Diseases Flashcards
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Definition:
A chronic condition where the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently is impaired, leading to systemic consequences such as fluid overload and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
Systemic Effects of CHF:
Shortness of breath: Caused by fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Fatigue: Results from poor tissue perfusion and reduced oxygen delivery.
Swelling (edema): Occurs in the lower extremities due to fluid retention.
Decreased kidney function: Linked to inadequate cardiac output and perfusion.
Orthopenea
Cough with pinky frothy sputum
Test Results:
Ejection Fraction (via Echocardiogram):
Normal: 50-70%.
Abnormal: <40% indicates systolic heart failure.
BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide): Elevated levels signal heart stress or failure.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Definition:
A blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism if not treated.
Management Goals:
Prevent clot extension or embolization: Achieved through anticoagulant medications.
Encourage mobility and compression therapy: Reduces the risk of recurrence.
Diagnostic Tests:
D-Dimer Test:
Normal: <500 ng/mL.
Abnormal: Elevated levels suggest clot formation but are nonspecific, requiring further imaging.
Ultrasound (Compression Study): Confirms the presence of a clot.
When to Test:
Symptoms of leg swelling, pain, or redness.
After events like recent immobilization or surgery.
Hypertension (High Blood pressure)
Definition:
A chronic condition where blood pressure is consistently elevated (≥140/90 mmHg)
When to Test:
When symptoms like headache or dizziness occur.
Causes of Hypertension:
High-sodium diets.
Obesity.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Chronic stress.
Genetic predisposition.
Complications:
Heart failure.
Stroke.
Kidney damage.
Retinal damage.
Stroke
Definition:
An interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing ischemia (lack of oxygen) or hemorrhage (bleeding).
Symptoms:
Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body.
Confusion or difficulty speaking.
Facial droop.
Vision loss in one or both eyes.
Severe, sudden headache.
Risk Factors:
Hypertension.
Diabetes.
Smoking.
Atrial fibrillation.
Prevention:
Control blood pressure.
Use antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin) as prescribed.
Adopt lifestyle modifications
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Definition:
A condition characterized by the narrowing of peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities.
Symptoms:
Claudication (pain or cramping in the legs during activity).
Cold or numb limbs.
Weak or absent pulses in the affected extremities.
Slow-healing wounds on the legs or feet.
worse at night when it’s an advanced stage
Diagnostic Tests:
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to assess blood flow.
Doppler Ultrasound: Evaluates blood flow in peripheral arteries.
Management:
Smoking cessation to improve circulation.
Regular exercise to enhance blood flow and reduce symptoms.
Antiplatelet therapy to prevent blood clots.
Significance of Dysrhythmias:
Common in Older Adults: Tachycardias (fast heart rates) may reduce cardiac output due to decreased ventricular filling time.
Increased Risk: Age-related myocardial stiffness leads to reduced compliance of the heart, increasing the likelihood of compromised cardiac function during stress or tachycardia.
Heart Failure (HF)
Definition:
A condition where the heart’s cardiac output is insufficient to meet the body’s needs.
Types of Heart Failure:
Left-sided HF: Fluid backs up into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema.
Right-sided HF: Fluid backs up into systemic circulation, leading to peripheral edema.
Symptoms:
Shortness of breath.
Fatigue.
Edema.
Crackles in the lungs.
Pressure on the chest, burning sensation.
JVD
Diagnostic Tests:
Echocardiogram: Assesses ejection fraction; low values indicate heart dysfunction.
BNP (Brain Natriuretic Peptide): Elevated levels confirm heart stress or failure.
Angina
Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. - Coronary artery disease
Causes
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Stress
- Physical exertion
- High cholesterol
Symtpoms: - Chest discomfort
- Pain in arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
Interventions - Monitor vital signs
- Administer oxygen if needed
- Educate on lifestyle changes
- Encourage rest during attacks
Venous Insufficiency
Inadequate venous blood flow back to the heart.
Causes
- Prolonged standing
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Aging
Symptoms
- Edema (especially in legs)
- Skin discoloration
- Varicose veins
- Ulcer formation
interventions - Elevate legs
- Promote compression stockings
- Encourage walking
- Skin care to prevent ulcers
Arterial Insufficiency
A condition where arteries harden and narrow due to the buildup of plaque, restricting blood flow.
Poor blood flow through arteries, often due to atherosclerosis.
Causes - Smoking
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
Symptoms - Intermittent claudication
- Cold, pale skin
- Weak or absent pulses
- Non-healing wounds
Interventions - Promote smoking cessation
- Encourage healthy diet
- Educate on foot care
- Assist with blood pressure control
Antiplatelet Therapy: Medications to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Surgical Interventions: Procedures like angioplasty to open narrowed arteries.
Acute Coronary Syndrome
A group of conditions caused by sudden, reduced blood flow to the heart. Subcategory of CAD
Causes
- Coronary artery disease
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Stress
Symtpoms - Severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Diaphoresis (sweating)
Interventions - Assess for chest pain
- Administer oxygen
- Promote stress reduction
- Educate on medication compliance
Diabetes Type II
A chronic condition where the body resists insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
High blood sugar damages blood vessel walls, leading to endothelial dysfunction and reduced elasticity.
Increased glucose promotes plaque buildup in arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow (atherosclerosis).
Diabetes promotes chronic inflammation, which accelerates cardiovascular damage and worsens atherosclerosis.
causes - Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetics
- Aging
- Poor diet
Symptoms : - Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue
- Slow wound healing
- Blurred vision
interventions - Monitor blood glucose
- Promote healthy eating
- Educate on exercise
- Inspect skin for wounds
Coronary Artery Disease
Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, so the heart does not have enoug O2
Causes: - High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Sedentary lifestyle
Symptoms - Chest pain (angina)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- **Palpitations **
Interventions - Monitor cardiac status
- Encourage healthy eating
- Educate on smoking cessation
- Encourage regular exercise
