Chapter Fifteen Cardiovascular Health The Cardiovascular System Cardiovascular

Chapter Fifteen Cardiovascular Health

The Cardiovascular System • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States • Heart attacks and strokes are the most common lifethreatening types of heart diseases • Much of these incidences are due to lifestyle concerns

Characteristics of the Heart • • 4 chambered pump (atria, ventricles) Size of a fist Weighs about 1 pound Function - creates pressure to circulate blood throughout the body • Blood enters via the Vena Cava into the right atrium (see Figure 15 -2 on blood circulation)

Heart Beat Stimulation • Signal sends impulses from the heart • SA node (pacemaker of the heart) creates an electrical impulse • An electrical impulse spreads from the right side to the left (ECG) • The pace of the heart is regulated by the brain

Risk Factors for Heart Disease That Can Be Changed (AHA) • • • Tobacco Smoking • Hypertension Physical inactivity • Diabetes Mellitus High cholesterol (Figure • Obesity and Overweight 15 -2) Reference: American Heart Association

Contributing Risk Factors for Heart Disease That Can Be Changed • • High Triglyceride Levels Stress Chronic hostility and Anger Type D Personalities Depression/Anxiety Social Isolation Low socioeconomic status

Major Risk Factors That Cannot Be Changed • • Heredity Aging Being Male Ethnicity

Possible Risk Factors Currently Being Studied • Inflammation and CReactive Protein • Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome • Homocysteine • Infectious agents • Lipoprotein (A) • • LDL Particle size Fibrinogen Blood viscosity and Iron Uric acid

Major Forms of Cardiovascular Disease • CAD (coronary artery disease) • Atherosclerosis: build up of plaque on the arteries • • • Hypertension Stroke Congestive heart failure

Hypertension • Blood pressure exceeds a systolic (pressure at contraction) over 140 mm/hg and/or a diastolic (pressure between contraction) over 90 mm/hg • Symptoms – the “silent killer” (no symptoms) • Diagnosis – regular checks of resting blood pressure (average blood pressure < 120/80) • Treatment – medication, exercise, dietary changes) • A cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease

Atherosclerosis • Atheroschlerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) • Arteries become narrow due to plaque buildup • This process deprives blood and vital oxygen to specific organs, such as the heart, brain, etc. • Results in the following: • Coronary Heart Disease • Stroke • Peripheral Arterial Disease *Atherosclerosis often begins during childhood

Heart Attack • Damage to vessels of the coronary artery • Principal cause – atherosclerosis (narrowing of artery) – Myocardial infarction: heart attack • Caused by a coronary thrombosis • When the need for oxygen exceeds the supply, the result is chest pain called angina pectoris

Recognizing and Treating a Heart Attack • Symptoms – shortness of breath, long-term chest pain (angina), numbness in the left side of face and arm • Diagnosis – ECG, angiogram, MRI • Surgical Treatment – bypass, angioplasty, heart transplant • Non-surgical Treatment- platelet inhibitors, aspirin, alcohol Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is considered an emergency response for heart attack emergencies

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) • Blood supply to the brain is cut off • Types –ischemic strokes (blockage), hemorrhagic strokes (ruptures) • Diagnosis – CT scan, MRI • Treatment – clot dissolving drug therapy (TPAs)

Congestive Heart Failure • Swollen heart due to the lack of strength known as Pulmonary edema • Causes – various causes from other illnesses to damaging heart to existing injury to the heart • Treatment – drugs, modified lifestyle

Other Forms of Heart Disease • • Congenital Heart Disease Peripheral Artery Disease Rheumatic Heart Disease Heart Valve Disorders

Protecting Yourself Against Cardiovascular Disease • Eat Heart-Healthy • Decrease Fat and Cholesterol Intake • Increase Fiber Intake • Moderate the amount of alcohol consumption • Decrease Sodium and increase Potassium Intake • Exercise Regularly • DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) • Avoid Tobacco • Know and manage your Blood Pressure • Know and manage your Cholesterol levels • Develop ways to handle stress and anger

Chapter Fifteen Cardiovascular Health