Cardiovascular & Digestive Pathologies Flashcards

Flashcards about Cardiovascular & Digestive Pathologies

What is anemia?

A disease of the blood, resulting in a lack of oxygen and an over-abundance of carbon dioxide in the blood.

What is the primary cause of iron-deficient anemia?

Lack of iron being consumed, resulting in less hemoglobin in the erythrocytes.

What are common symptoms of anemia?

Feeling sluggish, tired, increased heart rate, paleness in the skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

What is sickle cell anemia?

An inherited form of anemia, in which the erythrocytes have a sickle shape.

What are treatments for anemia?

Increasing iron intake, bone marrow transplants, or blood transfusions.

What is an aneurysm?

A bulge in the wall of an artery.

What is the most common cause of aneurysms?

Hypertension putting too much pressure or strain on the artery.

What are symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm?

Severe chest or back pain, low blood pressure, severe headache, tachycardia, and lightheadedness.

What are treatments for aneurysms?

Surgically before rupture or beta blockers as medications before surgery is required.

What is arrhythmia?

A condition of the heart which results in the heart's natural rhythm being altered.

What is atrial fibrillation?

When the atria contract irregularly, sending blood into the ventricles at uncoordinated times.

What is Bradycardia?

The heart rate being reduced to a rate of contraction that is considered too slow.

What is Tachycardia?

Heart rate is increased to a rate of contraction that is considered too rapid.

What are common symptoms of arrhythmia?

Dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, lightheadedness, and fainting.

What are treatments for arrhythmia?

Pacemakers may be implanted into the body to help regulate and control heart rhythm.

What is Arteriosclerosis?

A hardening of the walls of arteries.

What is Atherosclerosis?

A build-up of fatty plaque inside the arteries.

What are contributing factors to Arteriosclerosis?

Hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking.

What are treatments for Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis?

Medications, angioplasty, stent placement, plaque removal, or bypass surgery.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

A condition in which blood clots form in the veins deep in the body, typically the legs.

What are primary causes for DVT?

Injury to a vein, surgery, impaired or limited mobility, and certain medications.

What are common symptoms of DVT?

Warm sensation, pain, and discoloration in the affected area.

What are treatments for DVT?

Medication, intravenous anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and compression socks.

What is a Heart Murmur?

A condition of the heart, which results in blood flowing backwards in the heart.

What is the most common cause of heart murmurs?

A bicuspid/mitral valve prolapse.

What are symptoms of abnormal heart murmurs?

Cyanosis on the fingers, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fainting.

What are treatments for heart murmurs?

Anticoagulants, hypertension treatment, or surgery.

What is Hypertension?

A condition of the Cardiovascular System, resulting in elevated blood pressure.

What are causes of hypertension?

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands or thyroid, dietary issues, kidney disease, and alcohol consumption.

What are treatments for hypertension?

Lifestyle or dietary changes and medications.

What are migraine headaches?

A type of headache that affects the brain, involving blood vessels around the meninges.

What are causes of migraines?

Exposure to substances like tyramine, caffeine, stress, or hormonal imbalance.

What are symptoms of migraines?

Nausea, fatigue, extreme pain, loss of sight, blurred vision, sensitivity to sound, and pain on one side of the head.

What are treatments for migraines?

Pain medication, triptans, beta blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants.

What is a Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)?

A condition that affects the heart muscle, reducing blood flow throughout the body.

What are causes of myocardial infarctions?

Atherosclerosis, hypertension, smoking, and obesity.

What are acute symptoms of myocardial infarction?

Intense chest pain, pain in the neck and left arm, and increased heart rate.

What are treatments for myocardial infarction?

Coronary bypass surgery, an angioplasty, or medications.

What is Phlebitis?

A condition affecting the veins, causing them to become inflamed.

What are causes of phlebitis?

Trauma to a vein and immobility.

What are symptoms of superficial phlebitis?

Tenderness and swelling around the injured vein, with a red line in the skin.

What are treatments of phlebitis?

Anticoagulants, ibuprofen, and antibiotics.

What is Raynaud's Syndrome?

A condition that results in constriction of the blood vessels in the fingers and toes, reducing circulation to these areas.

What are primary contributors to Raynaud's Syndrome?

Cold temperatures, stress, and cigarette smoking.

What are symptoms of Raynaud's Syndrome?

Discoloration of the skin in affected areas, cold fingers and/or toes, numbness, and stinging pain upon warming of the area.

What are treatments for Raynaud's Syndrome?

Exercise, reducing stress, not smoking, and avoiding cold temperatures.

What are Varicose Veins?

The abnormal swelling of veins in the body, most commonly seen in the legs.

What are causes of varicose veins?

Valves stop working efficiently, allowing blood to pool backwards in the veins.

What are symptoms of varicose veins?

