MA with CArdiology Chapter 37

Assisting with Cardiology Cardiology is the study of the cardiovascular or circulatory system Cardiologist A physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular- related diseases and disorders

MA Duties Clinical MA working with a cardiologist may room patients and obtain vital signs and measurements Review the patient's medical history and complete cardiology-related questionnaires established by the physician Schedule cardiovascular testing in both inpatient and outpatient facilities Provide patient education and support based on the treatment protocol established by the physician for cardiovascular-related diseases and disorders Perform electrocardiograms and Holter monitoring, providing patient education as necessary

Cardio Tests/Procedures Aneurysmectomy Angiography Angioplasty Arterial blood gases Artery graft Artificial pacemaker Cardiac catheterization Cardiorrhaphy

Procedures and tests cont. Cardioversion Coronary artery bypass surgery Doppler ultrasonography (echocardiogram) Electrocardiogram (ECG) Heart transplantation Holter monitor Open heart surgery Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

Cardio test and procedures cont. Stress Testing (Treadmill Test) Method for evaluating cardiovascular fitness; patient is placed on a treadmill or bicycle and then subjected to steadily increasing levels of work. ECG and oxygen levels are taken while the patient exercises. The test is stopped if abnormalities occur on the ECG

Most common symptoms of cardiovascular disorders Dyspnea Difficulty breathing Edema Swelling, particularly of the extremities Irregular heartbeat Cyanosis

Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Obesity High blood pressure High cholesterol Smoking Diets high in fat and sodium High stress levels Inactive lifestyles

Assisting with Endocrinology Endocrinologist A physician who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases of both endocrine and exocrine glands Exocrine glands Secrete hormones into ducts that carry the hormones to various parts of the body Endocrine glands Secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream

Hormones Chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands and transported to target tissues by the blood stream Transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another Regulate growth, sexual development, mood, metabolism, and help to maintain homeostasis Each hormone targets specific cells in the body Under-or-overproduction of even a small amount of hormone can have drastic consequences for the patient. Underproduction of growth hormone in a child can result in dwarfism. Overproduction of growth hormone in a child can result in gigantism

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) One of the most common hormonal imbalances Approximately 17 million Americans diagnosed; nearly 200,000 die each year Characterized by hyperglycemia (too much sugar in the body); results in lack of insulin or resistance to effects of insulin by cells Without insulin to assist transportation of glucose to cells, patient will experience: Elevated blood glucose level Excessive thirst (polydipsia) Excessive urination (polyuria)

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Without insulin to assist transportation of glucose to cells, patient will experience: Rapid weight loss Fatigue Itching Skin infections Vision Problems

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Untreated DM can lead to: Stroke Cardiovascular disease Loss of limbs due to infection and amputation Blindness due to retinal damage Kidney damage Diabetic coma