Vascular Pathologies Flashcards
Aneurysm Etiology
congenital defect, weakness in wall of vessel often due to chronic hypertension, connective tissue disease (Marfan Syndrome), trauma, infection
Aneurysm Signs/Symptoms
**Varies based on site
Aortic = asymptomatic except for generalized abdominal/low back pain
Abdomina Aortic= pulsing in/near navel
Cerebral= sudden/severe headache, nausea & vomitting, stiff neck, seizure, loss of consciousness, double vision
Aneurysm Treatment
Antihypertensive meds for hyptertension
Surgery to repair aortic aneurysm- break in vessel wall is replaced with synthetic fabric graft
Angina Pectoris: Stable
Occurs @ predictable level of exertion/exercise/stress, responds to rest/nitroglycerin
Angina Pectoris: Unstable
usually more intense, lasts longer, precipitated by less exertion, occurs spontaneously @ rest, is progressive, or combo of above features
Angina Pectoris: Prinzemental (variable)
occurs due to coronary artery spasm associatedw/ Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Angina Pectoris Etiology
inadequate blood floe and oxygenation of heart muscles due to CAD
Angina Pectoris Signs/Symptoms
pressure/ heaviness/ fullness/ squeezing/ burning/aching behind sternum (also felt in neck & back, jaw, shoulders, arms)
difficulty breathing, nausea & vomiting, sweating, anxiety/ fear
triggered by exertion/ strong emotion
subsides w/ rest
Angina Pectoris Treatment
Acute: supplemental O2, notroglycerin, rest
Chronic/ Recurring: long-acting nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers
Angioplasty w/ stenting of coronary arteries/ coronary artery bypass surgery when meds not effective
Atherosclerosis Etiology
exact cause unknown
may begin w/ damage/injury to inner artery wall from hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes
over time fatty plaques and other cell waste build up at site of injury & harden narrowing artery and impeding blood flow
Atherosclerosis Signs/Symptoms
** varies based on severity and artery affected
Coronary arteries: angina pectoris
Cerebral arteries: numbness/ weakness in arms/ legs, difficulty speaking/ slurred speech, drooping face muscles
Peripheral arteries: intermittent claudication
Atherosclerosis Treatment
lifestyle changes: quit smoking, regular exercise, healthy diet, stress management
meds: antihypertensive, anti-platelet, anti-lipidemic agents
surgery: angioplasty, endarterectomy, bypass
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) Etiology
weak/ damaged valves in veins
Risk factors: age, being female, obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting/standing
CVI Signs/Symptoms
leg swelling, varicose veins, aching, heaviness/cramping, itchiness, redness/ skin ulcers of legs/ankles
CVI Treatment
compression stockings + elevation of legs to decrease chronic swelling
varicose vein stripping for persistent leg pain/ skin ulcers due to poor circulation
Cor Pulmonale Etiology (pulmonary artery disease)
pulmonary hypertension form chronically increased resistance in pulmonary circulation