Cardiovascular Pathology Overview

Cardiovascular Pathology

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in arterial walls.
• Coronary Arteries: Supply blood to the heart muscle.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump enough blood.
• Dysrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Narrowing of peripheral arteries, reducing blood flow.
• Pulmonary Circulation: Blood flow from the heart to the lungs.
• Systemic Circulation: Blood flow from the heart to the body.
• Blood Pressure Dysregulation: Abnormal blood pressure levels.
• Valvular Disorders: Malfunction of heart valves affecting blood flow.
• Diastole: Heart relaxation and filling phase.
• Systole: Heart contraction and pumping phase.
• Heart Sounds: Sounds created by valve closures.
• Sinoatrial (SA) Node: Heart's natural pacemaker.
• Atrioventricular (AV) Node: Delays electrical impulses between atria and ventricles.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart's electrical activity.
• P Wave: Represents atrial depolarization.
• QRS Wave: Represents ventricular depolarization.
• T Wave: Represents ventricular repolarization.
• Pericardium: Protective sac surrounding the heart.
• Myocardium: Muscular layer of the heart walls.
• Endocardium: Inner lining of the heart chambers.
• Cardiac Control Center: Regulates heart function (in the medulla oblongata).
• Heart Valves: Ensure one-way blood flow.
• Coronary Circulation: Blood flow to the heart muscle.
• Heart Rate (HR): Heartbeats per minute.
• Force of Contraction: Strength of heart muscle contractions.
• Sympathetic Nerves: Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
• Parasympathetic Nerves: Decrease heart rate.
• Baroreceptors: Detect blood pressure changes.
• Medulla Oblongata: Regulates cardiovascular functions.
• Tachycardia: Increased heart rate.
• Bradycardia: Decreased heart rate.
• Cardiac Output (CO): Volume of blood pumped per minute.
• Stroke Volume (SV): Blood volume ejected per heartbeat.
• Afterload: Resistance against which the heart pumps.
• Preload: Blood volume in ventricles before contraction.
• CO Formula: CO = SV × HR.
• Normal CO Range: 4-6 liters/minute.
• Systolic Pressure: Pressure during heart contraction.
• Diastolic Pressure: Pressure during heart relaxation.
• Blood Pressure (BP): Pressure exerted by blood.
• Peripheral Resistance: Blood vessel resistance to flow.
• Antidiuretic Hormone: Increases blood pressure.
• Aldosterone: Increases blood volume and pressure.
• Capillaries: Tiny vessels for nutrient and waste exchange.
• Venous System: Low-pressure system returning blood to the heart.
• Auscultation: Listening for heart sounds with a stethoscope.
• Electrocardiography (ECG): Monitors heart rhythms, detects abnormalities.
• Echocardiography: Ultrasound to visualize heart structure and function.
• Exercise stress tests: Evaluates cardiovascular health under stress.
• Chest x-rays: Shows heart shape and size abnormalities.
• Cardiac catheterization: Measures heart pressures and valve function.
• Angiography: Visualizes coronary blood flow.
• Doppler studies: Assesses peripheral blood flow.
• Blood tests: Measure lipid and electrolyte levels.
• Arterial blood gas determination: Checks oxygen levels and acid-base balance.
• Antihypertensive drugs: Lower blood pressure.
• Vasodilators: Reduce blood vessel resistance.
• Beta blockers: Manage hypertension, angina.
• Calcium channel blockers: Decrease heart contractility, manage hypertension.
• Digoxin: Treats heart failure and atrial dysrhythmias.
• Diuretics: Eliminate excess sodium and water.
• Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Reduce LDL and cholesterol.
• Dietary modifications: Improve heart health.
• Cessation of smoking: Reduces cardiovascular disease risk.
• Regular exercise: Enhances cardiovascular health.
• Arteriosclerosis: General term for arterial wall hardening.
• Atheromas: Plaques of lipids, calcium, and clots.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Transports cholesterol from liver to cells.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Transports cholesterol to the liver (“good”).
• Non-modifiable risk factors: Factors like age and genetics.
• Modifiable risk factors: Lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, exercise).
• Obesity: Excess body fat.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity.
• Cigarette smoking: Increases cardiovascular disease risk.
• Diabetes mellitus: Chronic condition affecting blood sugar.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure.
• Angina Pectoris: Chest pain due to oxygen deficit.
• Classic angina: Chest pain during exertion.
• Variant angina: Chest pain due to vasospasm.
• Unstable angina: Prolonged chest pain, possible infarction precursor. -Nitroglycerin (NTG): Vasodilator, reduces heart's oxygen demand.
• Myocardial Infarction (MI): Heart attack due to artery obstruction.
• Thrombus: Blood clot.
• ECG changes: Diagnoses heart's electrical activity.
• Serum enzyme levels: Indicate heart muscle damage.
• Scar tissue: Forms after heart muscle damage.
• Warning signs of heart attack: Pain, shortness of breath, etc. -Myocardial Infarction (MI): Heart tissue death.
• Thromboembolism: Blood clot causing blockage.
• Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA): Stroke.
• Dysrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats.
• Sudden Death: Unexpected death.
• Cardiogenic Shock: Severe heart failure.
• Rupture of Necrotic Heart Tissue: Tear in dead tissue.
• Cardiac Tamponade: Fluid accumulation in pericardial space.
• Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen.
• Analgesics: Pain relief medications.