lesson 9 - circulatory disorders Flashcards
(39 cards)
What is arteriosclerosis?
A disorder where the walls of the arteries thicken and lose their elasticity, restricting their ability to expand and contract which leads to reduced blood flow and increased risk of high blood pressure.
(narrow artery -> increased blood pressure)
What is atherosclerosis
A type of arteriosclerosis where fats, cholesterol and other substances buildup in and on the artery walls - called plaque. This causes arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow.
Symptoms of arteriosclerosis
Angina (chest pain), blood clots, shortness of breath, heart attack or heart failure
Prevention of arteriosclerosis
Not smoking, eating healthy, and being physically active
Treatments of arteriosclerosis
Aspirin, urokinase, t-PA (for the clotting), angioplasty (where a small balloon that is inserted through the artery and expands to widen the opening and increase the blood flow to the heart again), and coronary bypass (when a section of healthy artery from a different place of the body is utilised for rerouting/creating a different pathway for blood to pass around the blocked vessels)
What is an aneurysm?
A bulge in an artery due to a weakened area of the arterial wall that usually occur in the aorta. High blood pressure can cause the aneurysm to grow larger and if it bursts, internal bleeding can be fatal.
Treatment for an aneurysm
Surgery to remove the damaged portion, or replacement with a patch/graft made of synthetic material
Heart valve diseases - Regurgitation: what is it?
when a valve does not close completely and blood flows backward instead of forward
Heart valve diseases - Stenosis: what is it?
when the valve opening becomes narrowed from thickening or scarring, preventing blood flow
Heart valve diseases - Mitral valve prolapse (MVP): what is it?
when one or both of the bicuspid valve flaps bulges back into the atrium, preventing a tight seal
Causes of heart valve diseases
ageing, previous heart attack, or infection
Treatment of heart valve diseases
Heart valve replacement with a human, animal, metal, plastic, or synthetic alternative
What is arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is when there’s a problem with the speed or rhythm of one’s heartbeat which can lead to insufficient blood flow to the brain or other organs.
Treatment for arrhythmia
Medications or surgery to implant an artificial pacemaker
What is congenital heart disease?
One or more problems with the heart structure that are present at birth that include problems in the walls dividing the heart chambers, in the valves, or in the structure of heart blood vessels.
How are congenital heart defects diagnosed?
CT or MRI scans
How are congenital heart defects treated?
Surgeons can often successfully repair or reduce damage
What is ischemic stroke?
occurs when a clot in a blood vessel blocks the flow of blood to the brain
What is hemorrhagic stroke?
occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and blood flows into the surrounding brain tissue
What is something both types of strokes have in common?
Both kill brain cells and lead to permanent damage
Treatments for strokes
Clot-busters, surgery, non-surgical procedures. Treatment must be started immediately to be effective.
What are some symptoms of strokes?
sudden numbness or weakness in the face/arm/leg (especially on one side of the face) sudden confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, loss of balance
What are some symptoms of arrhythmia
Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting or near-fainting, rapid heartbeat, pounding in the chest, shortness of breath, anxiety
What are some symptoms of anemia
dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, cold extremities
