Cardiovascular Changes in Aging

Flashcards covering key terminology, age-related changes, common conditions, prevention strategies, and nursing interventions related to cardiovascular health in older adults, based on lecture notes.

Arrhythmia

An abnormal heart rate or rhythm that can compromise cardiac output and tissue perfusion, common in older adults due to age-related conduction system changes.

Atherosclerosis

Progressive hardening and narrowing of arteries caused by plaque buildup in vessel walls, leading to reduced blood flow and increased cardiovascular risk.

Physical Deconditioning

A decline in cardiovascular function resulting from physical inactivity, accelerating age-related functional declines and reducing exercise tolerance.

Hypertension

Consistently elevated blood pressure readings exceeding 140 mmHg systolic and 90 mmHg diastolic, often called the 'silent killer' due to lack of symptoms.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A significant drop in systolic blood pressure (≥20 mmHg) occurring within one minute of position changes, increasing fall risk in older adults.

Heart Valve Thickening

With age, heart valves become thick and rigid, leading to diastolic murmurs in approximately 50% of older adults and affecting blood flow efficiency.

Aortic Dilation

The aorta becomes dilated with age, accompanied by slight ventricular hypertrophy and thickening of the left ventricular wall, impairing filling and ejection.

Reduced Myocardial Efficiency

Myocardial muscle becomes less efficient with decreased contractile strength and prolonged cardiac cycle, limiting ability to meet increased activity demands in older adults.

Reduced Tissues Oxygenation

Reduced proportion of oxygen extracted from arterial blood by tissues affects cellular metabolism and organ function throughout the body in older adults.

Claudication

Pain in the legs or arms caused by too little blood flow, usually during exercise, a physical manifestation of ineffective tissue perfusion.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, an evidence-based nutritional intervention for cardiovascular health.

Physical Deconditioning

The lack of regular physical exercise, which accelerates and heightens many age-related functional declines.

Secondhand Smoke

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure that poses significant cardiovascular risks even for non-smokers.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Often called 'bad' cholesterol, high levels increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Often called 'good' cholesterol, high levels are protective against cardiovascular disease.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

An inflammatory marker, elevated levels can indicate increased cardiovascular risk.

Atypical Angina Symptoms in Older Adults

Vague substernal discomfort, indigestion, persistent coughing, unexplained syncope, excessive sweating, and acute confusion instead of classic chest pain.

Dyspnea on Exertion

Difficulty breathing with physical activity, a common symptom of left-sided heart failure.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

Inability of the left ventricle to pump blood effectively to the periphery, causing pulmonary edema with symptoms like dyspnea and crackles.

Right-Sided Heart Failure

Inability of the right ventricle to pump blood to the lungs effectively, causing peripheral congestion with symptoms like peripheral edema and weight gain.

Pulmonary Embolism

A high-risk condition often occurring in older adults, where a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs, with challenging diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms.

Homan's Sign

A maneuver to assess for deep vein thrombosis, which should NOT be used as it may dislodge existing clots and cause pulmonary embolism.

Arteriosclerosis

A common condition, especially with diabetes, affecting the smallest vessels furthest from the heart, problematic for peripheral circulation.

Arterial Vascular Disease

Circulatory problems in extremities characterized by smooth, shiny skin, hair loss, brittle nails, cool temperature, decreased pulses, and sharp, severe pain (claudication).

Venous Vascular Disease

Circulatory problems in extremities characterized by brown pigmentation around ankles, cyanotic appearance when independent, warm skin, normal pulses, and dull pain that improves when horizontal.

Aneurysms

Weakened areas in vessel walls that expand, often due to advanced arteriosclerosis, capable of rupturing.

Varicose Veins

Dilated, tortuous veins causing dull pain, cramping, dizziness, and susceptibility to trauma and infection, often leading to poorly healing ulcerative lesions.

Primary Prevention

Preventing disease occurrence through risk factor modification, health promotion, and lifestyle interventions before pathology develops.

Secondary Prevention

Early detection and treatment of existing conditions to prevent progression and complications through screening and monitoring programs.

Tertiary Prevention

Managing established disease to prevent complications, restore function, and improve quality of life through rehabilitation and ongoing care.

Teach-Back Methods

An educational technique used to ensure patient comprehension by asking them to explain information in their own words.

Peripheral Vascular Disease Foot Care

Essential care including daily inspection, injury prevention, prompt attention to lesions, and infection prevention due to compromised circulation and healing capacity.

Complementary Therapies (Cardiovascular)

Nonconventional approaches like foxglove, garlic, hawthorn, ginger, ginkgo biloba, niacin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, meditation, biofeedback, and tai chi.