CH 7 Circulatory Emergencies Flashcards
Define circulatory emergency
emergencies that affect the heart or vascular system
Blood flow into & out of the heart (blood pathway)
O2 poor blood
R. atrium
R. ventricle
Lungs via pulmonary artery
L. atrium
L. ventricle
Body
Define cardiovascular disease
refers to a broad range of abnormal conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels
examples of cardiovascular diseases (6)
coronary heart disease
cerebrovascular disease
congentital heart disease
deep vein thrombosis
pulmonary embolism
peripheral artery disease
what circulatory emergencies does CVD increase the risk of? (2)
stroke
myocardial infarctions
Define arteriosclerosis
occurs when the arteries become hardened, narrowed & less elastic.
Reduces the supply of oxygen to affected tissues. Can result in coronary heart disease
how does atherosclerosis occur? (3)
-gradually
-cholesteral & plaque builds up on the interior walls of the arteries
-the arteries become more narrow, reducing the volume of blood flow through them
contributing factors to atherlosclerosis (3)
high BP
smoking
high cholesterol/triglycerides in blood
controllable risk factors of cardiac disease (9)
-hypertension
-high cholesterol
-diabetes*
-heart disease
-overweight
-excessive alcohol consumption
-lack of exercise
-smoking
-stress
uncontrollable risk factors of cardiac disease (6)
-age
-gender
-family Hx
-ethnicity
-Hx stroke/TIA
-Diabetes*
define myocardial infarction
complete blockage of coronary artery that leads to muscle death in the heart
why is hypertension the silent killer
causes damage to the blood vessel walls (scarring) that prompts build up of fatty plaque=narrowing of arteries/clots/embolisms/strokes
define angina
intermittent chest pains/pressure associated with coronary heart disease. Occurs when O2 demands exceed the available supply
Angina MOI (6)
-exercise
-physical activity
-stress
-periods of extreme heat or cold
-after heavy meals
-while drinking or smoking
How does angina occur? (3 steps)
1+ coronary arteries are partially blocked
Blood & O2 not reaching heart
chest pain
Define stable Angina
-diagnosed
-every attack feels the same/last 10 min
-can be relieved with rest + nitroglycerin
-usually not life threatening
Define unstable Angina
-diagnosed with Angina, but this pain is not the same as their stable Angina (pain is not typical)
-may occur at rest & last 10+ mins
-does not respond to medication
-warning sign of an MI
S/S Angina (7)
pain in centre of chest
-tightness, squeezing of chest, achey feeling in chest/arms
-persistent feeling of moderate to severe indigestion
-nausea/vomitting
-pale, cool sweaty skin
-discomfort in chest/neck/jaw
-numbess in arms, wrist/shoulders
Angina treatments
- comfortable position
- nitroglycerin (3 doses in 5 min max)
- ASA (acetylsalicylic acid)
- O2 administration
- monitor vitals
What is nitroglycerin & how is it administered
Is a vasodialator
-sublingual spray
-pill
-patch
Goal of nitroglyerin & what should you always check before giving it
Increase the quality of O2 reaching the heart, which can reduce the patients chest pain
Always:
- Check 6R’s
-Check BP
-Check if they are on other vasodialtors (erectile dysfunction drugs)
-Check how many does the person has already taken
Myocardial Infarction (MI) S/S
pale/blue skin
sweaty skin
change in pulse
mild discomfort of chest
gastric/indigestion discomfort
difficulty breathing
pain radiating in chest, neck, shoulders, arm, jaw
Mi treatments
ASA
plus: call EMS right away & prepare for CPR/AED
define congestive heart failure
abnormal condition in which the hearts pumping ability is diminished