Circulatory System Conditions / Week 2 Flashcards
Blood Functions:
-Blood is classified as connective tissue
-Deliver oxygen to cells
-Remove metabolic byproducts (like CO2)
-Deliver nutrients to cells (like glucose, electrolytes, immune cells)
Blood Composition
-Red Blood Cells
-White Blood Cells
-Platelets
-Plasma/Serum
Red Blood Cells
Iron (Fe) binds to 02
Called Erythrocytes
Erythropoietin (hormone from kidney that stimulates RBC growth.)
Platelets
-Also called thrombocytes.
-Clotting factors
-pieces of cells
-When a vessel is damaged, it creates fibrin. Platelets adhere to fibrin to create a clot.
Anemia
Etiology: Low red blood cells = low hemoglobin = decreased heme function.
S/S: Fatigue, pale mucosa, intolerance to cold, shortness of breath, headache, palpitations.
Massage Considerations: Indicated.
Hematoma
Etiology: The accumulation or pooling of blood in any space. More serious than a bruise. Bruises are superficial.
S/S: Tender area, previous trauma, palpate a gel-like substance.
Massage Considerations: CI for 2 days (because can ^ bleeding). After 2ish days, massage can help break up/reabsorb the clot.
Alternate hot/cold.
Hemophilia
Etiology: Genetic. Lack of 1 or more clotting factors. Usually in men.
S/S: Bruises easily, internal bleeding, nose bleeds, large bleeds for a small injury.
Massage Considerations: Get PCP approval first. Be gentle as to avoid causing bruising.
Embolism, Thrombus
Etiology: Collection of particles that disrupt blood flow.
S/S: Cuts off blood flow to an area, like: stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism.
Massage Considerations: CI for circulatory massage
Embolism–moves
Thrombus–stationary
Thrombophlebitis, Deep Vein Thrombosis
Etiology: Abnormal blood flow w clot formation –> that leads to inflammation of the vein.
S/S: Heat, pain usually that worsens when standing, swelling, maybe pitting edema.
Massage Considerations: CI for circulatory massage
This is the main cause of a pulmonary embolism.
Varicose Veins
Etiology: Veins w malfunctioning valves from prolonged dilation, increase venous pressure, or genetic weakness.
S/S: Soft, tortuous blue veins; swelling, pain, difficulty walking.
Massage Considerations: Can be painful. Ok to gently massage w client tolerance; never use heavy pressure.
Atherosclerosis
Etiology: Hardening/narrowing of the arteries due to plaque.
S/S: Asymptomatic until about 80% occluded. Weakness, shortness of breath, angina
Massage Considerations: CI for circulatory massage.
Hypertension
Etiology: Sustained elevated blood pressure
S/S: No early signs. BP lowering meds –> weak, sluggish, dizzy feeling.
Massage Considerations: ▼ long broad effleurage + avoid ab massage (dont want to trigger quick vasodilation). Start with petrissage on extremities to lower blood pressure.
Raynaud Syndrome
Etiology: Periods of vasoconstriction in arteries of hands, feet, face and breasts.
S/S: Initially, turns pale/white/bluish due to lack of arterial blood –> reddens and becomes numb and painful. Can last minutes to hours. In persistent Raynauds, area can have permanent changes like thin skin, weakness, atrophy.
Massage Considerations:
1° - Indicated. Vigorous strokes can return blood flow to area
2° - CI until cause determined. Work w PCP
Heart Attack / Myocardial Infarction
Etiology: Death of heart muscles cells due to ischemia
S/S: Chest pressure/pain, possibly down L arm. Dizziness, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, ab pain in women.
Massage Considerations: Call 911. Gentle massage is I 6-8 weeks later with PCP input. Watch out for ports/ducts.
Heart Failure
Etiology: ▼ cardiac function that is PROGRESSIVE over time. Many survivors of heart attacks end up w heart failure.
S/S: Edema, pitting edema, weakness, shortness of breath, sweating, fatigue, drowsiness, coldness, cyanosis
Massage Considerations: CI for circulatory massage. Elevate head because of the extra fluid in the system.
