Cardiovascular Disorders Notes

Pericarditis Infection of pericardium S/S – fever, pain in chest, difficulty breathing, palpitations, sweats/chills, pale skin, swelling of chest Tx – antibiotics, surgery

Arrhythmia Irregular heart beat Fast – tachycardia Slow – bradycardia Lacking – asystole S/S – weakness / dizziness Tx – meds, defibrillator, pace maker

Coronary Heart Disease Umbrella – heart conditions –Heart failure –Heart attack Angina –Pain in chest (exercise) –Discomfort in shoulder –Shortness of breath

Atherosclerosis Hardening/narrowing of arteries Plaque deposits (cholesterol) –Prone to blood clots Reduction in blood flow –Heart Attack –Stroke Tx: Medication, angioplasty/stents, bypass surgery

Heart Failure Heart cannot carry out its pumping function –Weak contractions –Blood circulation slows –No oxygen for cells –Veins hold more blood Congestive Heart Failure –Fluid in lungs and extremities

S/S of Heart Failure Dry cough, shortness of breath Fatigue Dizziness / fainting Swollen legs and ankles Fluid in lungs Increased urination

Heart Attack Myocardial Infarction –Decreased blood supply to heart Often due to thrombosis (blood clot) – Blocks coronary artery

Signs of a Heart Attack Crushing pain in chest Abdominal pain similar to heart burn Radiating back pain Sharp pain radiating in shoulder/neck Shortness of breath Dizziness / fainting Nausea / vomiting Profuse sweating Rapid heart rate Feeling of impending doom Lasting fatigue

Risk Factors for a Heart Attack High BP Diet rich in fats Obesity Diabetes High cholesterol More common in men than women (Δ) Family history Smoking

Diagnosis

Echocardiography Ultrasound of moving heart

Electrocardiograph (ECG / EKG) Records electrical activity –Electrocardiogram One cycle of working heart

Treatments

Angioplasty Catheter inserted in blood vessel up to narrowed artery End widens vessel –Balloon Widens lumen and blood flows easily –Compresses plaques

Stents Catheter install stent –Tiny metal tube shaped device Remain in place to keep artery open

Bypass Surgery Blood is rerouted around problem area Surgeon removes vessel from other site Clips artery above and below problem site and reattaches new vessel Heart is stopped during procedure

Heart Transplant Recommended for heart failure patients –Need donors Mechanical Implant –Left Ventricular Assist Device –Used until donor can be found

Medications Nitrates (Nitroglycerin) – vasodilator Thrombolytic agents – clot-busting drug Beta Blockers / ACE inhibitors – decrease BP, reduce demands on heart