Diseases Cardiovascular System
Angina Pectoris A condition marked by severe pain in the chest, often spreading to the shoulder or neck. Caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart.
Cardiomyopathy Refers to disease of the heart muscle The heart becomes enlarged, thick, or rigid Over time becomes weaker and can t pump blood effectively - Heart failure Weakening of the heart can cause valve problems Many causes for cardiomyopathy
Congestive Heart Failure The heart is pumping weaker than normal Blood moves through the heart and body at a slower pace Not enough oxygen/nutrients get to the rest of the body Chambers of the heart stretch to accommodate more blood Heart walls weaken and can t pump blood kidneys retain fluids, edema/fluid build up in the lower extremities/lungs
Myocardial Infarction Irreversible death of the heart muscle secondary to prolonged oxygen deficit. Blocked arteries due to arteriosclerosis Common symptoms are: chest pain, pain radiating down the arm, feelings of indigestion.
Endocarditis Infection of the inner lining of your heart Occurs when bacteria and other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas of the heart Can destroy heart valves Treatment is antibiotics
Pericarditis Is the inflammation of the pericardium The two thin layers of sac like tissue surrounding the heart The sacs become inflamed and possibly rub against the heart causing chest pain Can be due to: viral, bacterial, fungal, and other infections heart attack heart surgery
Arrhythmia Term refers to any deviation from the normal sequence of electrical impulses in the heart The electrical impulses may happen too fast, too slowly, or erratically heart not beating properly = blood not flowing throughout the body properly Occurs when: The heart's natural pacemaker develops an abnormal rate or rhythm The normal conduction pathway is interrupted. Another part of the heart takes over as pacemaker
Bradycardia A heartbeat of less than 60bpm In some it causes problems, whereas in others its normal due to their level of physical activity Caused by problems with the heart's natural pacemaker, damage to the heart, or metabolic problems (like hypothyroidism)
Atrial Fibrillation Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can increase your risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications the heart's atria beat chaotically and irregularly out of coordination with the ventricles of the heart Can lead to blood clots forming in the heart that may circulate to and block off blood flow Caused by hypertension, lung diseases (COPD), hyperthyroidism, pulmonary embolism
Tachycardia A heart rate over 100 bpm Caused by: Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Flutter - atria beat fast at a regular rate with weakened contractions Supraventricular tachycardia - fast heart rate originates above the ventricles. Abnormal circuitry in the heart. Ventricular Tachycardia - rapid heart rate that originates with abnormal electrical signals in the ventricles. Doesn t pump blood effectively. Ventricular fibrillation: rapid, chaotic electrical impulses cause the ventricles to quiver ineffectively instead of pumping necessary blood to the body
Hypertension A blood pressure over 139/89 Can be caused by: heart disease stress smoking weight inactivity too much salt intake alcohol consumption (1-2 drinks/d) old age genetics
Asystole When there is no discernible electrical activity in the heart. The heart stops beating Flat line Caused by: Hypovolemia Hypoxia Hydrogen ion (acidosis) Hyper-/hypokalemia Hypoglycemia Hypothermia. Toxins Tamponade(cardiac) Tension pneumothorax Thrombosis (coronary and pulmonary) Trauma