Cardiovascular & Digestive Pathologies Flashcards

Cardiovascular Pathologies

Anemia

• Anemia is a blood disease characterized by a lack of oxygen and an overabundance of carbon dioxide in the blood.

• There are many types of anemia, including iron-deficient anemia and sickle cell anemia.

• Iron-deficient anemia is the most common type, affecting an estimated 3.5-4 million people in the United States.

Causes

• Iron-deficient anemia: Primarily caused by insufficient iron intake, leading to less hemoglobin in erythrocytes, thereby reducing oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.

• Sickle cell anemia: An inherited condition where erythrocytes have a sickle shape instead of a normal circular shape. This can cause them to get stuck in blood vessels, reducing blood flow to tissues.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include feeling sluggish, tired, increased heart rate, paleness, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

• Sickle cell anemia can additionally cause infections (due to spleen damage), pain in the thorax and abdomen (crises), and stunted growth due to lack of nutrients.

Risk Factors

• Inadequate iron or vitamin B-12 intake.

• Pregnancy and folic acid deficiency in pregnant women.

• Sickle cell anemia is primarily seen in African-Americans due to a genetic defect.

Treatments

• Treatments vary by type but may include increasing iron intake, bone marrow transplants, or blood transfusions.

• Pregnant women may need increased folic acid intake.

• Sickle cell anemia treatment options are limited, with bone marrow transplant as the only potential cure. Otherwise, treatment focuses on minimizing crises using antibiotics and pain relievers.

Contraindications

• Massage is indicated for clients with anemia as it helps increase circulation and oxygen intake.

Aneurysm

• An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery.

• Types of aneurysms include Aortic, Cerebral, and Ventricular.

Causes

• Aneurysms result from a weakened arterial wall, often due to hypertension, causing the wall to bulge out.

• Ventricular aneurysms are commonly caused by myocardial infarction, weakening the heart muscle.

• The weakened wall makes the artery prone to rupture, which can severely cut off blood flow.

Symptoms

• Unruptured aneurysms are typically asymptomatic.

• Ruptured aneurysms can cause severe chest or back pain, low blood pressure, severe headache, tachycardia, and lightheadedness.

Risk Factors

• Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, advanced age, and alcoholism.

Treatments

• Aneurysms may be treated surgically before rupture.

• Beta blockers are commonly used as medication before surgery.

Contraindications

• Massage is indicated with a doctor's note.

• Avoid massage that increases blood pressure, such as deep tissue.

Arrhythmia

• Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart's natural rhythm is altered.

• Common forms include Atrial Fibrillation, Bradycardia, and Tachycardia.

Causes

• Atrial fibrillation: The atria contract irregularly, sending blood into the ventricles at uncoordinated times, caused by incorrect SA node electrical signals.

• Bradycardia: Heart rate is too slow to deliver adequate oxygen to the body.

• Tachycardia: Heart rate is too rapid, preventing ventricles from properly filling with blood.

Risk Factors

• Older adults (over 60).

• Heart diseases.

• Myocardial infarction.

• Diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

Symptoms

• Dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, lightheadedness, and fainting.

• In severe cases, it may result in cardiac arrest.

Treatments

• Treatments vary depending on the type of arrhythmia.

• Pacemakers may be implanted to regulate heart rhythm.

• Alternative methods like massage therapy and yoga may be used in some cases.

Contraindications

• Untreated arrhythmia is an absolute contraindication for massage.

• If a client has a pacemaker, massage may be performed, avoiding the site of the pacemaker.

Arteriosclerosis/Atherosclerosis

• Arteriosclerosis is the hardening of artery walls over time.

• Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries. These conditions often occur together.

Causes

• Factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking.

• The body's response to arterial damage increases artery thickness, causing hardening and potentially leading to increased plaque deposits.

• This restricts blood flow, leading to conditions like angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

Symptoms

• Angina pectoris, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pain in areas with restricted arteries.

Treatments

• Medications like beta-blockers, statins, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.

• Severe cases may require angioplasty, stent placement, surgical plaque removal, or bypass surgery.

Contraindications

• Massage may be performed.

• Lighter massage is required if medications thin the blood.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• DVT is a condition where blood clots (thrombi) form in deep veins, typically in the legs.

Causes

• Injury to a vein, surgery, impaired mobility, and certain medications.

• Immobility post-surgery can cause blood pooling, leading to clots.

Symptoms

• Warm sensation, pain, and discoloration in the affected area, usually the lower limb.

Treatments

• Medications to reduce the chance of developing DVT or to remove the blood clot.

• Anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin.

• Thrombolytics may be used in severe cases to destroy blood clots.

• Compression socks can reduce swelling.

Contraindications

• Typically a local contraindication; avoid the site of the thrombus.

• Deeper massages are contraindicated due to anticoagulants and thrombolytics.

Heart Murmur

• Heart murmur is a condition where blood flows backward in the heart.

• There are two types: Innocent and Abnormal.

Causes

• Commonly due to a bicuspid/mitral valve prolapse, causing backflow of blood.

• Endocarditis or Rheumatic fever can damage heart valves, leading to murmurs.

Symptoms

• Abnormal heart murmurs may present with cyanosis on the fingers, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fainting.

Treatments

• Anticoagulants, hypertension treatment, or surgery to repair/replace a malfunctioning valve may be necessary.

Contraindications

• Massage may be performed on a client with a heart murmur.

Hypertension

• Hypertension is elevated blood pressure.

• Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed at 140/90 mmHg.

Causes

• May be idiopathic or caused by adrenal or thyroid dysfunction, dietary issues, kidney disease, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and older age.

Symptoms

• Largely asymptomatic, with symptoms only in extreme cases.

Treatments

• Lifestyle and dietary changes, such as reducing sodium intake and increasing exercise.

• Medications like beta blockers, statins, and diuretics.

Contraindications

• Generally not contraindicated for massage.

• Avoid massage that increases blood pressure if not medically controlled.

• Light massage is recommended to lower blood pressure.

Migraine Headaches

• Migraines are headaches affecting the brain, often called "vascular headaches".

Causes

• Triggers include tyramine, caffeine, stress, hormonal imbalance, or hereditary factors.

Symptoms

• Nausea, fatigue, extreme pain, loss of sight, blurred vision, sensitivity to sound, and pain on one side of the head.

Treatments

• Pain medication like aspirin or ibuprofen for mild migraines.

• Triptans to constrict blood vessels.

• Preventative drugs like beta blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antidepressants.

Contraindications

• Generally not contraindicated for massage.

Myocardial Infarction

• Myocardial Infarction, or heart attack, is a condition reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

Causes

• Atherosclerosis leading to plaque buildup in coronary arteries.

• Hypertension, smoking, and obesity may contribute to atherosclerosis.

Symptoms

• Preceding days may involve malaise, fatigue, and chest discomfort.

• Acute stages include intense chest pain, pain in the neck and left arm, and increased heart rate.

Treatments

• Coronary bypass surgery, angioplasty, or stent placement.

• Medications such as aspirin, beta blockers, and statins.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication during a myocardial infarction.

• After treatment, doctor's note is required.

• Certain massages should be avoided due to strain on the heart.

Phlebitis

• Phlebitis is inflammation of the veins, potentially forming blood clots.

Causes

• Trauma to a vein, immobility, superficial phlebitis (IV catheters), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

• Immobility causes blood pooling.

Symptoms

• Superficial phlebitis: Tenderness, swelling, and a red line along the vein.

• Deep vein thrombosis: Pain and swelling in the affected limb, potentially fever.

Treatments

• Anticoagulants for deep vein thrombosis, ibuprofen, and antibiotics for superficial phlebitis.

• Deep vein thrombosis requires immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

• Local contraindication.

• Lighter massage if blood-thinning medications are prescribed.

• Avoid massaging the site to prevent embolism.

Raynaud's Syndrome

• Raynaud's Syndrome constricts blood vessels in fingers and toes.

Causes

• Primary contributors: Cold temperatures, stress, and smoking.

• Secondary Raynaud's Syndrome: Associated with conditions like lupus or scleroderma.

Symptoms

• Discoloration of skin, cold fingers/toes, numbness, and stinging pain upon warming.

Treatments

• Exercise, stress reduction, not smoking, and avoiding cold temperatures.

• Secondary Raynaud's Syndrome may require medications to regulated blood pressure and cholesterol.

Contraindications

• Indicated for massage; avoid heat.

• Increase room temperature to dilate blood vessels.

Varicose Veins

• Varicose veins are abnormally swollen veins, commonly in the legs.

Causes

• Inefficient valves causing blood to pool in veins.

• Prolonged sitting or standing, age, and pregnancy.

Symptoms

• Visual symptoms like discoloration of veins.

• Pain, burning, itching, edema, and cramping in the legs.

Treatments

• Self-care: Compression socks, exercise, diet, and leg elevation.

• Sclerotherapy, laser therapy, or vein removal.

