Module 4.4 Diseases of the Cardiovascular System Flashcards
syncope
fainting from a decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
What factors could cause a healthy person to experience syncope?
blood pooling in the veins, once they are fully distended, they cannot accept blood from the capillaries. Large amounts of plasma are forced out of the thin capillary walls, causing a drop in arterial blood pressure. Once arterial blood pressure drops, blood flow to the brain is reduced and fainting can occur
edema
(fluid accumulation) and/or high blood pressure caused from heart failure
What does left-sided heart failure tend to cause?
pulmonary edema, aka congestive heart failure, backup of fluid in the lungs
What does right-sided heart failure tend to cause?
peripheral edema, backup of fluid in the body/limbs
hypertension
condition when systolic and diastolic blood pressures are significantly higher than 120/80 mm Hg
Why is hypertension sometimes called the “silent killer”?
may not be detectable until stroke or heart attack occur
What is atherosclerosis and what can it cause?
an accumulation of soft masses of fatty materials, often cholesterol inside arteries, one cause of hypertension
plaque
what they call the deposits of atherosclerosis that accumulate beneath inner linings of arteries
How can plaque stop blood flow and/or cause a blood clot?
As plaque continues to build up it tends to protrude into the vessel, interfering with normal blood flow, this can cause a blood clot to form on the irregular arterial wall, this can dislodge and travel, clogging a smaller artery in its path
thrombosus
stationary blood clot
embolus
blood clot that dislodges and moves along with blood
thromboembolism
an embolus that becomes lodged in a vessel as it travels
What can happen if a thromboembolus lodges in a vessel supplying a vital organ
brain, heart, and lungs are example of where this would cause serious complications or sudden death
pulmonary thromboembolism
aka PE, blockage of major artery in the lungs
What can a PE cause?
angina aka chest pain and shortness of breath
What causes an infarction and what is the result?
occurs in blood vessel in completely blocked by a thrombus or an embolism, causing tissue death in the area supplied by the clogged artery. If unresolved, person may die from complications
myocardial infarction
aka heart attack, occurs due to coronary artery blockage and portion of heart muscle dies because of lack of oxygen
angina pectoris
clinica term for chest pain, characterized by radiating pain in left arm
What are some symptoms following a heart attack associated with the head?
lightheadedness
What are some symptoms following a heart attack associated with the arms, back, jaw, and between shoulders?
pain, discomfort, numbness
What are some symptoms following a heart attack associated with the chest?
pain, pressure, fullness, or squeezing (lasts for a few mins or comes and goes)
What are some symptoms following a heart attack associated with the skin?
cold sweat
What are some symptoms following a heart attack associated with the lungs?
trouble breathing(shortness of breath)
