Cardiovascular system

Learning objectives What are the ‘jobs’ of the cardiovascular system? Describe 2 main elements of the system. Be able to trace the path of blood through the body, including the names of the 4 heart chambers. What is blood, and why is our blood type important? What can we do to keep our blood pressure low? Understand what heart attacks, stroke, and diabetes are.

3 main elements of circulatory system Heart – muscular pump that generates pressure Blood vessels – tubes that transport blood Blood – Fluid that transports gases and materials

The Heart 2 sides (left and right) 2 chambers per side (atrium and ventricle)

Causes of hypertension Exact causes unknown, but the following are known to contribute Smoking Diet Overweight/obesity Lack of physical activity Salt Alcohol Stress Age Genetics

Lipoprotein profile Lipoprotein (cholesterol) levels Total cholesterol (HDL + LDL less than 200) HDL (good cholesterol) (>40) LDL (bad cholesterol) ( <100) Triglycerides (fat in blood after meals) (<150)

Coronary artery disease and heart attacks LDL infiltrates wall of artery Immune cells follow Inflammatory reaction forms plaque Plaque ruptures, sending material to bloodstream. Blood clot forms, blocking blood flow