Contraindications

• Local contraindication.

• Avoid massaging swollen veins to prevent embolism.

Digestive Pathologies

Cholecystitis

• Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder.

Causes

• Most commonly, it's caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct.

Symptoms

• Severe abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant, nausea, vomiting, fever, and pain in the right shoulder/back.

Treatments

• Hospital stay, antibiotics, pain medication, and fasting.

• Gallbladder removal is often required.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication in the acute stage.

Crohn's Disease

• Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease.

Risk Factors

• Younger people, East European Jewish descent, family history, and smoking.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, fever, and bloody stool.

Treatments

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressors, antibiotics, and pain relievers.

• Surgery may be required to remove damaged parts of the digestive tract.

• Dietary changes may be beneficial.

Contraindications

• Avoid massage in the acute stage.

• Massage is indicated in the post-acute stage.

Diverticulitis

• Diverticulitis is a condition affecting the large intestine where pouches become inflamed and/or infected.

Causes

• Ulcerations or open sores may result in infection and peritonitis.

Symptoms

• Fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in the lower left abdomen, and constipation.

Treatments

• Pain medication, antibiotics, and surgery to remove the damaged part of the large intestine.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication to massage.

Diverticulosis

• Diverticulosis involves pouches forming in the walls of the large intestine.

Causes

• Contractions may weaken the large intestine if it doesn't contain enough fecal matter because of a low fiber diet.

Symptoms

• Typically asymptomatic but may include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever.

Treatments

• Increasing fiber and fluid intake.

Contraindications

• Not contraindicated, but avoid massage of the lower back and abdomen if pain is present.

Gastritis

• Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining.

Causes

• Infection by H. pylori, alcohol use, anti-inflammatory drugs, vomiting, and stress.

Symptoms

• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen, and bloating.

Treatments

• Dietary changes, antacids, and antibiotics.

Contraindications

• Massage depends on the cause and severity; avoid if it causes nausea and vomiting.

Gastroenteritis

• Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and small intestine.

Causes

• Viral or bacterial infection.

Symptoms

• Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and body chills.

Treatments

• Prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medications for nausea and vomiting.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication to massage due to contagiousness.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• GERD involves stomach acid or food flowing back into the esophagus.

Causes

• The lower gastroesophageal sphincter relaxing when it should be tightened.

Symptoms

• Burning in the chest, chest pain, dry cough, sour taste in the mouth, and sore throat.

Treatments

• Over-the-counter antacids.

• H-2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

Contraindications

• Massage is indicated unless chest pain is present.

• A semi-reclined position may help.

Hepatitis

• Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver.

Causes

• Viral infection or toxic substances.

• Types include Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each with varying modes of transmission and severity.

Symptoms

• Nausea, fatigue, mild fever, loss of appetite, abdominal tenderness, and jaundice.

Treatments

• Vary depending on severity.

• Immunizations for Hepatitis B, and medications to reduce symptoms.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication in the acute stage.

• Massage is indicated in the post-acute stage.

Hernia

• A hernia is a rupture allowing an organ to protrude.

Causes

• Weakness or straining of tissue.

Symptoms

• Vary depending on type; include swelling in the abdomen or groin, heartburn, and pain in the upper abdomen.

Treatments

• Dietary changes, weight loss, medication, or surgery to repair.

Contraindications

• Local contraindication.

Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas.

Causes

• Enzymes become active in the pancreas before entering the digestive tract or bloodstream.

• Gallstones, alcoholism, pancreatic cancer, infection, and cystic fibrosis.

Symptoms

• Fever, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper abdomen, abdominal tenderness, and pain radiating to the back, and weight loss.

Treatments

• Pain medication, fasting, gallbladder or gallstone removal, and treatment for alcohol dependency.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication in the acute stage.

• Massage may be performed in the post-acute stage of chronic pancreatitis.

Pharyngitis

• Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, or the throat (sore throat).

Causes

• Viral or bacterial infection.

Symptoms

• Pain in the throat, fever, enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck, and excessive mucus.

Treatments

• Antiviral or antibiotic medications.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication to massage during the acute stage.

• Massage may be performed after the condition has cleared.

Strep Throat

• Strep throat is a bacterial infection, that causes a sore throat.

Causes

• Infection of the streptococcal bacteria, which is contagious.

Symptoms

• Red spots on the roof of the mouth, white patches on the tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, pain upon swallowing, and fever.

Treatments

• Antibiotics and acetaminophen.

Contraindications

• Absolute contraindication until the condition has cleared.