Unit 2 - Peripheral Vascular Disease

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

Pathologic conditions of blood vessels supplying the extremities and major abdominal organs, (“outside of the heart and brain”). There are a wide variety of PVD’s (occlusive, inflammatory, vasomotor).

PVD affects the LE’s more frequently than the UE’s

Question 2

common underlying cause of PVD in LE’s

Answer 2

Atherosclerosis
It can result in ischemic pain referred to as “claudication”
that is mainly brought on by walking

Question 3

complications of atherosclerosis

Answer 3

Vessel Occlusion
Aneurysms
Hypertensive Cardiovascular Disease

Question 4

cystic medial necrosis

Answer 4

Involves the middle layer (“media”) of large arteries, especially the aorta
Characterized by medial necrosis/degeneration
With a loss of muscle and elastic fibers

Question 5

Marfan’s syndrome

Answer 5

connective tissue disorder
Fibrillin-1 defficiency (“fibrillin is a connective tissue protein”)
Elastin is not maintained

Question 6

systems that marfan’s syndrome affects

Answer 6

Eyes
Lungs
Skeletal
Cardiovascular – complications include “cystic medial necrosis”. Complications include aortic aneurysm or even rupture, as happened with woman’s volleyball superstar Florence Hyman

Question 7

s/s Marfan’s

Answer 7

pectus excavation
arachnodactyly
dilation of aorta

Question 8

Thromboangiitis Obliterans (“Buerger’s Disease”)

Answer 8

Acute and chronic inflammation of veins and arteries in the hands and feet.
Occurrance:
5:1 Males vs Females
Highest Incidence in Smokers – MUST STOP!
May lead to need for amputation

Question 9

Raynaud’s Disease

Answer 9

Intermittent Vasospastic disorder

Affects small vessels of the digits

Exposure to cold, smoking, emotional distress

Question 10

Most common cardiovascular disorder!!

Answer 10

Hypertension

Major risk factor for:
Heart attack
Stroke
Heart failure

Question 11

types of HTN

Answer 11

Primary (Essential) ~ 95% 
Secondary HTN ~ 5%
Examples
Renal disorders - (example - renal artery stenosis, renal tumor)
Adrenal gland disorder

Question 12

Cholesterol’s role in CVD

Answer 12

Cholesterol is essential in the body. Functions include:
Component of cell membranes
Provides insulation around nerve cells
Used in the manufacture of certain hormones
Too much cholesterol in the blood can be detrimental and increases the risk of CVD

Question 13

Cholesterol’s role in Atherosclerotic Disease - LDLs

Answer 13

LDL’s
“Bad Cholesterol”
Elevated levels associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis
Dietary modification is helpful in reducing LDL’s (reduced saturated fat and simple sugars in the diet)
“statin” medications commonly prescribed to reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels

Question 14

Cholesterol’s role in CVD - HDLs

Answer 14

HDL’s
“Good Cholesterol”
Returns Cholesterol to the Liver
Increasing HDL’s
Aerobic Exercise
Weight loss
Moderate alcohol (1-2 drinks/day)??
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, beans)