CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Characteristics and Treatment of Common Cardiac and Circulatory Disorders

Symptoms of Heart Disease Arrythmia (dysrrhythmia) Any change from normal heart rate or rhythm Bradycardia Slow heart rate (<60) Tachycardia Rapid heart rate (>100) Murmurs Indicates some defects in the valves Mitral valve prolapse Mitral valve closes imperfectly

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Narrowing of the arteries that supply oxygen and nutrient-filled blood to the heart muscle Usually results from atherosclerosis (see figure 13-8 pg 273) If it becomes completely blocked, myocardial infarction may occur Angina is an important symptom Angina pectoris: severe chest pain d/t lack of oxygen to the heart Treat with nitroglycerine Edema Fluid in tissues, often caused by poor circulation

Myocardial Infarction (MI) Heart attack Caused by lack of blood supply to the heart muscle (myocardium) S/S: severe chest pain radiating to L shoulder, arm, neck, and jaw; nausea, diaphoresis, dyspnea Tx: bedrest, oxygen, medication Morphine for pain Anticoagulant therapy to prevent future clots from forming Cardiotonic drugs slow and strengthen the heartbeat Surgery may be necessary

Vascular Diseases Aneurysm Arteriosclerosis Atherosclerosis Ballooning of an artery accompanied by thinning of artery wall and weakening of the vessel Arteriosclerosis Artery walls thicken d/t a loss of elasticity Atherosclerosis Dz where fatty deposits form on the walls of arteries and block circulation SEE FIGURE 14-12 pg 299

Vascular Diseases continued Hypertension High blood pressure Silent killer – usually no symptoms Leads to strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure Higher in African Americans and post-menopausal women Risk factors: smoking, overweight, stress, high fat diets, family history Treatment: relaxation, low fat diet, exercise, weight loss, medication

More Vascular Diseases Hypotension Low blood pressure (systolic <100) Embolism Traveling blood clot Varicose veins Swollen, distended veins Heredity or d/t poor posture, prolonged periods of standing, physical exertion, age, and pregnancy

Diagnosis and Treatment Electrocardiogram Electrical tracing of the heart Coronary bypass Healthy vein from leg is removed and attached before and after the coronary obstruction, creating an alternate route for blood supply to the myocardium AED Automated external defibrillator Defibrillation Electrical shock to bring the heart back to a normal rhythm

Dx and Tx continued CPR Artificial pacemaker Angiogram Cardiopulmonary resuscitation Used in the presence of cardiac arrest Artificial pacemaker When the heart has conduction (electrical impulse) defect, demand pacemaker fires when heart rate drops below minimum, causes the heart to contract Angiogram X-ray of blood vessel using dye

DONE WITH NOTES NOW!