Alterations in Cardiovascular Function

Heart Problems

• Three primary areas of cardiac issues:
  • Electrical: Issues with the heart's conduction system (e.g., arrhythmias).
  • Circulatory: Problems with blood flow to the heart (e.g., coronary artery disease).
  • Structural: Issues with the heart's structure (e.g., valve dysfunction, cardiomyopathy).

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

• Inadequate venous return over time, leading to blood pooling and ischemic changes in the skin and tissues.
• Venous stasis ulcers can develop as a complication of prolonged CVI.

Thrombus Formation - Virchow's Triad

• Three factors contributing to thrombus formation:
  • Stasis of Blood Flow: Caused by immobilization or long periods of inactivity.
  • Endothelial Injury: Can result from trauma, surgery, or atherosclerosis.
  • Hypercoagulability: Can be due to genetic factors, cancer, or certain medications.

Orthostatic Hypertension

• A significant rise in systolic blood pressure upon standing, contrary to the usual drop seen in orthostatic hypotension.
• Mechanism: Abnormal vasoconstriction and increased heart rate upon standing, leading to an exaggerated increase in blood pressure.
• Risk Factors: Aging, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), and certain medications.
• Clinical Manifestations: Elevated blood pressure when standing; may cause dizziness or headache.
• Management: Lifestyle changes (e.g., reduced salt intake, exercise), medication adjustments, and regular monitoring.

Hypertension

• Primary Hypertension: No identifiable cause; influenced by factors like genetics, obesity, and lifestyle.
• Secondary Hypertension: Due to an underlying condition, such as kidney disease or endocrine disorders.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Risk Factors for Hypertension: Include age, family history, high sodium intake, obesity, smoking, and stress.

Aneurysm

• Localized dilation or ballooning of a vessel wall, most commonly in the aorta.
• Risk: Rupture, leading to life-threatening hemorrhage.

Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis

• Atherosclerosis: Thickening and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup.
• Arteriosclerosis: General term for the stiffening and hardening of the arterial walls.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

• Atherosclerosis in the arteries supplying the extremities, leading to ischemia, pain, and possibly ulcers.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, often due to atherosclerosis, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the heart.
• Risk Factors: Similar to atherosclerosis, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and diabetes.

Angina (Stable and Unstable)

• Stable Angina: Predictable chest pain triggered by exertion, relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
• Unstable Angina: Sudden, unpredictable chest pain that may occur at rest, indicating a higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI).

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

• NSTEMI (Non-ST Elevation MI): Partial blockage of a coronary artery; less severe but still requires urgent treatment.
• STEMI (ST Elevation MI): Complete blockage of a coronary artery, causing more extensive heart muscle damage.

Pericarditis

• Inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), often caused by infection, trauma, or autoimmune disorders.

Endocarditis

• Infection of the inner lining of the heart, particularly the heart valves, often caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Valve Dysfunctions

• Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve opening, reducing blood flow.
• Regurgitation: Incomplete closure of the valve, leading to backflow of blood.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

• Cause: Often due to hypertension or myocardial infarction.
• Manifestations: Pulmonary congestion (e.g., shortness of breath, coughing) due to fluid backup in the lungs.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

• Cause: Often secondary to left-sided heart failure or pulmonary conditions.
• Manifestations: Peripheral edema, ascites, and liver congestion.

Shock

• Types:
  • Cardiogenic Shock: Due to heart failure.
  • Hypovolemic Shock: Caused by severe fluid loss (e.g., hemorrhage).
  • Neurogenic Shock: Caused by nerve damage leading to vessel dilation.
  • Anaphylactic Shock: Severe allergic reaction leading to widespread vasodilation and fluid shift.
  • Septic Shock: Due to systemic infection leading to widespread inflammation and vasodilation.

Explore the various aspects of heart health, focusing on electrical, circulatory, and structural cardiac issues. Understand chronic venous insufficiency, thrombus formation through Virchow's Triad, and orthostatic hypertension. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of critical cardiovascular topics.