The Cardiovascular System

Structures The Heart Major Vessels The Spleen The Blood Responsible for the flow of the blood Carbon-dioxide rich blood to lungs for oxygenation Oxygen-rich blood to vessels Major Vessels Arteries and Veins The Spleen Produces white blood cells The Blood Carries nutrients throughout body Anemia = decrease in quantity or quality of blood cells

Heart Disease 900,000 lives are lost every year Disease in the blood vessels decreases heart’s ability to perform Many personal changes must be made after a Cardiac Disease diagnosis Diet Exercise Sleep Habits

Heart Attack Myocardial Ischemia Treatment: Deficient blood supply to the heart due to interference with circulation to the heart muscle Treatment: Complete bedrest Check vitals often Morphine and Oxygen given After 3rd week can be discharged home (with no complications)

Congestive Heart Failure Cor Pulmonale Left sided failure- symptoms are in the respiratory tract Cough, Fluid retained in lungs Right sided failure- symptoms occur throughout body Abdomen, chest, limbs swell due to fluid retention Treatment: Keep patient in upright position Change position frequently Never sleep on left side Elastic stockings- channel blood to deeper vessels

Heart Block Interference with electrical control of the heartbeat. Frequently caused by scarring from a previous heart attack Treatment: Pacemaker sends electrical impulses to regulate the heartbeat

Drugs Diuretics Cardiac Stimulants Helps flush excess fluids Increases cardiac output but slows heart rate Strengthens cardiac contractions This acts as a diuretic

Hypertension High Blood Pressure Treatment: > 140/90 When blood pressure gets this high, risk for heart attack increases 200% Treatment: New Diet Exercise