Cardiovascular diseases

Question 1

Cardiovascular Disease

Answer 1

Things that increases chances:
High levels of cholesterol in blood
Smoking
Diabetes mellitus
High blood pressure
Lack of regular exercise
Rapid weight gain or loss
Genetics

Question 2

Hypertension

Answer 2

Dubbed “The Silent Killer”, symptoms not known until situation is serious
Diameter of blood vessels, physical activity, body position, diet, stress, age & medications play a factor.
Increased resistance in blood flow leads to sustained levels of high blood pressure
Blood vessels are stressed and weakened
Healing of vessels makes them less elastic, can rupture
Heart compensates by working harder, can lead to heart failure

Question 3

Arteriosclerosis

Answer 3

Over time, too much pressure in the arteries can result in hardening or loss of elasticity in the arteries. Known as arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Plaque (deposits of fat, cholesterol and calcium) can build up on the artery walls.
Atherosclerosis- the hardening of the arteries due to buildup of plaque on the inside of the walls of the arteries. The most common form of arteriosclerosis.
When it occurs in the coronary arteries it is referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD).
CAD is the leading cause of death in Canada after cancer.

Question 4

Risk Factors & Symptoms

Answer 4

Major risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight, smoking, physical inactivity, genetics and age.
A common symptom is angina- pain in the chest or left shoulder or neck caused by insufficient blood supply to the cardiac muscles.
Angina is often mistaken for heartburn. Often triggered by increased physical activity that increases the demand for oxygen.
Most commonly treated by the drug nitroglycerin which acts as a vasodilator.
Angioplasty- involves opening up blocked arteries by inflating a small balloon to widen the artery and a stent is put in place.
Bypass surgery- a surgical procedure in which an artery is grafted to blocked artery to reroute blood flow and oxygen to the heart.

Question 5

Heart Attack

Answer 5

Myocardial Infarction- a frequent consequence of CAD. It is death of an area of heart muscle tissue due to oxygen deprivation.
Plaques can cause blood clots which may block the flow of blood to the heart muscle. If flow is not restored within 20-40 mins cells will begin to die.
Although heart attacks occur suddenly, warning symptoms often occur hours or days before.
Symptoms: chest pain, difficulty breathing, pain in the arm, nausea, vomiting & sweating.

Question 6

Arrhythmia

Answer 6

Irregular signals from the heart’s nodes, faulty valves, or a blockage of an artery can cause this
Heart generates an irregular heartbeat pattern
Blood is not pushed in a coordinated fashion, reducing the ability to transport oxygen effectively

Question 7

Pacemaker

Answer 7

Pacemakers are used by patients that have an irregular heartbeat pattern or require assisted heart beating
They activate the SA node electronically and relays the message automatically
Cannot adjust to different oxygen needs and require a battery change once every few years

Question 8

Artificial Valves

Answer 8

Artificial valves help to replace faulty or damaged valves that occur from injuries, obesity, or genetic history
Act like other mechanical valves in machinery