Blood pressure exceeds a systolic (pressure at contraction) over 140 mm/hg and/or a diastolic (pressure between contraction) over 90 mm/hgBlood pressure exceeds a systolic (pressure at contraction) over 140 mm/hg and/or a diastolic (pressure between contraction) over 90 mm/hg Symptoms – the “silent killer” (no symptoms)Symptoms – the “silent killer” (no symptoms) Diagnosis – regular checks of resting blood pressure (average blood pressure < 120/80)Diagnosis – regular checks of resting blood pressure (average blood pressure < 120/80) Treatment – medication, exercise, dietary changes)Treatment – medication, exercise, dietary changes) A cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseaseA cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease

Atherosclerosis Atheroschlerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)Atheroschlerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) Arteries become narrow due to plaque buildupArteries become narrow due to plaque buildup This process deprives blood and vital oxygen to specific organs, such as the heart, brain, etc.This process deprives blood and vital oxygen to specific organs, such as the heart, brain, etc. Results in the following:Results in the following: Coronary Heart DiseaseCoronary Heart Disease StrokeStroke Peripheral Arterial DiseasePeripheral Arterial Disease *Atherosclerosis often begins during childhood

Heart Attack Damage to vessels of the coronary arteryDamage to vessels of the coronary artery Principal cause – atherosclerosis (narrowing of artery)Principal cause – atherosclerosis (narrowing of artery) –Myocardial infarction: heart attack Caused by a coronary thrombosisCaused by a coronary thrombosis When the need for oxygen exceeds the supply, the result is chest pain called angina pectorisWhen the need for oxygen exceeds the supply, the result is chest pain called angina pectoris

Recognizing and Treating a Heart Attack Symptoms – shortness of breath, long-term chest pain (angina), numbness in the left side of face and armSymptoms – shortness of breath, long-term chest pain (angina), numbness in the left side of face and arm Diagnosis – ECG, angiogram, MRIDiagnosis – ECG, angiogram, MRI Surgical Treatment – bypass, angioplasty, heart transplantSurgical Treatment – bypass, angioplasty, heart transplant Non-surgical Treatment- platelet inhibitors, aspirin, alcoholNon-surgical Treatment- platelet inhibitors, aspirin, alcohol Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is considered an emergency response for heart attack emergencies

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) Blood supply to the brain is cut offBlood supply to the brain is cut off Types –ischemic strokes (blockage), hemorrhagic strokes (ruptures)Types –ischemic strokes (blockage), hemorrhagic strokes (ruptures) Diagnosis – CT scan, MRIDiagnosis – CT scan, MRI Treatment – clot dissolving drug therapy (TPAs)Treatment – clot dissolving drug therapy (TPAs)

Congestive Heart Failure Swollen heart due to the lack of strength known as Pulmonary edemaSwollen heart due to the lack of strength known as Pulmonary edema Causes – various causes from other illnesses to damaging heart to existing injury to the heartCauses – various causes from other illnesses to damaging heart to existing injury to the heart Treatment – drugs, modified lifestyleTreatment – drugs, modified lifestyle

Other Forms of Heart Disease Congenital Heart DiseaseCongenital Heart Disease Peripheral Artery DiseasePeripheral Artery Disease Rheumatic Heart DiseaseRheumatic Heart Disease Heart Valve DisordersHeart Valve Disorders

Protecting Yourself Against Cardiovascular Disease Eat Heart-HealthyEat Heart-Healthy Decrease Fat and Cholesterol IntakeDecrease Fat and Cholesterol Intake Increase Fiber IntakeIncrease Fiber Intake Moderate the amount of alcohol consumptionModerate the amount of alcohol consumption Decrease Sodium and increase Potassium IntakeDecrease Sodium and increase Potassium Intake Exercise RegularlyExercise Regularly DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Avoid Tobacco Know and manage your Blood Pressure Know and manage your Cholesterol levels Develop ways to handle stress and anger

Chapter Fifteen Cardiovascular Health