Pulmonary & Cardiovascular Pathophysiology Flashcards
Covers embolism, asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and heart failure.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A blockage of a pulmonary artery due to a blood clot (often from deep vein thrombosis, DVT) that embolizes to the lungs.
What are the three main factors of Virchow’s Triad contributing to thrombosis?
1) Venous stasis (immobility, bed rest).
2) Vascular injury (surgery, trauma).
3) Hypercoagulability (cancer, pregnancy, genetic disorders)
What are two major risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
Immobility (post-surgery, long flights) and hypercoagulable states (e.g., cancer, pregnancy, oral contraceptives).
What are the hemodynamic and respiratory consequences of pulmonary embolism (PE)?
- Hemodynamic: ↑ Pulmonary artery pressure, ↑ Right ventricular afterload, ↓ Blood pressure, ↑ Heart rate.
- Respiratory: ↓ pO₂ (hypoxemia), normal/↓ pCO₂ (hypocapnia), ↑ Respiratory rate (tachypnea)
How does a venous embolism travel before causing pulmonary embolism (PE)?
- Right atrium → 2. Tricuspid valve → 3. Right ventricle → 4. Pulmonary valve → 5. Pulmonary artery
How is pulmonary embolism (PE) treated?
Anticoagulation (heparin, warfarin), thrombolysis (in severe cases), and supportive oxygen therapy.
What is asthma?
A chronic inflammatory airway disease with episodes of bronchospasm, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness
What are two major risk factors for asthma?
Genetic predisposition (IgE-mediated allergies) and environmental triggers (pollution, smoke, allergens)
What happens during an acute asthma attack?
Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, increased mucus production, and airway narrowing.
What cytokines contribute to asthma pathophysiology?
IL-4 (IgE production),
IL-5 (eosinophil activation),
and TNF-α (amplifies inflammation)
What is COPD?
A chronic, irreversible airway obstruction disease with two major subtypes:
1) Emphysema – Alveolar wall destruction, air trapping, loss of elastic recoil.
2) Chronic bronchitis – Excess mucus, airway inflammation, productive cough
What is the most common cause of COPD?
Smoking (80% of cases), followed by α1-antitrypsin deficiency (genetic form)
What are two key clinical signs of COPD?
Barrel chest (due to hyperinflation in emphysema).
Chronic productive cough (due to mucus overproduction in chronic bronchitis).
What is cystic fibrosis?
A genetic disorder (autosomal recessive) caused by CFTR gene mutations, leading to thickened mucus and impaired ion transport.
What is the function of CFTR?
A chloride channel that regulates salt and water balance in epithelial cells.
How does cystic fibrosis affect the lungs?
Thick mucus buildup → Airway obstruction → Recurrent lung infections (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
What other organs are affected by cystic fibrosis?
Pancreas (malabsorption), liver (biliary obstruction), reproductive tract (infertility).
What is atherosclerosis?
Hardening and narrowing of arteries due to lipid and fibrous plaque buildup
What are five major risk factors for atherosclerosis?
1) Hypercholesterolemia (high LDL, low HDL).
2) Hypertension.
3) Smoking.
4) Diabetes mellitus.
5) Obesity/physical inactivity
What are the four progressive stages of atherosclerosis?
1) Endothelial damage (from LDL, smoking, hypertension).
2) Fatty streak formation (macrophage uptake of LDL → foam cells).
3) Fibrous plaque development (smooth muscle proliferation, calcification).
4) Plaque rupture & thrombosis → MI, stroke, or embolism
What is heart failure?
A condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet body demands.
What is the difference between heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)?
- HFrEF (systolic failure): ↓ Ejection fraction (<40%), weak contraction.
- HFpEF (diastolic failure): Normal ejection fraction, impaired relaxation
What are three major symptoms of heart failure?
1) Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
2) Edema (fluid retention, swollen ankles).
3) Fatigue & reduced exercise tolerance
What are common causes of heart failure?
Hypertension, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease.
