The Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Name the basic structure of the cardiovascular system:
the heart
the blood
the blood vessels
Name the main circuits of the cardiovascular system:
Systemic
Pulmonary
Define blood pressure:
The force exerted by blood on walls of blood vessels
What factors affect blood pressure?
the force of the heart beat
the volume of blood in the cardiovascular system
resistance to the flow of blood in the arteries
the viscosity of the blood
What may cause a change in blood pressure?
a decrease in volume, eg blood loss, causes a drop in pressure
an increase in volume, eg fluid retention, causes an increase in pressure
activity/exercise/massage/heat
List the common pathologies of the cardiovascular system:
angina deep vein thrombosis (DVT) hypertension (High Blood Pressure) hypotension (Low Blood Pressure) stroke
Describe varicose veins:
A valve in the vein becomes deformed causing blood to collect. The vein swells and blood can seep into surrounding tissues.
Can you perform a treatment over varicose veins?
No. Avoid the area and do not apply pressure to the area.
What is erythema?
Increased circulation in the tiny capillaries near the skin’s surface. It appears as reddening of the skin.