Ch13 - Circulatory System Flashcards
Circulatory system
Heart, blood vessels, and blood
Functions of circulatory system
Supply food, oxygen and hormones to cells
Supply antibodies
Remove waste products from cells
Regulate body temperature
Normal changes of aging to circulatory system
Less efficient heart
Decreased blood flow
Narrowed blood vessels
Hypertension
High blood pressure, regularly measuring 130/80 or above
Atherosclerosis
A hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels
Hypotension
Low blood pressure, regularly measuring 90/60 or below
Treatments for hypertension
Antihypertensive drugs lower blood pressure
Diuretics reduce the amount of fluid in the body
Calcium channel blockers relax the heart and blood vessels to lower blood pressure (names ending in -pine)
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) block chemicals that cause blood pressure to rise (names ending in -pril, -sartan)
Beta blockers block another chemical that causes blood pressure to rise (names ending in -olol)
Hypercholesterolemia
High cholesterol
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
Condition caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries
Angina
Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
Treatments for hypercholesterolemia
Statins most commonly used to control cholesterol levels
Ezetimibe prevents cholesterol from being absorbed in small intestine
Bile acid seqestrants disrupt body’s fat-absorbing process
Fibrates decrease triglycerides
Niacin can decrease triglycerides and LDL cholesterol
Treatments for coronary artery disease (CAD)
Statins usually prescribed at higher doses for CAD than for high cholesterol
ACE inhibitors block chemicals that cause blood pressure to rise
Antiplatelet agents prevent gathering of platelets (clots)
Treatments for angina
Nitroclycerin (NTG) sublingually as a tablet or spray, transdermally as a patch
Antihypertensives (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers)
Ranolazine relaxes the heart muscle
Treatments for myocardial infarction (MI)
Acute phase: aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and morphine during hospital treatment
Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) after a heart attack as preventative
Beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, statins may all be prescribed
NSAIDs may NOT be given to a resident who has had MI due to risk of cardiac incidents and stroke
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
A condition in which the heart muscle is damaged and is no longer able to pump effectively
Dysrhythmia
Difficult or abnormal heart rhythm, sometimes called arrhythmia
Treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF)
Diuretics reduce fluid in body (including a stronger class called loop diuretics)
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and beta blockers may be prescribed
Vasodilators dilate (widen) blood vessels to help heart pump blood more efficiently
Digoxin strengthens and regulates the heartbeat
Treatments for dysrhythmias
Antiarrhythmic agents help the heart beat with a more regular rate and rhythm (digoxin, amiodarone)
Antihypertensives can regulate heart rate/rhythm (calcium channel blockers, beta blockers)
Iron-deficiency anemia
Condition in which the blood has too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin
Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Condition in which a blood clot forms deep under the skin, usually in the legs
Treatments for iron-deficiency anemia
Intravenous iron infusion in severe cases
Oral iron (take with vitamin C to improve absorption; cannot be taken with high fiber foods)
Treatments for superficial thrombophlebitis
Compression bandages or stockings compress the affected body part
Pain and discomfort can be managed with NSAIDs or acetaminophen
Antibiotic may be required if infection develops
Treatments for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Anticoagulants help prevent blood clots
Heparin for initial treatment, usually by IV or subcutaneous injection
Warfarin (coumadin) is a vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant - residents taking this must avoid green leafy vegetables and other vitamin K sources
