Exam 3 chronic illnesses pt 2

Physiology of a Heart Attack

Plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) narrows arteries and restricts oxygenated blood. Plaques can rupture, forming clots that block blood flow to the heart muscle.

Myocardium, Ischemia, and Infarction

Myocardium = heart muscle tissue. Ischemia = insufficient oxygen supply. Infarction = local tissue death from blocked blood flow (myocardial infarction = heart attack).

Heart Attack Symptoms

Chest, arm, or neck pain; pressure or squeezing in the chest; shortness of breath; lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, or nausea.

Congestive Heart Failure

The heart’s pumping capacity declines over time; muscles overwork, inflame, and fail to provide enough oxygenated blood. Often fatal if untreated.

Heart Disease Risk Factors

High LDL or low HDL cholesterol, smoking, chronic stress, obesity, high blood pressure, family history, age (45+), gender, and low SES.

Psychosocial Factors (Heart Disease)

Stress in relationships or jobs increases risk; supportive relationships lower risk. Negative emotions (anger, anxiety, depression) raise blood pressure and harm heart health.

Psychosocial Effects of Heart Disease

Fear of another attack, anxiety about physical activity, reduced independence, and feelings of hopelessness.

Heart Attack Treatment

Clot-dissolving drugs (best if given early) and surgical removal of clots to restore blood flow.

Heart Disease Prevention and Recovery

Lifestyle changes—quit smoking, eat low-fat diet, lose weight, exercise regularly. Many patients fail to maintain these changes long-term.

Psychosocial Interventions (Heart Disease)

Stress management, CBT to change health behaviors, psychotherapy for chronic negative emotions, and family therapy for adjustment.

Stroke Overview

Blood flow to the brain is disrupted, depriving neurons of oxygen and causing cell death or damage. Two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic Stroke

Caused by a blocked artery in the brain; slower onset, less likely to cause loss of consciousness, more common type.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Caused by a ruptured blood vessel that bleeds into the brain; pressure damages neurons; faster and more severe, often with loss of consciousness.

Stroke Risk Factors

High blood pressure, smoking, cardiovascular disease, high LDL, obesity, family history, aging, and chronic stress or negative emotions.

Stroke Warning Signs

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, vision problems, dizziness, or severe headache.

Stroke Effects

Brain damage causes motor, sensory, cognitive, or speech impairments, depending on which brain region is affected.

Motor Impairment After Stroke

Paralysis on side opposite the brain damage (contralateral function).

Cognitive Impairment After Stroke

Problems with memory, learning, perception, and speech. Aphasia = language impairment; Wernicke’s (receptive) vs. Broca’s (expressive).

Stroke Prevention

Healthy diet, reduced fat intake, exercise, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol or drugs.

Stroke Medical Treatment

Clot-dissolving drugs or surgery; treatment effectiveness depends on how quickly it’s administered.

Stroke Rehabilitation and Psychosocial Care

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy help recovery. Progress can slow, causing frustration and depression. Support and counseling are key for patients and families.

Diabetes Overview

Chronic condition involving abnormal blood sugar regulation due to insulin deficiency or resistance.

Diabetes Statistics

347 million worldwide; 21 million in U.S.; 1.7 million new cases yearly; higher prevalence with age; many unaware they have it.

Diabetes Physiology

Glucose fuels the body’s metabolism; insulin (from pancreas) regulates glucose levels. Lack of insulin or insulin resistance causes hyperglycemia.

Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the pancreas; usually begins in childhood; pancreas fails to produce insulin; requires lifelong insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

Most common form; body resists insulin or produces insufficient amounts; often linked to obesity; manageable with diet and medication.

Diabetes Causes

Type 1—heredity and viral infections. Type 2—heredity, obesity, diet, chronic stress, smoking.

Diabetes Effects

High glucose damages blood vessels → atherosclerosis, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, amputations, and heart disease risk.

Diabetes Treatment

Maintain stable glucose via medication, insulin injections, diet, exercise, and regular blood sugar monitoring. Too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia.

Psychosocial Factors Affecting Treatment

Many struggle with testing, diet, and exercise routines. People often rely on symptoms instead of accurate glucose monitoring.

Barriers to Treatment Adherence

Complex, long-term regimens requiring major lifestyle changes reduce adherence. Social support, self-efficacy, and emotional health improve compliance.

Psychological Factors in Diabetes Management

Stress, depression, or embarrassment about injections reduce adherence; counseling and social support improve outcomes.