Chapter 21 Cardiovascular system diseases

Cardiovascular System

Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, responsible for circulation.

Heart

The central pump of the cardiovascular system.

Aorta

The main artery that carries blood away from the heart.

Superior Vena Cava

Main vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart.

Inferior Vena Cava

Main vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body to the heart.

Pulmonary Vessels

Vessels that connect the heart to the lungs for oxygen exchange.

Valves

Structures that ensure unidirectional blood flow and prevent backflow.

Bacteremia

Presence of bacteria in blood, often harmless.

Septicemia

Reproducing microbes in blood causing illness, may become fatal.

Toxemia

Presence of bacterial toxins in blood, causing severe symptoms.

Lymphangitis

Infection/inflammation of lymphatic vessels, often an early sign of septicemia.

Septic Shock

A rapid development of severe infection leading to multi-organ failure.

Petechiae

Small hemorrhagic lesions that may occur in septic conditions.

Osteomyelitis

Infection that can spread to bones, causing severe complications.

Exotoxins

Toxins released by bacteria that can cause various symptoms.

Endotoxins

Toxins present within bacterial cells that can trigger severe immune responses.

Opportunistic Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease primarily in immunocompromised individuals.

Gram-negative Bacteria

A type of bacteria that often cause septicemia and have a characteristic cell wall structure.

Capsule (bacteria)

A protective layer around bacteria that helps resist phagocytosis.

Intravenous Antibiotics

Antibacterial treatment administered directly into the bloodstream.

Prophylactic Therapy

Preventative treatment for individuals at high risk of infection.

Clostridium perfringens

Bacteria that cause gas gangrene, often found in dead tissue.

Surgical Debridement

Surgical procedure to remove dead or infected tissue.

Brucella species

Bacteria causing brucellosis often transmitted from animals to humans.

Doxycycline

An antibiotic commonly used to treat brucellosis.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

The causative agent of infectious mononucleosis.

Dengue Fever

A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes causing high fever and severe pain.

Ebola Virus Disease

A severe viral infection with high fatality rates, transmitted through bodily fluids.

Plasmodium species

Protozoa that cause malaria, transmitted by mosquito bites.

Anopheles mosquitoes

Mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

Toxoplasma gondii

Protozoan causing toxoplasmosis, often asymptomatic.

Triatoma bugs

Insects that transmit Chagas disease.

Xenodiagnosis

A diagnostic technique used to detect the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Systemic Infections

Infections that affect multiple systems of the body, especially the cardiovascular system.

Morbidity

The condition of being diseased; refers to unhealthy state.

Mortality

The state of being subject to death; a measure of death rates.

Virulence Factors

Characteristics of pathogens that enhance their ability to cause disease.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate, often a symptom of endocarditis.

Fluctuating Fevers

Variable fever patterns, commonly seen in brucellosis.

Foul-smelling Drainage

Characteristic symptom of gas gangrene indicative of bacterial infection.

Systemic Symptoms

General symptoms affecting the entire body, such as fever and malaise.

Aedes mosquitoes

Mosquito species responsible for transmitting dengue viruses.

Culture-negative cases

Instances where infections are present but not identified in cultures.

Supportive Care

Treatment aimed at managing symptoms rather than curing the disease.

Experimental Therapies

New treatments under evaluation, such as monoclonal antibodies for Ebola.