phase 3 Flashcards
hypertension
a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.
- lead to heart disease
- stroke
Angina
Chest pain or discomfort is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.
- often a symptom of coronary artery disease
Aneurysm
localised, abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, usually an artery, resulting from weakening of the vessel wall.
stroke
A medical condition in which poor blood supply to the brain results in cell death due to lack of blood flow (ischaemic) or due to bleeding (hemorrhagic)
embolism
sudden blockage of blood vessels by an embolus, which is a blood clot. This can obstruct blood flow.
- pulmonary embolism where clot travels to the lungs.
hashimotos
an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. this leads to inflammation and gradual destruction of the thyroid, causing hypothyroidism.
symptoms
- weight gain
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
Graves
Affects the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism. The immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to produce excess thyroid hormone.
symptoms:
- weightless
- rapid heartbeat
- anxiety
iodine deficiency
occurs when there is an insufficient intake of iodine, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland relies on iodine to synthesise hormones that regulate metabolism.
- can lead to goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
- hypothyroidism
hypothyroidism
thyroid gland is unreactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
symptoms:
- fatigue
- weight gain
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is overactive, and produces excess thyroid hormones
symptoms:
- weight loss
- rapid heart beat
- anxiety
Addisons disease
occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and sometimes aldosterone.
symptoms:
- weight loss
- fatigue
- low blood pressure
- darkening of skin
Cushlings
caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.
impact of pituitary tumours
- hormonal imbalance - disrupts the normal production and release of hormones, affecting bodily functions.
- vision changes - large tumours may press on the optic nerve
- headaches
- fatigue and weakness
- infertility
stages of cancer development
1) cell with genetic material
2) cancer is large enough to be felt as a lump
3) cancer spread from the
original site into surrounding areas
4) cancer has spread to other tissue parts of the body.
what is metastasis?
process of cancer cells spreading from one area to another.
process of neoplasia
Refers to abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to the formation of neoplasm (tumour).
1) Initiation - exposure to certain carcinogens causing genetic changes in normal cells.
2) Promotion - promoters encourage the growth of initiated cells, and stimulate cell growth.
3) Progression - development of full-blown tumour, cells become malignant.
4) Angiogenesis - formation of new blood vessels allowing the tumour to access nutrients and oxygen.
5) Metastasis - some malignant cells may break away from the primary tumour and enter the bloodstream.
how do we test for different cancer?
- cancer screening - cancer can be detected before symptoms arise
- chemotherapy drugs - used to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells.
- radiation therapy - uses high doses of radiation to target and kill cancer cells.
biopsys and what they are for
biopises are medical procedures involving removal of sample tissue for examination.
needle biopsies:
- fine needle - uses a thin needle to extract cells or fluid.
- core needle biopsy - larger or hollow needle to remove small cylinder of tissues.
- surgical biopsies -
What are smear tests?
screening procedure used to detect cervical cancer.
1) collection of cells - collects a sample of cells from the cervix.
2) cells placed on a glass slide - sent to the lab for analysis
3) examined under the microscope to identify abnormalities
4) Follow-up testing: if abnormal cells are detected further testing and additional biopsies may be recommended.
COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:
It is a progressive respiratory condition characterised by persistent airflow limitation.
- chronic bronchitis - inflammation of the bronchial tubes leading to increased production of mucus.
- emphysema - damage to air sacs in the lungs reducing their elasticity.
asthma
Inflammation of the airways leads to temporary narrowing and constriction of the bronchial tubes.
symptoms:
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
arthritis
refers to inflammation of the joints.
causes pain, swelling stiffness and decreased joint mobility.
osteoarthritis
involves the breakdown of cartilage
symptoms:
- pain
- stiffness
- reduced joint flexibility
rheumatoid arthritis
immune system mistakenly attacks lining of membrane surrounding the joints, causing inflammation,
symptoms:
- joint pain
- swelling
- stiffness
- fatigue
