Course Title: Cardiovascular Physiology-D
Lecturer: Dr. R. Ahangari
Institution: University of Central Florida, Orlando
References: Human Physiology by Linda S. Constanzo, Medline Plus
Standard Leads: Three standard leads designated as I, II, and III.
Lead I: Right arm (-) to left arm (+)
Lead II: Right arm (-) to left leg (+)
Lead III: Left arm (-) to left leg (+)
Function: These leads measure electrical potential changes in the frontal plane.
Chest Electrodes Placement:
V1: Fourth intercostal space, right of the sternum
V2: Fourth intercostal space, left of the sternum
V3: Between V2 and V4
V4: Fifth intercostal space at midclavicular line
V5: Level with V4 at left anterior axillary line
V6: Level with V5 at left midaxillary line (midpoint of armpit)
Views:
a. V1 & V2: Right Ventricle
b. V3 & V4: Septum/Lateral Left Ventricle
c. V5 & V6: Anterior/Lateral Left Ventricle
Definition: Blood supply to myocardium is obstructed leading to muscle tissue death.
Causes:
Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in coronary arteries (cholesterol and cells)
Additional risk factors: Stress, male gender, diabetes, family history, high blood pressure, smoking, unhealthy cholesterol levels, chronic kidney disease.
Chest Pain (Angina Pectoris): May move to other areas (arms, neck, jaw, back).
Descriptions include:
Tight band around chest
Severe indigestion
Pressure or heaviness
Duration: Typically > 20 minutes, not fully relieved by rest or medication.
Other Symptoms:
Sweating
Anxiety
Cough
Fainting
Dizziness
Nausea/Vomiting
Palpitations
Dyspnea
Clinical history of ischemic chest pain lasting > 20 minutes.
Changes in serial ECG tracings.
Rise in cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase-MB, troponins, myoglobin).
High positive R wave, large negative Q waves, ST segment changes are indicative of MI.
Management: MI is a medical emergency; treatments include Oxygen, aspirin, nitroglycerin.
Definition: Inflammation of heart's inner lining (endocardium); often due to bloodstream infection.
Causes:
Bacteria from procedures (e.g., dental work) can affect damaged heart valves.
Risk Factors:
Artificial heart valves, congenital heart disease, valve problems, history of rheumatic heart disease.
Common Symptoms:
Abnormal urine color
Chills
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Night sweats
Nail abnormalities (splinter hemorrhages)
Paleness
Tests:
Blood culture/sensitivity (detects bacteria)
Chest x-ray
Complete blood count (may show anemia)
Echocardiogram
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Treatment: Long-term, high-dose antibiotics for 4-6 weeks; surgery may be required for damaged heart valves.
Definition: Valve disorder where mitral valve does not open fully, restricting blood flow.
Causes: Reduced valve area due to rheumatic fever or congenital conditions leading to pulmonary edema.
Common Symptoms:
Atrial fibrillation
Chest discomfort (rare)
Difficulty breathing (especially during exercise or lying down)
Fatigue
Cough (possibly bloody)
Complications:
Atrial fibrillation, blood clots, heart failure, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hypertension.
ECG Findings: Atrial fibrillation is present; no P waves visible, irregular rhythm.
Treatment Options:
Cardiac Glycosides, diuretics, β-blockers, Ca2+ channel blockers, anticoagulants, balloon valvotomy, surgical options.
Definition: Disorder where mitral valve does not close properly, causing backflow into the upper chamber.
Causes:
Mitral valve prolapse, congenital defects, atherosclerosis, endocarditis, heart tumors, hypertension, Marfan syndrome, untreated syphilis.
Common Symptoms:
Cough
Fatigue
Palpitations
Shortness of breath during activity or lying down
Nighttime urination
Treatment: Depends on symptoms and heart condition; may include antibiotics, antihypertensives, anticoagulants, digitalis, and diuretics.
Distribution to various organs:
Cerebral: 15%
Coronary: 5%
Renal: 25%
Gastrointestinal: 25%
Skeletal Muscle: 25%
Skin: 5%
Fast Mechanism: Neural regulation via baroreceptor reflex.
Slow Mechanism: Hormonal regulation (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system).
Baroreceptors: Stretch receptors located in carotid sinuses, crucial for immediate blood pressure control.
Response to Decreased Arterial Pressure:
Reduced stretch decreases firing of carotid sinus nerve.
Initiates autonomic responses to increase blood pressure towards a set point (100 mm Hg).
Adjustments include decreased vagal activity and increased sympathetic output.
Integration: Results in increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Pathway: Detection of low blood pressure -> Carotid baroreceptors -> Spinal cord -> Sympathetic chain -> Increased heart rate.
Physiological Responses:
Increased heart rate
Increased contractility/stroke volume
Increased vasoconstriction of arterioles
Increased vasoconstriction of veins.
Overview: Slow hormonal mechanism for blood volume regulation.
Components:
Renin: Enzyme
Angiotensin I: Inactive
Angiotensin II: Active, and subject to degradation.
Effect on Kidneys: Modulates sodium (Na+) and water (H2O) absorption via nephron structures.
Pathway: Affects blood volume directly, influencing blood pressure.
Factors:
Cerebral ischemia
Chemoreceptors in carotid/aortic bodies
Vasopressin (ADH)
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
Mechanism: a. Increased Pco2 triggers sympathetic outflow. b. Causes intense peripheral vasoconstriction, preserving blood flow to the brain. c. The Cushing reaction increases arterial pressure in response to intracranial pressure.
Located in carotid arteries and aortic arch, sensitive to O2 levels.
Response to Low O2: Activates vasomotor centers, resulting in vasoconstriction and increased arterial pressure.
Mechanism:
Detected by hypothalamus for blood water levels.
Adjusts ADH secretion affecting kidney function – less water absorption leads to higher urinary output and vice versa.
Physiological Effects:
Binds to receptors, reducing blood volume and cardiac output.
Inhibits renin secretion; reduces aldosterone secretion and promotes vasodilation.
Structure: Capillary beds regulated by precapillary sphincters; endothelial layer allows selective permeability.
Lipid-soluble: O2 and CO2
Small water-soluble: Water, glucose, amino acids pass via clefts.
Large substances: Cross via pinocytosis; tight junctions in brain (blood-brain barrier).
Filtration: Excess fluid from capillaries returns to circulation via lymphatics.
Unidirectional Flow: Ensured by valves; maintained by muscle contractions.
Edema: Results when interstitial fluid accumulation exceeds transportation capacity.