Week 5 - Cardiac Function, Hypertension, & Pharmacology Flashcards
Describe the conduction system of the heart.
Specialized cells generate and conduct impulses to coordinate the heartbeat, including the SA node, AV node, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) affect heart rate and blood pressure?
The PNS lowers heart rate and blood pressure, promoting a ‘rest and digest’ state.
Define the relationship between blood pressure, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance.
Blood pressure (BP) = cardiac output (CO) x systemic vascular resistance (SVR).
What is the function of baroreceptors in the cardiovascular system?
Baroreceptors respond to arterial pressure changes, inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system when stimulated.
Explain the role of chemoreceptors in regulating heart rate and arterial pressure.
Chemoreceptors adjust heart rate and arterial pressure based on pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels.
How do neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and acetylcholine influence the autonomic nervous system?
Norepinephrine activates the sympathetic system; acetylcholine activates the parasympathetic system.
Describe age-related considerations in cardiovascular health.
Consider kyphosis, myocardial hypertrophy, decreased cardiac output, and arterial stiffness.
How does myocardial hypertrophy affect heart function in older adults?
It leads to heart enlargement and inefficient beating.
Define valvular rigidity and its potential consequences.
Valvular rigidity can cause stenosis and murmurs due to blood turbulence.
What are subjective data points to assess cardiovascular health?
Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, skin color changes, family history, and high-risk behaviors.
How can decreased cardiac output manifest in older adults?
It may result in slow recovery from activity and symptoms like dyspnea.
What objective data should be collected during a cardiovascular assessment?
Vital signs, pulse palpation, jugular vein assessment, and edema evaluation.
Describe the characteristics of S1 and S2 heart sounds.
S1 is high-pitched and occurs after systole; S2 is low-pitched and occurs at diastole’s start.
How can one differentiate between S1 and S2 sounds during auscultation?
Palpate the carotid artery; S1 occurs with the pulse.
Define S3 and S4 heart sounds and their significance.
S3 is an early diastolic sound, normal in children but indicates dysfunction in adults; S4 indicates ischemic heart disease.
Explain the timing of S1 and S2 in relation to the cardiac cycle.
S1 occurs at systole’s start; S2 occurs at diastole’s start.
How are S3 and S4 heart sounds classified in terms of pitch and timing?
S3 and S4 are low-pitched, with S3 occurring early in diastole and S4 before systole.
Describe the significance of noting a murmur in a patient.
A murmur may indicate heart valve issues, prompting further investigation.
Define the purpose of a chest radiograph in cardiovascular diagnostics.
A chest X-ray assesses heart size, shape, and conditions like heart failure.
List some non-invasive imaging studies used in cardiovascular assessment.
Chest x-ray, ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiogram, and MRI.
What role does an echocardiogram play in cardiovascular diagnostics?
An echocardiogram provides detailed heart images, identifying abnormalities.
Explain the importance of monitoring electrolytes in cardiovascular health.
Electrolyte imbalances can disrupt heart rhythm, leading to severe issues.
Describe the purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG).
An ECG detects and records the heart’s electrical activity.
How does an exercise/stress test assess heart health?
A stress test evaluates heart health by checking for chest pain and ECG changes.
Define Ejection Fraction (EF) and its significance.
EF is the percentage of blood volume ejected during systole, indicating left ventricle function.
What is the normal range for Ejection Fraction (EF)?
EF normally ranges from 55-70%.
Define hypertension and its significance in healthcare.
Hypertension is a chronic elevation of blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
List some invasive studies used in cardiovascular system imaging.
Cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, and hemodynamic monitoring.
What caution should be taken when using Cardiac MRI?
Caution is needed with patients who have implanted devices.
How prevalent is hypertension globally?
Hypertension affects over 40% of the global population.
Define systolic blood pressure.
Systolic BP measures pressure against artery walls during heart pumping.
Describe diastolic blood pressure.
Diastolic BP measures pressure against artery walls when the heart rests.
How is blood pressure calculated?
BP = Cardiac Output (CO) x Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR).
What is the significance of hypertension?
Hypertension doubles cardiac mortality risk for each 20mmHg increase in systolic pressure.
Explain the components of cardiac output.
Cardiac output (CO) = heart rate (HR) x stroke volume (SV).
Identify the parameters for diagnosing hypertension.
Diagnosed with an average of two readings: systolic BP of 140+ mmHg or diastolic BP of 90+ mmHg.
Describe the complications associated with hypertension.
Complications include renal issues, eye problems, aortic aneurysms, and heart conditions.
Define primary hypertension and its prevalence.
Primary hypertension makes up 90-95% of cases with no known cause.
How does secondary hypertension differ from primary hypertension?
Secondary hypertension is rare, with a specific identifiable cause.
List some modifiable risk factors for primary hypertension.
Risk factors include alcohol use, smoking, obesity, and inactivity.
Identify non-modifiable risk factors for primary hypertension.
Non-modifiable factors include age, gender, ethnicity, and family history.
Explain the term ‘isolated systolic hypertension.’
Isolated systolic hypertension occurs when only systolic BP is elevated, often in older adults.
Describe the role of genes in primary hypertension.
Primary hypertension is influenced by polygenic and environmental factors.
How does sodium and water retention contribute to hypertension?
It increases blood volume, raising cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.
Define the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and its impact on hypertension.
RAAS regulates blood pressure; altered activity can increase vasoconstriction and sodium retention.
