1. MA with CArdiology
Chapter 37

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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)

6. 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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

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

13. 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