Cardiovascular Diseases and Conditions: Angina, MI, CHF, Arrhythmias, and Vascular Disorders

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain discomfort due to temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart.

Stable Angina

Predictable, occurs with physical exertion or stress, relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Unstable Angina

Unpredictable, occurs at rest or worsens rapidly; considered a medical emergency.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Death of heart muscle tissue due to prolonged, complete, or severe blockage of blood flow.

STEMI (ST-Elevation MI)

Full thickness (transmural) block, complete artery occlusion.

NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation MI)

Partial occlusion or smaller affected tissue area.

Emergency interventions for MI

Call 911 immediately, perform CPR and use AED if the patient is unresponsive.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Inability of heart to pump blood efficiently to meet bodily needs.

Left Sided Failure

Blood backs up into lungs causing pulmonary congestion, shortness of breath, orthopnea.

Right Sided Failure

Blood backs up into systemic circulation causing peripheral edema, abdominal edema, jugular vein distention.

Cardiomyopathy

Heart muscle disease affecting the heart's ability to pump blood.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Heart chambers enlarge and stretch out, weakening pumping ability.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Muscle walls become abnormally thick, impeding output.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Heart muscle becomes rigid/stiff, impacting proper filling.

Endocarditis

Inflammation of inner lining and heart valves, often bacterial; treated with antibiotics.

Myocarditis

Inflammation of the middle muscular layer, often viral or immune related.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac surrounding the heart, causing sharp chest pain.

Vascular Heart Disease

Conditions affecting the blood vessels of the heart.

Stenosis

Valve opening narrows and fails to open fully, restricting forward blood flow.

Regurgitation

Valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms.

Normal Sinus Rhythm

Normal heart rhythm originating in the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)

Disorganized, rapid electrical signals causing chaotic atrial contractions, increasing the risk of blood clots and strokes.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of superficial vein, causing localized pain, swelling, and a red hardened cord along the vein.

Thrombophlebitis / Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Clot formation inside a vein, commonly in the leg/pelvis, with a major risk of clot breakdown and movement to the lungs.

Varicose Veins

Enlarged, twisted, dilated veins caused by damaged incompetent valves.

Hemorrhage

Uncontrolled arterial bleeding (internal or external).

Shock

Severe drop in blood flow and tissue perfusion leading to organ failure.

Signs of Shock

Rapid pulse/breathing, pale cool clammy skin, confusion, low blood pressure, cyanosis.

Effects of Aging on the Cardiovascular System

1. Decreased contractility of heart muscle. 2. Decreased elasticity of arterial walls. 3. Thickening and stiffening of heart valves. 4. Increased baseline risk of hypertension.