Explain the relationship between insulin resistance and primary hypertension.
Insulin resistance in 50% of patients stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and RAAS, worsening hypertension.
What is the effect of stress on hypertension?
Stress increases sympathetic nervous system activity, contributing to elevated blood pressure.
How does obesity relate to the pathophysiology of primary hypertension?
Obesity leads to insulin resistance and inflammation, contributing to hypertension.
Describe the consequences of prolonged hypertension.
Prolonged hypertension damages blood vessels and organs, leading to serious conditions.
How should blood pressure be measured in patients?
Measure in both arms, using the higher reading for subsequent measurements.
Define the term ‘silent killer’ in relation to hypertension.
Hypertension is called the ‘silent killer’ due to its often unnoticed damage.
List the goals in treating hypertension.
Goals include preventing end-organ damage and managing blood pressure effectively.
What laboratory tests are commonly used in the diagnosis of hypertension?
Tests include urinalysis, CBC, electrolytes, and renal function tests.
How can an eye examination be relevant in hypertension management?
Eye exams can detect hypertension-related damage in retinal blood vessels.
Describe the dietary restrictions recommended for managing hypertension.
Dietary therapy includes sodium restriction, limited cholesterol, and adequate potassium intake.
How can weight management contribute to hypertension control?
Weight management reduces blood pressure and lowers hypertension-related risks.
List the lifestyle changes recommended for hypertension management.
Recommended changes include regular exercise, tobacco cessation, and limited alcohol.
Define the role of antihypertensive medications in hypertension management.
Antihypertensive medications lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular event risk.
Identify the classes of antihypertensive drugs known as the ‘ABCDs’.
The ‘ABCDs’ include ARBs, ACE inhibitors, Beta-blockers, Calcium channel blockers, and Diuretics.
Explain the importance of patient education in managing hypertension.
Education helps individuals understand their condition and adhere to treatment.
Describe the role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEi) in treating hypertension.
ACE inhibitors are first-line treatments for heart failure and hypertension.
How does captopril function in the management of heart conditions?
Captopril prevents ventricular remodeling after a myocardial infarction.
Define the administration frequency of captopril and its significance.
Captopril requires 3 to 4 daily doses due to its short half-life.
Explain the importance of understanding the mechanism of action (MoA) of antihypertensive medications.
Understanding MoA is essential for knowing how they affect blood pressure.
Identify the types of vasoconstriction and their relevance in antihypertensive therapy.
Alpha and beta receptors influence vasoconstriction and are critical for antihypertensive drug effectiveness.
Discuss the combination therapy approach in hypertension management.
Combination therapy enhances treatment effectiveness for hypertension.
Describe the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors (ACEi).
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor.
How do Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) function?
ARBs block angiotensin II binding, preventing vasoconstriction.
Define the primary indications for ACE inhibitors in clinical practice.
ACE inhibitors prevent complications after myocardial infarction and are preferred for hypertensive heart failure patients.
List some common adverse effects associated with ACE inhibitors.
Adverse effects include fatigue, dizziness, dry cough, and possible hyperkalemia.
Explain the mechanical system of the heart.
The mechanical system pumps blood during systolic and diastolic phases.
Define blood pressure and its significance.
Blood pressure measures the force of blood on vessels, indicating cardiovascular health.
How does the cardiovascular system regulate blood flow?
It adjusts vasodilation, vasoconstriction, heart rate, and stroke volume.
Describe the clinical manifestations of hypertension.
Symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, and visual changes.
What are the components of the cardiovascular system?
The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.
Describe the structure of the heart.
The heart is a four-chambered muscular organ with three layers.
How does blood flow through the right side of the heart?
Deoxygenated blood returns to the right atrium, moves to the right ventricle, and is pumped to the lungs.
Define the function of the left side of the heart.
The left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body through the aorta.
What are the names of the heart valves and their locations?
The tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, and aortic valves separate the heart chambers.
Explain the significance of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein.
The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to the lungs; the pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood back to the heart.
What mnemonic can help remember the order of blood flow through the heart valves?
‘Toilet Paper My Ass’ helps remember: Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral, Aortic.
Describe the function of the coronary arteries.
Coronary arteries supply blood to the myocardium.
How does mean arterial pressure (MAP) relate to organ perfusion?
MAP must be between 60 - 70 mmHg for adequate organ perfusion.
Define the conduction system of the heart.
The conduction system creates and transports electrical impulses for heart contractions.
Explain the significance of the left anterior descending artery (LAD).
The LAD supplies blood to the heart; blockage can lead to severe events.
What is the role of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?
The SA node initiates electrical impulses for heart contractions.
How is electrical activity of the heart monitored?
Electrical activity is recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Describe the role of the SA node in the cardiac cycle.
The SA node triggers atrial contraction.
How is cardiac output calculated?
Cardiac output (CO) = HR x SV.
Define preload in the context of cardiac function.
Preload is the stretch of the ventricular wall when filled, influencing contraction strength.
Explain the significance of the QRS wave in an electrocardiogram.
The QRS wave represents ventricular depolarization.
What factors can affect contractility in the heart?
Factors include calcium levels and sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
How does Frank-Starling’s Law relate to cardiac function?
Greater preload leads to stronger contractions and greater blood ejection.
Describe the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in the body.
The SNS increases heart rate, blood pressure, and prepares the body for ‘fight or flight’.
