Term
Functions
The circulatory system serves: |
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Definition
(1) to conduct nutrients and oxygen to the tissues;
(2) to remove waste materials by transporting nitrogenous compounds to the kidneys
and carbon dioxide to the lungs;
(3) to transport chemical messengers (hormones) to target organs and modulate and
integrate the internal milieu of the body;
(4) to transport agents which serve the body in allergic, immune, and infectious
responses;
(5) to initiate clotting and thereby prevent blood loss;
(6) to maintain body temperature;
(7) to produce, carry and contain blood;
(8) to transfer body reserves, specifically mineral salts, to areas of need. |
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Term
Systemic Route:
a. Arterial system |
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Definition
Blood is delivered by the pulmonary veins (two from each lung) to the left
atrium, passes through the bicuspid (mitral) valve into the left ventricle and then is pumped into
the ascending aorta; backflow here is prevented by the aortic semilunar valves. The aortic arch
toward the right side gives rise to the brachiocephalic (innominate) artery which divides into the
right subclavian and right common carotid arteries. Next, arising from the arch is the common
carotid artery, then the left subclavian artery.
The subclavians supply the upper limbs. As the subclavian arteries leave the axilla (armpit) and
enter the arm (brachium), they are called brachial arteries. Below the elbow these main trunk
lines divide into ulnar and radial arteries, which supply the forearm and eventually form a set of
arterial arches in the hand which give rise to common and proper digital arteries. The descending
(dorsal) aorta continues along the posterior aspect of the thorax giving rise to the segmental
intercostals arteries. After passage “through” (behind) the diaphragm it is called the abdominal
aorta.
At the pelvic rim the abdominal aorta divides into the right and left common iliac arteries. These
divide into the internal iliacs, which supply the pelvic organs, and the external iliacs, which supply
the lower limb. |
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Term
Systemic system
b. Venous system |
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Definition
Veins are frequently multiple and variations are common. They return blood
originating in the capillaries of peripheral and distal body parts to the heart. |
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Term
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Definition
Blood draining the alimentary tract (intestines), pancreas, spleen and
gall bladder does not return directly to the systemic circulation, but is relayed by the hepatic portal
system of veins to and through the liver. In the liver, absorbed foodstuffs and wastes are
processed. After processing, the liver returns the blood via hepatic veins to the inferior vena cava
and from there to the heart. |
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Term
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Definition
A network of lymphatic capillaries permeates the body tissues. Lymph is a
fluid similar in composition to blood plasma, and tissue fluids not reabsorbed into blood capillaries
are transported via the lymphatic system eventually to join the venous system at the junction of
the left internal jugular and subclavian veins. |
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Term
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Definition
The heart is a highly specialized blood vessel which pumps 72 times per minute and propels
about 4,000 gallons (about 15,000 liters) of blood daily to the tissues. It is composed of:
Endocardium (lining coat; epithelium)
Myocardium (middle coat; cardiac muscle)
Epicardium (external coat or visceral layer of pericardium; epithelium and mostly
connective tissue)
Impulse conducting system |
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Term
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Definition
Modification of the intrinsic rhythmicity of the heart muscle is produced by
cardiac nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Stimulation of the
sympathetic system increases the rate and force of the heartbeat and dilates the coronary
arteries. Stimulation of the parasympathetic (vagus nerve) reduces the rate and force of the
heartbeat and constricts the coronary circulation. Visceral afferent (sensory) fibers from the heart
end almost wholly in the first four segments of the thoracic spinal cord. |
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Term
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Definition
Alternating contraction and relaxation is repeated about 75 times per minute; the
duration of one cycle is about 0.8 second. Three phases succeed one another during the cycle:
a) atrial systole: 0.1 second,
b) ventricular systole: 0.3 second,
c) diastole: 0.4 second |
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Term
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Definition
Blood is composed of cells (corpuscles) and a liquid intercellular ground substance called
plasma. The average blood volume is 5 or 6 liters (7% of body weight). Plasma constitutes about
55% of blood volume, cellular elements about 45%. |
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Term
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Definition
Over 90% of plasma is water; the balance is made up of plasma proteins and dissolved
electrolytes, hormones, antibodies, nutrients, and waste products. Plasma is isotonic (0.85%
sodium chloride). Plasma plays a vital role in respiration, circulation, coagulation, temperature
regulation, buffer activities and overall fluid balance. |
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Term
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Definition
: heart is unable to meet the demands of the body. This can be caused by
conduction system failure or heart muscle dysfunction.
