Vascular/Cardiac Flashcards
What is the difference with arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis:
— thickening, or hardening of arterial wall associated with aging
Atherosclerosis:
— type of arteriosclerosis
— formation of plaque within arterial wall
— leading risk factor for CV disease
What labs do you need to monitor for atherosclerosis?
— elevated lipids
— total serum cholesterol (below 200)
— LDL: <130
— HDL: >50
Interventions for atherosclerosis:
Lifestyle modification: smoking, weight management, exercise and nutrition
Drug therapy
STATINS
Lovastatin
Atorvastatin
Simvastatin
Rosuvstatin
Pravastatin
What imaging assessment will help assess PAD?
Magnetic resonance angiography
Assess blood flow in peripheral arteries
CM of peripheral artery disease:
— intermittent claudication
— rest pain
— loss of hair on lower calf
— dr, scaly, dusky, pale, or mottled skin
— thick toenails
WITH SEVERE PAD:
— cold
— cyanotic
— dark extremity
— posterior tibial pulse most sensitive and specific indicator of arterial function
Interventions for peripheral artery disease:
— exercise
— positioning; avoid crossing legs/excessive clothing
— elevate legs but avoid raising above heart level
— drug therapy: pentoxifylline, CLOPIDOGRIL
— control BP
— invasive Nonsurgical procedures
— surgical management
What are the 6 P’s of ischemia?
- Pain
- Pallor
- Pulselessness
- Paesthesia
- Paralysis
- Poikilothermy (coolness)
What drug will help with an acute peripheral arterial occlusion?
Herparin - anticoagulant
What is the most common type of aneurysms?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
CM:
— abdominal or back pain with steady GNAWING quality
— unaffected by movement
— lasts hours to days
— pulsations in UPPER ABDOMEN—DO NOT PALPATE
Why are aneurysms life threatening?
Rupture is the most frequent complication and is life threatening due to abrupt and massive hemorrhagic shock results
Pain described as:
— tearing
— ripping
— stabbing
— symptoms of hypovolemic shock
— nausea
— vomiting
What are risk factors regarding aneurysms and which imaging assessment is appropriate?
Risk factors:
— atherosclerosis
— HTN
— hyperlipidemia
— smoking
Imaging:
— CT scan with contrast
Assess size and location
What is primary and secondary HTN?
Primary (essential):
— most common
— not caused by existing health problem
Secondary:
— results from specific diseases and some drugs
— kidney disease is most common
What type of drugs do patients with HTN need to avoid?
OTC medications such as NSAIDS and decongestants
List drugs used to help manage HTN
Diuretics:
— thiazides
— loop diuretics: furosemide/torsemide
— spironolactone
Calcium channel blockers:
causes vasodilation to lower BP
— verapamil
— amlonidpine
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: vasoconstriction
PRIL MEDICATIONS
Angiotensin II receptor blockers:
SARTAN DRUGS
Aldosterone receptor antagonists:
Eplerenone
Beta-adrenergic blockers:
LOL DRUGS
How can you prevent a venous thromboembolism?
— leg exercises
— early ambulating
— hydration
— compression stockings
— SCDs
— foot pump
— avoid oral contraceptives
— anticoagulant therapy
