3.10 – Circulatory Disorders and Technologies

Diagnosis and Treatment Electrocardiograph – an instrument that detects electrical signals of the heart Electrocardiogram – the graphical record produced by an electrocardiograph; shows the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat

Cardiac catheterization – the insertion of a catheter into the coronary artery through an incision in an artery in the groin. A dye that is visible on an x-ray is injected into the catheter. The catheter is threaded through the artery to the blocked area in the coronary artery. Helps determine location of blockage

Angioplasty – a procedure in which a blocked artery is opened by inflating a small balloon at the end of a catheter. Stent – a small metallic mesh cylinder that is inserted into a blocked artery to allow blood to flow freely and to prevent the recurrence of the blockage

Alternative Treatment – Bypass Surgery Coronary bypass surgery – a vein graft is use to shunt the blood supply around the blocked area in a coronary artery A piece of vein is taken from another part of the body (vein graft) and used to bypass the blocked area of the coronary artery in order to supply blood to areas beyond the blockage

Cardiovascular Disease Arteriosclerosis – a group of disorders that causes the walls of the blood vessels to thicken, harden, and lose their elasticity Coronary artery disease – blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle

Arrhythmias – malfunctions of the electrical system that controls the heartbeat Valve disorders – dysfunction of one or more of the heart valves Heart muscle disease – inflammation or infection of the heart muscle

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease Atherosclerosis – a degeneration of the arteries caused by the accumulation of plaque along the inner wall As fat droplets accumulate and grow larger, the slowly close off the opening of a blood vessel Calcium and other minerals deposit on top of the fat, forming a plaque (sticky, yellow substance) The build-up of plaque causes the artery to become narrow, increasing blood pressure, and can eventually cut off the blood supply completely – Leads to the decreased transport of O2 and other nutrients to parts of the body

Myocardial infarction – death to the heart muscle tissue due to lack of oxygen and other nutrients (aka. Heart attack) Usually occur when existing plaque breaks open and triggers the formation of blood clots on top of it Symptoms: sharp chest pain, pain in the neck and arms, shortness of breath, nausea Risk factors: smoking, physical inactivity, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, poor eating habits, diabetes, and heredity

Prognosis and Prevention Healthy lifestyle No smoking, low-fat diet and healthy weight, exercise, manage stress

Homework Page 207 # 1-4, 6, 7