Symptoms of Shock:
Rapid breathing
Rapid pulse
Anxiety
Nervousness
Thready pulse
Mottled skin color
Profuse sweating
Poor capilary refill
Tests:
Nuclear Scans
Electrocardiogram
Echocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
ABG
Chem-7
Chem-20
Electrolytes
Cardiac Enzymes
Treatment:
Amrinone
Norepinephrine
Dobutamine
IV fluids
PTCA
Extreme cases-pacemaker, IABP |
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Term
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Definition
Heart valve disease that prevents the aortic valve from closing completely.
Backflow of blood into the left ventricle.
Causes:
Rheumatic fever
Congenital abnormalities
Endocarditis
Marfan’s syndrome
Ankylosing spondylitis
Reiter’s syndrome
Symptoms:
Fainting
Weakness
Bounding pulse
Chest pain on occasion
SOB
Fatigue
Tests:
Palpation
Increased pulse pressure and diastolic
pressure
Pulmonary edema present
Auscultation
Left heart cathereterization
Aortica angiography
Dopper US
Echocardiogram
Treatment:
Digoxin
Dieuretics
Surgical aorta valve repair
Monitor patient for:
PE
Left-sided heart failure
Endocarditis |
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Term
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Definition
Expansion of the blood vessel wall often identified in the thoracic region.
Causes:
Htn
Marfan’s syndrome
Syphilis
Atherosclerosis (most common)
Trauma
Symptoms:
Possible back pain may be the only indicator
Tests:
Aortogram
Chest CT
X-ray
Treatment:
Varies depending on location
Stent
Circulatory arrest
Surgery
Monitor patient for:
Bleeding
Stroke
Graft infection
Irregular Heartbeats
Heart Attack |
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Term
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Definition
Poor blood volume prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the
body.
Causes:
Trauma
Diarrhea
Burns
GI Bleeding |
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Term
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Definition
Enough blood is available, however the heart is unable to move the blood in
an effective manner.
Symptoms:
Anxiety
Weakness
Sweating
Rapid pulse
Confusion
Clammy skin
Tests:
CBC
Echocardiogram
CT scan
Endoscopy with GI bleeding
Swan-Ganz catheterization
Treatment:
Increase fluids via IV
Avoid Hypothermia
Epinephrine
Norepinephrine
Dobutamine
Dopamine |
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Term
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Definition
inflammation of the heart muscle.
Causes:
Bacterial or Viral Infections
Polio, adenovirus, coxsackie virus
Symptoms:
Leg edema
SOB
Viral symptoms
Joint Pain
Syncope
Heart attack (Pain)
Fever
Unable to lie flat
Irregular heart beats
Tests:
Chest X-ray
Echocardiogram
ECG
WBC and RBC count
Blood cultures
Treatment:
Diuretics
Pacemaker
Antibiotics
Steroids
Monitor the patient for:
Pericarditis
Cardiomyopathy |
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Term
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Definition
endocarditis (inflammation), probable valvular heart disease. Can be
caused by fungi or bacteria.
Symptoms: Weakness
Fever
Murmur
SOB
Night sweats
Janeway lesions
Joint pain
Tests:
CBC
ESR
ECG
Blood cultures
Enlarged speen
Presence of splinter hemorrhages
Treatment:
IV antibiotics
Surgery may be indicated
Monitor the patient for:
Jaundice
Arrhythmias
CHF
Glomerulonephritis
Emboli |
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Term
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Definition
Inflammation of the pericardium.
Causes:
Viral- coxsackie, adenovirus, influenza, rubella viruses
Bacterial (various microorganisms)
Fungi
Often associated with TB, Kidney failure, AIDS, and autoimmune disorders.