Discoloration of veins, burning, itching, edema, and cramping in the legs around the site of the varicose vein.

What are treatments for varicose veins?

Wearing compression socks, exercise, diet, and elevating the legs.

What is Cholecystitis?

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

What is the most common cause of cholecystitis?

Formation of gallstones that block the cystic duct.

What are symptoms of cholecystitis?

Severe abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, nausea, vomiting, fever, and pain in the right shoulder/back.

What are treatments for ulcerative colitis?

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressors, and antibiotics.

What are treatments for cholecystitis?

Hospital stay, antibiotics, pain medication, and fasting.

What is Crohn's Disease?

An inflammatory bowel disease, which causes inflammation of the digestive tract.

What are the leading theories regarding the causes of Crohn's?

Heredity and an immune system that does not function properly.

What are symptoms of Crohn's disease?

Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, fever, and bloody stool.

Which medications may be prescribed for a patient with Crohn's?

A variety of medications, especially anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids.

What is Diverticulitis?

A condition affecting the large intestine, where pouches may become inflamed and/or infected.

Why does diverticulitis result in open sores?

Strain on sections of the large intestine that are already weakened, ulcerations or open sores may result.

What are symptoms of diverticulitis?

Fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in the lower left abdomen, and constipation.

What are treatments for diverticulitis?

Pain medication and antibiotics.

What is Diverticulosis?

A condition affecting the large intestine, which presents with pouches forming in the walls of the large intestine.

What is the primary treatment for diverticulosis?

Increasing intake of fiber via fruits and vegetables.

What is Gastritis?

Inflammation of the stomach, specifically the lining of the stomach.

What are some primary causes of gastritis?

Infection by H. pylori bacterium, excessive use of alcohol, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, vomiting, and stress.

What are symptoms of gastritis?

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, and bloating in the abdomen.

What does treatment often consist of regarding gastritis?

Dietary changes, such as avoiding spicy food and dairy, and taking antacids.

What is Gastroenteritis?

Inflammation of the stomach and small intestine, commonly known as the 'stomach flu'.

What is the primary cause of gastroenteritis?

A viral or bacterial infection.

What are symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and body chills.

What is the primary goal of treatment for gastroenteritis?

Drinking plenty of fluids.

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

A condition in which stomach acid or food from the stomach comes back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and burning.

What is the primary cause of GERD?

Lower gastroesophageal sphincter (cardiac sphincter) relaxing when it normally is contracted and tightened.

What are symptoms of GERD?

Burning in the chest, pain in the chest, a dry cough, a sour taste in the mouth, and a sore throat.

What is the primary treatment for GERD?

Over-the-counter medications, such as antacids.

What is Hepatitis?

A condition that results in inflammation of the liver.

What are causes of Hepatitis?

Viral infection or toxic substances entering into the body, such as alcohol.

What are short-term symptoms of hepatitis?

Jaundice, fever, and nausea.

What are long-term symptoms of hepatitis?

Cirrhosis, scarring of the liver, liver cancer, and liver failure.

What is a Hernia?

A rupture in a muscle or connective tissue, allowing an organ or other tissue to protrude through its normal location.

What is a hernia caused by?

A weakness in the affected tissue, and/or straining of the tissue.

What are symptoms of a hernia?

Swelling beneath the skin in the abdomen or groin, and heart burn and pain in the upper abdomen.

What are treatments of hernia?

Dietary changes, weight loss, medication such as antacids, or even surgery to repair the hernia.

What is Pancreatitis?

Inflammation of the pancreas.

What causes pancreatitis?

Enzymes produced by the pancreas, insulin and glucagon, become active in the pancreas before entering into the digestive tract.

What are symptoms of acute pancreatitis?

Fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper abdomen, abdominal tenderness, and pain radiating to the back.

What does treatment of the underlying causes of pancreatitis include?

Gallstones, alcohol dependency, pancreatic cancer.

What is Pharyngitis?

Inflammation of the pharynx, or the throat.

What is pharyngitis usually the result of?

A viral infection from the common cold or the flu, or bacterial infections such as strep throat.

What are symptoms of pharyngitis?

Pain in the throat, with painful speaking and swallowing, fever, and enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck.

What are treatments regarding Pharyngitis?

Antiviral medications or antibiotics.

What is Strep Throat?

A bacterial infection, resulting in sore throat.

What is Strep throat caused by?

An infection of the streptococcal bacteria, which is contagious.

What are common symptoms of Strep Throat?

Red spots on the roof of the mouth, white patches on the tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

What is the treatment of strep throat?

Because strep throat is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are the primary treatment.

What are contraindications?

Factors that make a particular treatment or procedure inadvisable.

What are some common examples of contraindications?

Drug allergies, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions.

What is the difference between absolute and relative contraindications?

Absolute contraindications mean the treatment should never be used, while relative contraindications mean caution should be exercised.