Cardiovascular Homeostatic Imbalances

Question 1

What is a (heart) Murmur?

Answer 1

(an) Unusual heart sound(s), causing turbulence and noise

• Caused by heart valves not working properly

Question 2

What is Fibrillation?

Answer 2

Rapid, uncoordinated “shuddering” of heart muscle

• Renders the heart completely useless, causing heart attacks

(it can resemble a bag of worms!)

Question 3

What is Tachycardia?

Answer 3

Rapid heart rate (over 100 BPM)

Question 4

What is Bradycardia?

Answer 4

Heart rate deficit (less than 60 BPM)

Question 5

What is Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)?

Answer 5

When the heart doesn’t pump as well/effectively as it should, due to a heart depression (slower output)

• Results in inadequate circulation for tissue
• Blood backup tends to squeeze/put pressure on the heart
• (usually) a progressive condition

Question 6

What are Varicose Veins?

Answer 6

Twisted, stretched out veins that are incompetent in venous flow

• Caused by inactivity and/or pressure on the veins
• Results in ineffecient venous return
• Ineffecient venous return causes blood pooling in/near feet and legs (lower body half)

Question 7

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?

(orthostatic: relating to an upright posture)

Answer 7

Temporary period of low blood pressure when (quickly) changing position (sitting -> standing)

• Caused by aging SNS reacting slower to positional changes
• Results in dizziness when standing

(Think of “head rush!”)

Question 8

What is Chronic Hypertension?

Answer 8

High blood viscocity, resulting in high blood pressure

• Not yet explained by physical conditioning
• Long-term condition, hence “chronic”

Question 9

Define: Hypertension

Answer 9

Abnormally high blood pressure

Question 10

Define: Hypotension

(hint: think of BP)

Answer 10

Abnormally low blood pressure, risking fainting