Cardio Flashcards
What is the blood flow order throughout the heart:
- Vena Cavae
- Right Atrium
- Right ventricle
- Pulmonary trunk
- Pulmonary blood vessels
- Pulmonary veins
- Left atrium
- Left ventricle
- Aorta
- Systemic blood vessels
Parts in a cardiovascular assessment
o Heart rate, rhythm, BP
o Perfusion, skin color, temperature and capillary refill.
o The current regime of thrombophylaxis
o Notes including oedema, additional anticoagulation (heparin) and issues such as bleeding.
What is hemostasis:
mechanism in body to help blood clot.
What is Congestive Heart Failure:
- chronic condition in which the heart doesn’t pump enough blood
Risk factors that cause congestive heart failure
o poor diet
o lack of exercise
- family history
o hypertension
o recreational drug use
What is left sided heart failure
Left ventricle primarily affected. Causes fluid to build up in the lungs.
left sided heart failure signs and symptoms
D - dyspnea
R - ales (crackles)
O - orthopnea (sob when laying down)
W - weakness
N - —–
I - increase HR
N - nagging cough
G - gaining weight
What is right sided heart failure
Right ventricle primarily affected. Can follow L) sided failure. Causes fluid to back up in the body.
Right sided heart failure signs and symptoms
S - swelling of legs and hands
W - weight gain
E - edema
L - large neck veins
L - lethargy
I - irregular hr
N - nocturia
What is Cor Pulmonale
o Right sided heart failure resulting from COPD.
o Hypoxia to part of lung causing vasoconstriction to corresponding blood vessels.
How to diagnose Cor Pulmonale
o B type Natriuretic Peptide (biomarker released by ventricles when there is excessive pressure)
o X-ray (ventricles would be hypertrophied – enlarged, duller lung color, stretched spidery veins).
Treatment for Cor Pulmonale
o lifelong management,
o improve signs/symptoms
o correct underlying cause
o be aware of weight gain
5 types of heart failure medications with discription and example
o Ace Inhibitors:
prevents the conversion of angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 which lowers blood pressure (Enalapril, Captopril, Quinapril – vasodilation).
o Beta Blockers:
block the sympathetic function of the heart by blocking Beta 1 receptor in the pacemaker of the heart which decreases heart rate and therefore blood pressure (metoprolol).
o Diuretics:
help get rid of sodium and therefore water, increase production of urine. By getting = reduces strain on heart and blood vessels, lowers blood pressure (frusemide, bumetanide)
o Digoxin:
positive inotropic causing the heart to beat stronger and also negative chronotropic causing the heart to beat slower.
o Anticoagulants: blood thinners (warfarin).
What is Atherosclerosis
Obstruction of arteries by narrowing or occlusion (results in ischemia of the limbs).
Risk factors of atherosclerosis
o Smoking
o Diabetes
o Hypertension
o family history
o obesity
o elevated serum cholesterol (high LDL, low HDL).
Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis
o intermittent claudication (cramping pain in legs induced by exercise)
o pale/cold peripheries
o tingling
o arterial ulcers.
Diagnosis of atherosclerosis
o segmental pressures (varying at different points on different legs)
o vasculature ultrasound.
Treatment for Atherosclerosis
o surgical removal of plaques (peripheral endarterectomy)
o angioplasty
o bypass.
