Disorders of the

Cardiovascular System

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Myocardium depends on the continuous delivery of oxygen & glucose.

If blood flow thru the coronary arteries is restricted CAD

Atherosclerosis

caused by the narrowing & stiffening of the arteries due to fatty deposits known as atheromas that build up in the wall of the arteries

Atherosclerosis

initial problem starts with patient having high levels of lipid & cholesterol › these substances infiltrate the wall of the artery @

sites of microscopic damage› form atheromas› coronary arteries& brain most common areas› atheromas build up eventually forming raised

patches called plaques

Plaques

constrict the lumen of the artery

restricts flow of blood to tissues beyond the plaque

if plaques not completely obstructing flow of blood it will cause turbulence by disrupting the smooth flow of blood thru the artery increases chances of blood clotting

Angiography

Atherosclerosis Risk Factors

Smoking Diet with lots of fried foods or high in saturated

fats Excess weight Family history

Angina

chest pains that come on with exertion & are relieved by rest

caused by temporally inadequate supply of blood to cardiac muscle

common triggers: exercise, cold weather, stress, or a large meal

treated with meds that dilate coronary arteries

Angina

Myocardial Infarction

heart attack occurs when an area of cardiac muscle is

deprived of blood due to blockage of coronary artery muscle cells die

Symptoms of Heart Attack

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

heart’s inability to effectively pump blood to lungs & body’s tissues

onset can be sudden or gradual

CHF

Symptoms:› shortness of breathe, wheezing› swelling & edema› sweaty, pale skin

Congenital Heart Defects (CHD)

defects present from birth› babies cyanotic, tire easily, short of breathe

probable genetic influence most diagnosed prenatally by ultrasound surgical advances have greatly improved survival

Heart Valve Disorders efficient functioning of valves is disrupted Valves can become loose (insufficiency) or tight

& rigid (stenosis)

Heart Murmurs

unusual heart sounds produced by turbulent blood flow

due to valve defect each valve

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