Ch 08: Circulatory Emergencies Flashcards
Cardiovascular Disease
An abnormal condition that affects the heart and blood vessels.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
A disease in which cholesterol and plaque build up on the inner walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Also known as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Atherosclerosis
When the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed.
Cholesterol
A fatty substance found in the body and in food.
Acute Myocardial Ischemia
Lack of blood flow to the heart.
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
A range of conditions that are caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle.
Angina Pectoris
Chest pain due to ischemia.
Myocardial Infarction
Heart attack; occurs when coronary arteries become blocked and a great amount of tissue is deprived of oxygen and dies.
Arrhythmia
Irregular heart beat
Cardiac Arrest
When the heart ceases to function
Controllable Risk Factors of Heart Disease
- Smoking
- Diet
- Blood Pressure
- Weight
- Exercise Level
Uncontrollable Risk Factors of Heart Disease
- Gender
- Family History
- Age
Signs and Symptoms of Angina Pectoris
- Constricting chest pain that radiates
- Known cases are prescribed medication
Care for Angina Pectoris
- Patient in comfortable position and resting
- Administer Oxygen
- Assist with their medication
- Maintain Body Temperature
Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Main Sign:
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort described as pressure, squeezing, tightness, aching, constricting or heavy; localized in the center of the chest behind the sternum.
- Pain can radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck or jaw
- Pain is constant and not relieved with rest
- If the pain lasts longer than 10 minutes or presents with other signs of miocardial infarction, seek advanced medical care
Soft Signs:
- Tiredness
- Gastric discomfort
- Flu
- Mild, unfocused chest pain
- Pain that comes and goes or gets worse with activity or time
Other Signs:
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea / bradypnea
- Tachycardia / bradycardia
- Cyanosis
- Profuse Sweating (Hyperhydrosis)
- Nausea / Vomiting (Emesis)
Care for a Myocardial Infarction
- Patient must rest in a comfortable position
- S A M P L E, and O P Q R S T
- Assist with Nitroglycerin or give Acetylsalicylic Acid after consulting for contraindications.
- Obtain advanced medical care
- Be prepared to perform CPR
Congestive Heart Failure
When the heart loses it’s pumping ability; the left ventricle doesnt pump as effectively due to chronic hypertension and blood backs up causing pulmonary edema.