EAC Circulatory Disorders Flashcards
define:
Atheroma
The accumulation of fatty deposits (plaque) in the tunica media of large and medium arteries
define:
Arteriosclerosis
This is a progressive, degenerative condition resulting in the thickening and loss of elasticity of the arteries commonly associated with ageing.
a continuation of Atheroma building up
define:
Thrombosis
The epithelium (tunica intima) lying over the Atheroma begins to break down, platelets are stimulated by the damaged cells and an intra-vascular blood clot (thrombus) is formed.
The thrombus can partially or completely occlude an artery or vein. This condition is termed Thrombosis
define:
Embolism
If a fragment of the Thrombus (Embolus) becomes dethatched, it will travel in the bloodstream until it lodges in and blocks a smaller vessel.
Emboli can also occur from air, nitrogen, fat, amniotic fluid, plastic etc.
effect on circulation of:
Atheroma
Partial or complete blockage of the artery by the plaques alone or in combination with a thrombus.
effect on circulation of:
Arteriosclerosis
The effect on the artery is to make it lose its elasticity, harden and become tortuous.
This reduces both; its ability to dilate or constrict and blood flow through it
effect on circulation of:
Thrombus
As a result of reduction or cessation of oxygen and nutrient rich blood flowing to the tissue distal to the blockage, ischemia or infarction of that tissue will occur.
effect on circulation of:
Embolism
Effect is determined by the site and size of the blood vessel occluded and not by its composition.
common serious consequences are: Myocardial infarction Cerebral infarction Pulmonary infarction Renal infarction
define:
Aneurysm
Abnormal local dilations of arteries which can vary in size.
Causes range form unknown to Atheroma and Arteriosclerosis
Three types of Aneurysm
Saccular
Fusiform
Dissecting
define:
Saccular Aneurysm
Bulges out on side of artery only
occurs mainly in the brain
define:
Fusiform Aneurysm
Occurs as a spindle shape distension
often occurs in the abdominal aorta
define:
Dissecting Aneurysm
Develops when blood infiltrates between the Tunica Intima and the Tunica Media layers of the blood vessel.
occurs mainly in the arch of the aorta
signs and symptoms of:
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Sudden and severe, ripping or tearing chest pain with no preceding symptoms Maximum pain from onset Located in chest area or in back between scapula Decrease in femoral or carotid pulse Narrowing pulse pressure Possible difference in blood pressure between arms Severe shock and fear Possible S and S of CVA ECG changes Cardiac tamponade Distended neck veins Pulsus paradoxus Exsanguination
signs and symptoms of:
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal and back pain in AAA rupture Renal colic type pain Pain is constant, moderate to severe Radiates into thigh and groin Urge to defecate Syncope Possible pulsatile mass in abdomen (if found leave it alone!) Exsanguination
