 Myocardium depends on the continuous delivery of oxygen & glucose.  If blood flow thru the coronary arteries is restricted  CAD

 caused by the narrowing & stiffening of the arteries due to fatty deposits known as atheromas that build up in the wall of the arteries

 initial problem starts with patient having high levels of lipid & cholesterol › these substances infiltrate the wall of the sites of microscopic damage › form atheromas › coronary arteries& brain most common areas › atheromas build up  eventually forming raised patches called plaques

 constrict the lumen of the artery  restricts flow of blood to tissues beyond the plaque  if plaques not completely obstructing flow of blood it will cause turbulence by disrupting the smooth flow of blood thru the artery  increases chances of blood clotting

 Smoking  Diet with lots of fried foods or high in saturated fats  Excess weight  Family history

 chest pains that come on with exertion & are relieved by rest  caused by temporally inadequate supply of blood to cardiac muscle  common triggers: exercise, cold weather, stress, or a large meal  treated with meds that dilate coronary arteries

 heart attack  occurs when an area of cardiac muscle is deprived of blood due to blockage of coronary artery  muscle cells die

 heart’s inability to effectively pump blood to lungs & body’s tissues  onset can be sudden or gradual

 Symptoms: › shortness of breathe, wheezing › swelling & edema › sweaty, pale skin

 defects present from birth › babies cyanotic, tire easily, short of breathe  probable genetic influence  most diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound  surgical advances have greatly improved survival

 efficient functioning of valves is disrupted  Valves can become loose (insufficiency) or tight & rigid (stenosis)

 unusual heart sounds produced by turbulent blood flow  due to valve defect  each valve 