Cardiovascular Pathology Flashcards
what are the 4 layers of tissue of the heart
pericardium, epicardium, myocardium, endocardium
what are the diseases of the blood vessels
aneurysms, atherosclerosis
what is an aneurysm
localised permanent dilation of an artery caused by weakening of vessel wall
what initiating factors can weaken the vessel wall
atherosclerosis, high bp, head injury, family history
atherosclerotic process
- damage
- entry of LDLs
- LDLs taken up by macrophages
- cytokines, fibrosis, collagen
what is atherosclerosis
fatty deposits in artery wall leads to raised lesions and narrowing of the lumen, arterial degeneration, occlusion, aneurysm
what are the clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease
angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, chronic CAD with heart failure
diseases of the heart
heart failure, myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease
what is heart failure
pumping capacity not sufficient for metabolic needs, chambers fail to empty and become dilated
what is left heart failure (forward failure)
heart cannot pump out enough blood to meet metabolic requirements, incomplete emptying, dilation of left atrium, pulmonary oedema, hypotension
what is right heart failure (backward failure)
heart cannot pump out what is coming in, chambers dilate, increased pressure in superior vena cava, swollen enlarged liver, peripheral swelling
commonest cause of myocardial infarction
atherosclerosis or thrombosis in coronary arteries
what enzymes are released during myocardial infarction
troponin, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase
heart valve diseases
valvular stenosis - calcification of the valves obstructing the normal flow
infective endocarditis - valve leaflets develop nodules that impair function
what is the cause of the majority of mitral valve stenosis
rheumatic fever - autoimmune response to microbial antigens
