Circulatory System Functions

The Circulatory System

• The circulatory system is composed of the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
• It transports blood to the lungs and body, performing the following functions:
  • Dropping off carbon dioxide and picking up oxygen.
  • Transporting oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body.
• Additionally, it helps regulate body temperature and maintain the body's fluid balance.

Circulatory System Conditions

• Severe bleeding, shock, stroke, and heart conditions can affect respiration and reduce the ability to deliver oxygen.
• A heart attack can cause the heart to stop (cardiac arrest).
• In the event of cardiac arrest, brain damage occurs within 4-6 minutes.
• If not addressed, brain damage becomes irreversible within 8-10 minutes.

Heart Function

• A normal heartbeat is essential for the heart's effectiveness in pumping.
• Dysrhythmias, or abnormal heartbeats, can reduce the heart's pumping effectiveness.

Causes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

• Hypovolemia is one of the 5 H's that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
• Hypoxia is another cause of sudden cardiac arrest, classified as one of the 5 H's.
• Electrolyte imbalance, including hyperkalemia and hypokalemia, can also lead to sudden cardiac arrest, falling under the category of 5 H's.
• Hypothermia is a cause of sudden cardiac arrest, classified as one of the 5 H's.
• Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia are both causes of sudden cardiac arrest, classified as one of the 5 H's.
• Acidosis, or hydrogen ion, is another potential cause of sudden cardiac arrest, also classified as one of the 5 H's.
• Toxins, such as tablets, drugs, and medication, are a cause of sudden cardiac arrest, falling under the category of T's.
• Cardiac tamponade is a cause of sudden cardiac arrest, classified as one of the T's.
• Tension pneumothorax can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, falling under the category of T's.
• Myocardial infarction, or thrombosis, is a cause of sudden cardiac arrest, classified as one of the T's.
• Pulmonary embolism, or thromboembolism, is a cause of sudden cardiac arrest, falling under the category of T's.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• CPR is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions performed by a medical team.
• CPR is used when there is no breathing and pulse.
• CPR provides oxygen to the brain until advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) arrives.
• CPR is used to try and revive heart and lung functioning.

Applicable Heart Rhythms

• Non-shockable rhythms include normal sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, pulseless electrical activity, ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and asystole.
• Shockable rhythms include ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Hand Positioning and Compressions

• The heel of the palm should be placed in the center of the chest, with the middle finger in line with the nipple.
• The lower half of the breastbone is the correct location for chest compressions.
• Hands should be interlaced, with one hand on top of the other.
• Proper hand position and placement are essential for chest compressions.
• 30 chest compressions should be performed, with a depth of 5 cm.
• Compressions should be counted out loud, at a rate of 1, 2, 3, and so on.