Cardiovascular Disease Overview

Cardiovascular Disease Learning Outcomes

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes conditions like coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, peripheral vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, and valvular heart disease.
• Atherosclerosis, plaque buildup in arteries, is a common cause of CVD.
• Risk factors include poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
• Management typically involves lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., statins, ACE inhibitors), and surgical interventions (e.g., stents, bypass surgery).

Implications of Heart Conditions on Patient Management

• Medical Emergencies: Conditions like heart attack (myocardial infarction) or angina require immediate action (e.g., administering GTN, aspirin, CPR).
• Drug Interactions: Patients on CVD medications (e.g., anticoagulants, beta-blockers) may have interactions with dental treatments.
• Anxiety: Heart disease patients may experience heightened anxiety, requiring calming environments during dental procedures.
• Postural Adjustments: Patients with orthostatic hypotension may require careful attention to changes in position during treatment.

Recognizing and Managing Medical Emergencies

• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Call emergency services (999), place patient comfortably, administer glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and aspirin (300 mg), provide oxygen if needed, and monitor closely.
• Angina: Administer GTN spray and encourage rest. Monitor symptoms closely; persisting pain may indicate a heart attack.
• Cardiac Arrest: Initiate CPR immediately and, if available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

General and Systemic Disease Relevance to Oral Health

• Infective Endocarditis (IE): Bacteria from oral cavities can enter bloodstream and infect heart valves, particularly in high-risk patients.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Crucial for preventing IE.
• Medications: Some CVD medications increase bleeding risk during dental procedures.
• Periodontal Disease: Linked to heart disease; highlighting the importance of oral care.

Anatomy, Physiology, and Patient Management

• Heart Anatomy: Understanding heart structures (e.g., coronary arteries, valves) is crucial for managing various heart conditions.
• Circulatory System Physiology: Knowing blood pressure regulation and blood flow assists in managing hypertension and related conditions.
• Patient Management: Tailoring dental care to patients with conditions like heart failure, postural hypotension, or cardiac devices (e.g., pacemakers).

Health Risks of Diet, Drugs, and Substances

• Diet: High saturated fat, salt, and sugar diets contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes, negatively impacting oral and cardiovascular health.
• Tobacco: Smoking is a major risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and oral problems (e.g., gum disease and oral cancers).
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption links to hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, worsening both cardiovascular and oral health.
• Advice: Dental professionals should advise patients on quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and adopting a heart-healthy diet for overall health improvement.

This quiz covers essential aspects of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including its common types, causes such as atherosclerosis, and key risk factors like diet and exercise. It will also explore management strategies, emergencies, and the implications of heart conditions on patient care. Test your knowledge on how to effectively support patients with cardiovascular issues.