Cardiovascular System Overview

Cardiovascular System

• Lipoproteins transport cholesterol in the blood.
• Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) contribute to plaque buildup in arteries and are considered "bad" cholesterol.
• High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) help remove excess cholesterol from the blood and are considered "good" cholesterol.
• Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up inside arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow.
• Nicotine causes vasoconstriction, increasing blood pressure and accelerating atherosclerosis.
• Angina Pectoris is chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
• Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium.
• Pericarditis often causes chest pain and fluid accumulation around the heart.
• Cardiac Output is the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated as CO = HR x SV.
• Dysrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat due to electrical disturbances in the heart.
• A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow.
• Orthopnea is difficulty breathing when lying flat, often seen in heart failure.
• Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.
• Myocardial Infarction (MI) is most commonly caused by coronary artery blockage, often from atherosclerosis.

Respiratory System

• Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs.
• Pulmonary disorder categories are inflammatory, infectious, obstructive, and restrictive.
• Inflammatory pulmonary disorders include pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Infectious pulmonary disorders include tuberculosis and viral pneumonia.
• Obstructive pulmonary disorders include asthma and COPD.
• Restrictive pulmonary disorders include pulmonary fibrosis and ARDS.
• Erythropoietin is released by the kidneys in response to low oxygen levels, stimulating RBC production.
• Asthma involves airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and excess mucus.
• Pneumonia is an infection causing alveolar inflammation and fluid buildup.
• Bronchitis symptoms include cough, mucus production, and wheezing.
• Asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
• Pneumonia symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Respiratory distress symptoms include rapid breathing, cyanosis, and accessory muscle use.
• Pulmonary diagnostic tests include chest X-rays, sputum cultures, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and arterial blood gases (ABGs).

Renal System

• The nephron filters blood, reabsorbs nutrients, and forms urine.
• Categories of renal dysfunction include prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal.
• Prerenal dysfunction is decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
• Intrinsic dysfunction is direct kidney damage such as glomerulonephritis or acute tubular necrosis.
• Postrenal dysfunction is urinary obstruction from stones or tumors.
• Nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) symptoms include severe flank pain, hematuria, and nausea.
• Normal GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) is ~90-120 mL/min.
• The highest incidence of kidney disease is in patients with diabetes and hypertension.
• Bladder capacity is ~400-600 mL (0.4-0.6 L).
• UTI risk factors for women include a shorter urethra, sexual activity, and menopause.
• UTI risk factors for men include an enlarged prostate and urinary retention.
• UTI treatment includes antibiotics, increased fluid intake, and proper hygiene.
• Main types of renal calculi are calcium, struvite, uric acid, and cystine stones.