Surgery
Symptoms:
Dry cough
Pleuritis
Fever
Anxiety
Crackles
Pleural effusion
LE swelling
Chest pain
Unable to lie down flat
Tests:
Auscultation
MRI scan
CT scan
Echocardiogram (key test)
ESR
Chest x-ray
Blood cultures
CBC
Treatment:
NSAIDS
Pericardiocentesis
Analgesics
Pericardiectomy
Monitor the patient for:
Constrictive pericarditis
A fib.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) |
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Term
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Definition
Irregular heart beats and rhythms disorder
Types:
Bradycardia
Tachycardia
Ventricular fibrillation
Ectopic heart beat
Ventricular tachycardia
Wolff-Parkinson-white syndrome
Atrial fib.
Sick sinus syndrome
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus Bradycardia
Symptoms:
SOB
Fainting
Palpitations
Dizziness
Chest pain
Irregular pulse
Tests:
Coronary angiography
ECG
Echocardiogram
Holter monitor
Treatment:
Defibrillation
Pacemaker
Medications
Monitor the patient for:
Heart failure
Stroke
Heart attack
Ischemia |
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Term
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Definition
hardening of the arteries.
Causes:
Smoking
Htn
Kidney disease
CAD
Stroke
Symptoms:
Claudication pain
Cold feet
Muscle acheness and pain in the legs
Hair loss on the legs
Numbness in the extremities
Weak distal pulse
Tests:
Doppler US
Angiography
IVSU
MRI test
Poor ABI (Ankle brachial index) reading
Treatment:
Analgesics
Vasodilation medications
Surgery if severe
Ballon surgery
Stent placement
Monitor the patient for:
Arterial emboli
Ulcers
Impotence
Gas gangreene
Infection of the lower extremities |
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Term
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Definition
poor hear pumping and weakness of the myocardium.
Causes:
Htn
Heart attacks
Viral infections
Types:
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy- due to alcohol consumption
Dilated cardiomyopathy-left ventricle enlargement
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-abnormal growth left ventricle
Ischemic cardiomyopathy- weakness of the myocardium due to heart attacks.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy- found in late pregnancy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy-limited filling of the heart due to inability to relax heart tissue.
Symptoms:
Chest pain
SOB
Fatigue
Ascites
LE swelling
Fainting
Poor Appetite
Htn
Palpitations
Tests:
ECG
CBC
Isoenzyme tests
Coronary Angigraphy
Chest X-ray
MRI
Auscultation
Treatment:
Ace inhibitors
Dieuretics
Blood thinners
LVAD – Left Ventricular Assist Device
Digoxin
Vasodilators |
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Term
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Definition
S1- tricuspid and mitral valve close
S2- pulmonary and aortic valve close
S3- ventricular filling complete
S4-elevated atrial pressure (atrial kick) |
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Term
| Right Sided Heart Failure |
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Definition
A. Right Upper Quadrant Pain
B. Right Ventricular heave
C. Tricuspid Murmur
D. Weight gain
E. Nausea
F. Elevated Right Atrial pressure
G. Elevated Central Venous pressure
H. Peripheral edema
I. Ascites
J. Anorexia
K. Hepatomegaly |
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Term
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Definition
A. Left Ventricular Heave
B. Confusion
C. Paroxysmal noturnal dyspnea
D. DOE
E. Fatigue
F. S3 gallop
G. Crackles
H. Tachycardia
I. Cough
J. Mitral Murmur
K. Diaphoresis
L. Orthopnea |
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Term
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Definition
T Wave inversion
ST Segment Elevation
Abnormal Q waves |
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Term
| ECG Changes with Digitalis |
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Definition
Inverts T wave
QT segment shorter
Depresses ST segment |
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Term
| ECG Changes with Quinidine |
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Definition
Inverts T wave
QT segment longer
QRS segment longer |
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Term
| ECG Changes with Potassium |
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Definition
Hyperkalemia- Lowers P wave, Increases width of QRS complex
Hypokalemia- Lowers T wave, causes a U wave |
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Term
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Definition
Hypercalcemia-Makes a longer QRS segment
Hypocalcemia- Increases time of QT interval |
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