Cardiovascular System Flashcards
(20 cards)
Anatomy of the Heart
Chambers:
- Right Atrium
- Right Ventricle
- Left Atrium
- Left Ventricle
Valves:
- Atrioventricular (AV) Valves: Tricuspid (right), Mitral (left)
- Semilunar Valves: Pulmonary (right ventricle to pulmonary artery), Aortic (left ventricle to aorta)
Blood Flow Through the Heart
- Deoxygenated blood enters the Right Atrium via superior and inferior vena cava.
- Blood flows through the Tricuspid Valve into the Right Ventricle.
- Blood is pumped through the Pulmonary Valve into the Pulmonary Arteries to the lungs.
- Oxygenated blood returns via Pulmonary Veins to the Left Atrium.
- Blood flows through the Mitral Valve into the Left Ventricle.
- Blood is pumped through the Aortic Valve into the Aorta, distributing oxygenated blood to the body.
Cardiac Cycle
Phases:
- Diastole: Relaxation phase; chambers fill with blood.
- Systole: Contraction phase; chambers pump blood out.
Heart Sounds:
- “Lub” (S1): Closure of AV valves (beginning of systole)
- “Dub” (S2): Closure of semilunar valves (end of systole)
Electrical Conduction System
Components:
- Sinoatrial (SA) Node: Pacemaker; initiates electrical impulse.
- Atrioventricular (AV) Node: Delays impulse to allow atrial contraction.
- Bundle of His: Pathway for impulse to ventricles.
- Purkinje Fibers: Distribute impulse throughout ventricles.
Function:
- Coordinates heart rhythm and contraction
Blood Vessels
Types:
- Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart (except pulmonary arteries).
- Veins: Carry deoxygenated blood to the heart (except pulmonary veins).
- Capillaries: Microscopic vessels for gas and nutrient exchange.
Structure:
- Arteries have thick, muscular walls; veins have valves to prevent backflow.
Blood Pressure
Definition: Force of blood against arterial walls.
Measurement: Systolic/Diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg)
Factors Affecting BP:
- Cardiac output
- Blood volume
- Vascular resistance
Hypertension: High blood pressure; risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Major Blood Vessels
- Aorta: Largest artery; distributes oxygenated blood from the heart.
- Pulmonary Arteries: Carry deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
- Pulmonary Veins: Carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
- Superior/Inferior Vena Cava: Return deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart.
Coronary Circulation
Definition: Blood flow to and from the tissues of the heart.
Coronary Arteries:
- Left Coronary Artery (LCA)
- Right Coronary Artery (RCA)
Coronary Veins: Collect deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle.
Heart Anatomy (Layers)
- Endocardium: Inner lining of the heart.
- Myocardium: Thick muscular layer; responsible for contraction.
- Epicardium: Outer layer of the heart wall; visceral pericardium.
- Pericardium: Double-walled sac surrounding the heart.
Types of Cardiovascular Diseases
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowing of coronary arteries.
- Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump effectively.
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to limbs.
Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
- Modifiable: Smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes.
- Non-modifiable: Age, gender, family history.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack
- Chest Pain: Discomfort or pressure.
- Radiating Pain: Pain in arms, back, neck, jaw.
- Shortness of Breath: May occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other Symptoms: Nausea, cold sweat, lightheadedness.
Diagnostic Tests for Cardiovascular System
- Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound to assess heart structure and function.
- Stress Test: Evaluates heart function during physical exertion.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Invasive test to assess coronary arteries.
Medications for Cardiovascular Diseases
- Antihypertensives: Lower blood pressure (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers).
- Anticoagulants: Prevent blood clots (e.g., warfarin, aspirin).
- Statins: Lower cholesterol levels (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin).
- Diuretics: Reduce fluid retention (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
Lifestyle Modifications for Heart Health
- Diet: Heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in saturated fats.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly).
- Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight.
Heart Rate Assessment
- Normal Range: 60-100 beats per minute (bpm) at rest.
- Bradycardia: Heart rate <60 bpm.
- Tachycardia: Heart rate >100 bpm.
- Assessment Sites: Radial pulse, carotid pulse, apical pulse.
Cardiac Output
Definition: Volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
Formula: Cardiac Output (CO) = Stroke Volume (SV) × Heart Rate (HR)
Normal Range: 4-8 liters per minute at rest.
Factors Affecting CO: Heart rate, contractility, preload, afterload.
Types of Heart Failure
Left-Sided Heart Failure: Fluid backs up into lungs; symptoms include shortness of breath and pulmonary congestion.
Right-Sided Heart Failure: Fluid backs up into body; symptoms include peripheral edema and ascites.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Term used for heart failure with fluid overload.
Heart Murmurs
Definition: Abnormal heart sounds due to turbulent blood flow.
Types:
Systolic Murmurs: Occur during heart contraction.
Diastolic Murmurs: Occur during heart relaxation.
Causes: Valve abnormalities, congenital heart defects, anemia.
Cardiovascular Nursing Interventions
Assessment: Monitor vital signs, cardiac rhythm, and peripheral circulation.
Patient Education: Teach about medications, lifestyle changes, and recognizing symptoms of complications.
Medication Administration: Administer medications as prescribed and monitor for side effects.
Emergency Care: Recognize and respond to signs of myocardial infarction or heart failure
