Vascular Pathologies Flashcards
aneurysm
local dilation of an artery d/t weakening of wall
aneurysm factors
- congenital defects
- deterioration of vessel wall as a result of atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis
- trauma
- syphilis infection during later stages
syphilis
STD caused by parasite Treponema
hypertension r/t atherosclerosis
major promoter of aneurysm
how does increased BP make aneurysm worse?
- increased pressure inside artery is exerted outward against the wall => further expansion of dilated area
- periods of high stress => increased BP
- may cause aneurysms to rupture
aneurysm problems
- large aortic aneurysm
- increased risk of thrombus formation in arteries
- aneurysm of abdominal aorta
- aneurysm in cerebral circulation
large aortic aneurysm problem
=> turbulent, disrupted blood flow => decreased blood flow to tissues
increased risk of thrombus formation problem in aneurysm
=> peripheral thromboemboli
aneurysm of abdominal aorta problem
as its expanding, may compress adjacent arteries such as renal arteries along w/ negative effects like renal failure
aneurysm in cerebral circulation problem
can be fatal or lead to significant strokes
varicose veins
result of a weakness in vein walls or of defective one-way valves
where does varicose veins most commonly occur?
dependent areas of the body
- especially lower limbs or in areas where there is very little surrounding muscle mass (able to continue pumping blood through veins)
eg. superficial veins of legs, esophagus and around rectum (hemorrhoids)
varicose veins problems
- faulty or weak valves
- blood accumulation in combo w/ effects of gravity
- increased hydrostatic pressure
faulty or weak valves problem in varicose veins
=> blood accumulation over competent valves => stretching and expanding of vessel wall
blood accumulation in combo w/ effects of gravity problem in varicose veins
=> increased local hydrostatic pressure => more damage to valves