AP 2 4.4 Diseases of the Cardiovascular System Flashcards
healthy person can experience some cardiovascular related problems
A healthy person can experience some cardiovascular related problems during their normal day. For example, when a person stands perfectly still for a long time, such as a store clerk standing at a cash register, blood tends to pool in the veins. Once the veins are fully distended, they cannot accept blood from the capillaries. Large amounts of plasma are forced out of the thin capillary walls, causing a drop in arterial blood pressure. Once arterial blood pressure drops, blood flow to the brain is reduced and fainting (syncope) results because of the decrease of oxygen supply to the brain.
life threatening problems can occur for those with impaired circulatory systems.
More significant, life threatening problems can occur for those with impaired circulatory systems. Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States.
edema (fluid accumulation)
Heart failure causes an abnormal backup of fluids in the body leading to edema (fluid accumulation) and/or high blood pressure.
pulmonary edema
Left-sided heart failure tends to cause pulmonary edema, or a backup of fluid in the lungs, also known as congestive heart failure.
peripheral edema
Right-sided heart disease tends to cause peripheral edema or a backup of fluids in the body/limbs
Hypertension
Hypertension is defined as the condition when the systolic and diastolic pressures are significantly higher than 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is sometimes called a “silent killer” because it may not be detected until a stroke or heart attack occurs. It is important to have regular blood pressure checks and to adopt a lifestyle that protects against the development of hypertension.
atherosclerosis
One cause of hypertension
One cause of hypertension is atherosclerosis, or an accumulation of soft masses of fatty materials, often cholesterol, inside arteries. These deposits, called plaque, accumulate beneath the inner linings of arteries. As plaque continues to build up it tends to protrude into the vessel, interfering with normal blood flow. Plaque can cause a blood clot to form on the irregular arterial wall. The plaque may stop blood flow in the immediate area or a clot can dislodge and travel, clogging a smaller artery in its path.
thrombus
A stationary blood clot is called a thrombus.
embolus
If a blood clot dislodges and moves along with blood it is called an embolus.
thromboembolism
A thromboembolism is an embolus that becomes lodged in a vessel as it travels. If a thromboembolism lodges in a vessel supplying a vital organ of the body like the brain, heart, or lungs, serious complications or sudden death may occur.
plasminogen
Medical treatment for a thromboembolism includes two drugs
streptokinase and t-PA
Both drugs convert plasminogen, a molecule found in blood, into plasmin, an enzyme that dissolves blood clots. If a person has symptoms of angina or a thrombolytic stroke, an anticoagulant drug such as aspirin may be given by the emergency response team. Aspirin reduces the coagulation of platelets and therefore lowers the probability that a clot will form.
infarction
An infarction occurs if the blood vessel is entirely blocked by a thrombus or an embolism, causing tissue death in the area supplied by the clogged artery. If unresolved, a person may die from complications.
Medical treatment for a thromboembolism
Medical treatment for a thromboembolism includes two drugs that may be given intravenously to dissolve a clot: streptokinase (normally produced by bacteria) and t-PA, which is genetically engineered.
Angioplasty
Surgical procedures are also available to clear clogged arteries. Angioplastyis a procedure where a surgeon threads a plastic tube into the artery of an arm or a leg. The tube is then guided through the blood vessel toward the heart. When the tube reaches the segment clogged by plaque in a coronary artery, the balloon attached to the end of the tube is inflated, forcing the vessel open
pulmonary thromboembolism (PE)
A pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) is the blockage of a major artery in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and angina (chest pain).
