Cardiovascular System PDF

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM The most common congenital cardiac lesion is atrial septal defect, which permits free communication between the two atria as a result of either lack of closure of the foramen ovale after birth or its improper closure during gestation. In a patient with a ventricular septal de...

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM The most common congenital cardiac lesion is atrial septal defect, which permits free communication between the two atria as a result of either lack of closure of the foramen ovale after birth or its improper closure during gestation. In a patient with a ventricular septal defect, the resulting shunt is also from left to right because the left ventricular pressure is usually higher than the pressure in the right ventricle. The shunt causes increased pulmonary blood flow and consequently increased pulmonary venous return Tetralogy of Fallot - is the most common cause of cyanotic congenital heart disease. It consists of four (thus “tetra”) abnormalities Coarctation of the Aorta - refers to a narrowing, or constriction, of the aorta that most commonly occurs just beyond the branching of the blood vessels to the head and arms. Coronary Artery Disease - Narrowing of the coronary arteries causes oxygen deprivation of the myocardium and ischemic heart disease. Congestive heart failure - refers to the inability of the heart to propel blood at a rate and volume sufficient to provide an adequate supply to the tissues. Pulmonary edema - a refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the extravascular pulmonary tissues. The most common cause of pulmonary edema is an elevation of the pulmonary venous pressure Hypertension - is the leading cause of strokes and CHF. The other major cause of renovascular hypertension is fibromuscular dysplasia. Hypertensive Heart Disease - Long-standing high blood pressure causes narrowing of systemic blood vessels and an increased resistance to blood flow Aneurysm - is a localized dilation of an artery that most commonly involves the aorta, especially its abdominal portion saccular aneurysm involves only one side of the arterial wall whereas bulging of the entire circumference of the vessel wall is termed a fusiform aneurysm Traumatic rupture of the aorta - a is a potentially fatal complication of closed-chest trauma. Dissection of the aorta - is a potentially life-threatening condition in which disruption of the intima (the inner layer) permits blood to enter the wall of the aorta and separate its layers. Atherosclerosis - occurs when arteries become marked by thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity in the arterial wall. Thrombosis and Embolism - The blood-clotting mechanism is the major protective device of the body in response to the escape of blood from a vessel (hemorrhage). This same mechanism can occur in intact blood vessels, leading to the development of an intravascular clot called a thrombus. A potentially catastrophic event is the production of an embolus—part or all of a thrombus that becomes detached from the vessel wall and enters the bloodstream. Rheumatic Heart Disease - Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease that results from a reaction of the patient’s antibodies against antigens from a previous streptococcal infection. Mitral Stenosis - Stenosis of the mitral valve, almost always a complication of rheumatic disease, results from diffuse thickening of the valve by fibrous tissue, calcific deposits, or both Mitral Insufficiency - caused by the rupture of the chordae tendineae or by the dysfunction of the papillary muscles. Aortic Stenosis - may be caused by rheumatic heart disease, a congenital valvular deformity (especially of a bicuspid valve), or a degenerative process of aging (idiopathic calcific stenosis). Aortic Insufficiency - may be attributable to syphilis, infective endocarditis, dissecting aneurysm, or Marfan’s syndrome. Infective Endocarditis - refers to the formation of nodules or vegetations on heart valves by deposits of bacteria or fungi. Pericardial effusion - refers to the accumulation of fluid within the pericardial space surrounding the heart. Deep Venous Thrombosis - which primarily involves the lower extremities, is the major source of potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins - are dilated, elongated, and tortuous vessels that most commonly involve the superficial veins of the leg just under the skin