Cardiac Cycle And Heart Disease Flashcards
When does atria contract?
When ventricles are near 70% full
When does aortic valve close?
When ventricular pressure drops below aortic pressure
When does atrioventricular valves close?
When ventricular pressure exceeds atrial pressure
What are coronary arteries?
Blood vessels that surround the heart and nourish the cardiac tissue
What is atherosclerosis?
The hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the deposition of cholesterol
What are atheromas?
Fatty deposits
What is stenosis?
The reduction in the diameter of the lumen
What significantly reduces the elasticities of the arterial wall?
Fibrous tissue
What happens as a smooth lining of the arteries progressively degraded?
Lesions form called atherosclerotic plaques
What happens when the atherosclerotic plaque ruptures?
A thrombus that restricts blood flow is triggered
What happens if the thrombus is dislodged?
It becomes an embolus and can cause a blockage in a smaller arteriole
How are blockages of coronary arteries treated?
Bypass surgery or creating a stent (ex. balloon angioplasty)
