Peripheral Circulation and Vascular Disorders

Cardiovascular Diseases

• The most common disease of the arteries is atherosclerosis.

Regulation of Peripheral Blood Vessels

• The autonomic nervous system plays the most important role in regulating the caliber and blood flow of peripheral blood vessels.

Peripheral Vascular Diseases

• Common symptoms of peripheral vascular diseases include:
  • Pain or cramping in the legs, thighs, or buttocks during physical activity
  • Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in the legs
  • Coldness or discoloration of the skin
  • Weak or absent pulses in the legs
  • Ulcers or wounds that won't heal

Ischemia and Tissue Necrosis

• Atherosclerosis is a type of disorder that causes ischemia and tissue necrosis due to chronically progressive pathologic changes to the arterial vasculature.
• The main cause of arterial disorders resulting in ischemia and tissue necrosis is atherosclerosis.

Characteristics of Atherosclerosis

• A characteristic of atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arterial walls, leading to hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

Nursing Management Approaches

• A nursing management approach for improving peripheral arterial circulation is to promote regular exercise, such as walking, to improve blood flow.
• A common nursing management approach for varicose veins is to recommend elevating the affected limbs and using compression stockings.

Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency

• A symptom of peripheral arterial insufficiency is intermittent claudication, which is pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity.

Varicose Veins

• Varicose veins are caused by prolonged increased pressure and dilation of the veins, often due to weakened valves or vein walls.

Learn about peripheral circulation and vascular disorders, including circulatory insufficiency of the extremities, arterial disorders, and venous disorders. The content covers the regulatory mechanism of peripheral vessels, central nervous system influences, and sympathetic nervous system activity.