Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Define the term shock and explain how it may develop
A state in which the supply of blood to the tissue is inadequate to meet the metabolic demand of the body – all types of shock result in acute circulatory failure which causes tissue hypoperfusion – leads to cellular hypoxia – leads to tissue damage/organ failure
Can develop from
- Heart failure
- Fluid loss
- Sepsis
- Allergic reaction
Identify the cause of microcytic anaemia
Iron deficiency in the blood
due to inadequate iron intake
What is macrocytic anaemia and its causes
Large RBC, low RBCC, no central pallor
- Megaloblastic anaemia – folate or B12 deficiency, may be genetic – pernicious anaemia (deficiency of intrinsic factor no absorption of Vit B12)
- Aplastic anaemia – bone marrow failure
What is normochronic anaemia
Cells normal in size and colour but low RBCC
- Blood loss
- Haemolytic anaemia – immune complexes, faulty heart valves
What is myocardial infarction
Complete blockage of a coronary artery - usually caused by a rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque
- MI occurs when the oxygen demand of the myocardium is not met by a sufficient blood flow
Discuss causes/risk factors of MI
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- High blood cholesterol
- Poor diet
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Increasing age
Describe the pathophysiology of right-sided heart failure
right ventricle of heart is too weak to pump enough blood to lungs
- blood builds up in veins
Describe the pathophysiology of right-sided heart failure
right ventricle of heart is too weak to pump enough blood to lungs
- blood builds up in veins - increased pressure can push fluid into surrounding tissue
- leads to build-up of fluid in the legs, genital area, abdomen
Describe the pathophysiology of left-sided heart failure
Left ventricle no longer pumps enough blood around the body
- blood builds up in pulmonary veins
- causes SOB, dyspnoea, coughing
Discuss the pathophysiology of a stable angina
Caused by gradual luminal narrowing and hardening of the arterial walls, so affected vessels cannot dilate in response to increased myocardial demand
- Typically experienced as substernal chest discomfort, ranging from a sensation of heaviness or pressure to moderately severe pain
Identify modifiable risk factors for MI
- high BP
- smoking
- diabetes
- lack of exercise
- obesity
- high blood cholesterol
- poor diet
- life still
- excessive alcohol intake
identify non-modifiable risk for MI
- age
- ethnicity
- family history
Describe pathophysiology of deep vein thrombosis
Accumulation of clotting factors or platelets leads to thrombus formation in the vein
- inflammation around thrombus promotes further platelet aggregation and the thrombus propagates or grows proximally
Describe pathophysiology of deep vein thrombosis
Accumulation of clotting factors or platelets leads to thrombus formation in the vein
- inflammation around thrombus promotes further platelet aggregation and the thrombus propagates or grows proximally
- if thrombus creates significant obstruction to blood flow, increased pressure in vein behind clot may lead to oedema of the extremity
Identify the relationship between DVT and pulmonary embolism
Untreated DVT is associated with high risk of embolus forming and lodging in the lungs
