Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems Exam 1

Comprehensive practice flashcards based on lecture notes covering Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), hypertension, perfusion, pharmacology, and respiratory disorders including COPD and asthma.

CVD (Cardiovascular Disease)

A disease involving the heart and blood vessels that is the top cause of death worldwide.

Pulmonary circulatory system

The system where the RIGHT heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

Systemic circulatory system

The system where the LEFT heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body.

Arteries

Vessels that transport blood containing oxygen and nutrients from the heart to tissues.

Arterioles

Progressively smaller arteries embedded within the tissue.

Capillaries

Vessels that permit continuous movement of fluid and exchange of oxygen and nutrients to the cells, as well as removal of $CO_2$ and other metabolic waste.

Hydrostatic pressure

The force that PUSHES fluid out of the vessels during systole.

Osmotic pressure

The force that PULLS water back into the venous end of the capillary.

Edema causes

Conditions including obstructed lymph drainage, increased capillary membrane permeability, significantly elevated venous pressure, and decreased osmotic force from plasma proteins.

Vasoconstriction

The contraction of smooth muscles in the arteries, arterioles, and veins.

Ischemia

Reduced blood flow to tissues or organs causing a lack of oxygen/nutrients needed for cellular survival.

SA node

The pacemaker of the heart that initiates electrical impulses.

Depolarization

The electrical 'spark' that causes muscle contraction.

Repolarization

The 'recharging' phase where cells relax and fill with blood.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The amount of blood pumped by each ventricle per minute, normally $(4-6)\,L/min$ in an adult; calculated as $HR \times SV$.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood pumped out by a ventricle with each heartbeat, influenced by preload, afterload, and contractility.

Preload

The amount of blood that fills the heart before it pumps.

Afterload

The resistance the heart must pump against.

Contractility

The strength of the heart's contraction.

Lymphatic system

A system that collects interstitial fluid (lymph) containing plasma proteins and lymphocytes and returns it to the cardiovascular system.

Myocardial changes with age

Myocardial muscle mass shrinks (atrophy) while the walls thicken (hypertrophy).

Angina

Chest pain.

Syncope

Fainting.

Angioedema

Sudden deep swelling or welts under the skin particularly around the eyes and lips; a known side effect of ACE inhibitors.

Antiadrenergic

A drug that blocks receptors for norepinephrine or epinephrine.

Autoregulation

The ability of body tissues to regulate their own blood flow.

Essential hypertension

High blood pressure for which no specific cause can be found, leading to medial hyperplasia and thickening of arterioles.

Secondary hypertension

High blood pressure caused by an identifiable condition such as renal disease, primary aldosteronism, Cushings syndrome, or corticosteroids.

First dose phenomenon

Orthostatic hypotension with palpitations and dizziness occurring $1$ to $3$ hours after a first or increased dose of a drug.

Hypertension (HTN) Definition

Persistently high blood pressure defined as $>130/80\,mmHg$.

Isolated systolic HTN

A condition common in elders defined as systolic $>140\,mmHg$ and diastolic $<80\,mmHg$.

Hypertensive emergency (Malignant HTN)

A systolic BP of $180+$ and diastolic of $120+$ with increased risk of acute organ damage.

HTN Classification: Elevated

Systolic $120-129$ AND Diastolic $<80$.

HTN Classification: Stage 1

Systolic $130-139$ OR Diastolic $80-89$.

HTN Classification: Stage 2

Systolic $\ge 140$ OR Diastolic $\ge 90$.

Ataxic

Poor muscle control resulting in clumsy movements.

Rubor

A dusky redness of the skin when legs are in a dependent position, signaling arterial insufficiency.

Intermittent claudication

Pain in leg muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest due to muscle ischemia.

6 P's of acute arterial obstruction

Pain, Pallor, Pulses diminished, Paresthesia, Poikilothermia (coldness), and Paralysis.

DASH Diet for CVD

A diet low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol, limiting salt to $1500\,mg/day$ and increasing potassium to $(3500-5000)\,mg/day$.

Metabolic syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Blood lipid targets

Total cholesterol $<200\,mg/dL$, LDL $<100\,mg/dL$, and Triglycerides ideally $100\,mg/dL$.

Central perfusion

The force of blood movement generated by cardiac output, focused on the heart's pumping ability to major organs.

Tissue perfusion

Oxygenated blood flow within the microcirculation of tissues.

RAAS System (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System)

A hormone network triggered by low BP where Renin leads to Angiotensin 2 (vasoconstriction) and Aldosterone (sodium/water retention).

D-dimer test

A lab test that measures a protein fragment remaining after clot breakdown to help diagnose DVT, PE, or stroke.

Beta blockers (BB)

Drugs ending in 'OLOL' (e.g., Metoprolol) that reduce HR and contraction force; contraindicated if HR $<60\,bpm$ or in COPD ($B2$ types).

ACE Inhibitors

Drugs ending in 'PRIL' (e.g., Lisinopril) that decrease peripheral vascular resistance and may cause a nagging cough or angioedema.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

An oral anticoagulant requiring INR monitoring ($2.5-3$ target) and Vitamin K+ as an antidote.

Normal sinus rhythm

$60-100\,bpm$.

Ventilation

The movement of air from the atmosphere to the alveoli.

Diffusion

The exchange of $O_2$ and $CO_2$ at the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Shunting

A condition where ventilation is impaired but perfusion is adequate, causing blood to bypass ventilated alveoli.

Dead space

Occurs when ventilation exceeds perfusion.

Stridor

A high-pitched sound indicating an upper airway obstruction louder in the neck than the chest.

Kussmaul's respiration

Deep and fast breathing associated with metabolic acidosis or Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).

Cheyne-Stokes respiration

An irregular pattern of alternating rapid/shallow respiration followed by apnea, seen in heart failure or overdose.

Atelectasis

The collapse of alveoli leading to a loss of lung volume.

Pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs classified as CAP (community), HAP (hospital), or VAP (ventilator).

Emphysema

A type of COPD known as 'PINK' bloater involving loss of lung elasticity and abnormal enlargement of airspaces.

Chronic Bronchitis

A type of COPD known as 'BLUE' bloater characterized by a productive cough for $3$ months per year over $2$ years.

Asthma

Intermittent and reversible airflow obstruction caused by airway hyperresponsiveness to irritants.

Status asthmaticus

A severe, life-threatening asthma attack that does not respond to usual treatment.

Peak expiratory flow (PEF) meter

A handheld device used to measure how fast a person can exhale; results are zoned as Green (good), Yellow (caution), or Red (medical alert).