Pathophysiology of the Circulatory System

Circulatory System Functions

Delivers nutrients, removes waste, transports hormones.

Pulmonary Blood Vessels

Transport blood between heart and lungs.

Arteries

Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Veins

Transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillaries

One cell thick; site of gas exchange.

Tunica Intima

Smooth inner layer of blood vessels.

Tunica Media

Muscle layer for vessel contraction and dilation.

Tunica Adventitia

Outer connective tissue layer of blood vessels.

Elastic Arteries

More elastic, located closer to the heart.

Muscular Arteries

More muscular, located farther from the heart.

Arterioles

Small arteries connecting to capillaries.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels, increases blood pressure.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, decreases blood pressure.

Aorta

Largest artery, withstands high pressure from heart.

Coronary Arteries

Supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

Superior Vena Cava

Carries blood from upper body to heart.

Inferior Vena Cava

Carries blood from lower body to heart.

Heart Atrium

Receiving chambers of the heart.

Heart Ventricle

Pumping chambers of the heart.

Endocardium

Inner lining of the heart.

Myocardium

Thick muscular layer responsible for contractions.

Epicardium

Outer layer of the heart and inner pericardium.

Plasma

55% of blood, 91% water, 9% proteins.

Prothrombin

Coagulation factor involved in blood clotting.

Fibrinogen

Protein that converts to fibrin during clotting.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells, 45% of blood volume.

Leukocytes

White blood cells, part of immune response.

Thrombocytes

Platelets involved in blood clotting.

Sinoatrial Node

Heart's pacemaker, initiates muscle contractions.

Atrioventricular Node

Relays impulses with delay for ventricular filling.

Purkinje Fibers

Conductive fibers that stimulate ventricle contraction.

Bundle of His

Carries signals from atrioventricular node.

Blood Pressure

Measured in mmHg, indicates circulatory health.

Systole

Ventricular contraction phase of heartbeat.

Diastole

Ventricular relaxation and filling phase.

Systolic Pressure

Pressure during ventricular contraction.

Diastolic Pressure

Pressure during ventricular relaxation.

Average Blood Pressure

Normal is 120/80 mmHg.

Coronary Artery Disease

Arteries supplying myocardium become narrowed.

Myocardial Infarction

Death of heart tissue due to ischemia.

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cessation of all heart activity.

Congestive Heart Failure

Heart's inability to pump sufficient blood.

Cor Pulmonale

Right-sided heart disease due to lung issues.

Oxygen therapy

Supplemental oxygen to improve blood oxygen levels.

Anticoagulants

Medications that prevent blood clotting.

Prognosis

Forecast of disease outcome based on severity.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in lung's extravascular spaces.

Dyspnea

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Fowler's Position

Sitting position to ease breathing difficulties.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the heart's outer lining.

Chest Pain

Discomfort in the chest area, often severe.

Endocarditis

Inflammation of heart valves and inner walls.

Rheumatic Fever

Autoimmune response following streptococcal infection.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood clot in deep veins, often in legs.

Mitral Stenosis

Narrowing of the mitral valve affecting blood flow.

Arrhythmia

Irregular heartbeat due to electrical disturbances.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema

Coughing, dyspnea, frothy sputum, cold skin.

Etiology of Pulmonary Edema

Caused by heart failure, hypertension, or embolism.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema

Reduced oxygen saturation and radiographic opacity.

Treatment for Pulmonary Edema

Includes Fowler's position and vasodilators.

Symptoms of Pericarditis

Fever, chills, malaise, and chest pain.

Etiology of Pericarditis

Friction from fluid between pericardium layers.

Diagnosis of Pericarditis

Elevated WBC and changes on ECG.

Treatment for Pericarditis

Manage underlying causes and provide analgesics.

Prognosis of Endocarditis

Good with early diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever

Joint pain, fever, and cardiac murmurs.