Atherosclerosis Anatomy PDF

Anatomy of the Vascular System Arteries and Arterioles Arteries are thick-walled structures that carry blood from the heart to the tissues. Smallest arteries, called arterioles, are generally embedded within the tissues.  3 Layers of Arteries and Arterioles The inti...

Anatomy of the Vascular System Arteries and Arterioles Arteries are thick-walled structures that carry blood from the heart to the tissues. Smallest arteries, called arterioles, are generally embedded within the tissues.  3 Layers of Arteries and Arterioles The intima, a very thin layer, provides a smooth surface for Loading… contact with the flowing blood. The Media is composed chiefly of 3 Layers of Arteries and Arterioles elastic and connective tissue fibers that give the vessels considerable strength and allow them to constrict and dilate to accommodate the blood ejected from the heart during each cardiac cycle (stroke volume) and maintain an even, steady flow of blood.  3 Layers of Arteries and Arterioles The adventitia is a layer of connective tissue that anchors the Loading… vessel to its surroundings. Capillaries This thin-walled structure permits rapid and efficient transport of nutrients to the cells and removal of metabolic wastes. Veins and Venules Capillaries join to form larger vessels called venules, which join to form veins. The venous system is therefore structurally analogous to the arterial system; venules correspond to arterioles, veins to arteries, and the vena cava to the aorta. Functions of the Vascular System Circulatory needs of tissues Blood flow Blood Pressure Capillary Filtration and Reabsorption Peripheral vascular regulating mechanism Assessment of the Vascular System Health History Physical Assessment Inspection of skin Palpation of pulses Diagnostic Evaluation Doppler Ultrasound Flow Studies Loading… Exercise Testing Duplex Ultrasonography Angiography / Magnetic Resonance Angiography Contrast Phlebography (Venography) ARTERIAL DISORDERS Harold June B. Tela, RN, MAN Arteriosclerosis – Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is the most common disease of the arteries. – It is a diffuse process whereby the muscle fibers and the endothelial lining of the walls of small arteries and arterioles become thickened. Atherosclerosis – Atherosclerosis involves a different process, affecting the intima of large and medium-sized arteries. – These changes consist of the accumulation of lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue on the intimal layer of the artery. These accumulations are referred to as atheromas or plaques Gradual narrowing of the arterial lumen stimulates the development of collateral circulation. Collateral circulation arises from preexisting vessels that enlarge to reroute blood flow around a hemodynamically significant stenosis or occlusion. Collateral flow allows continued perfusion to the tissues, but it is often inadequate to meet increased metabolic demand, and ischemia results. Risk Factors  Clinical Manifestations Coronary Carotid Artery Peripheral Renal Artery Artery Vascular Disease Vomiting Weakness Hair loss Loss of Anxiety Dysphagia Erectile Appetite Angina Headache Dysfunction Edema on Coughing Facial Weakness hands and Feeling Numbness feet faint Paralysis Increase BP Medical Managament Exercise Medication Therapy Interventional or Surgical Graft procedures Surgical Management Vascular Surgical Procedures inflow procedures - which improve blood supply from the aorta into the femoral artery. outflow procedures - which provide blood supply to vessels below the femoral artery. Angioplasty also called percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), or an atherectomy. a balloon-tipped catheter is maneuvered across the area of stenosis.  Nursing Management 1. Improving peripheral arterial circulation. 2. Promoting vasodilation and preventing vascular compression. 3. Relieving pain. 4. Maintaining tissue integrity.