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cardiac 1-2-2025-03-10T17:37:18.229Z

Word Parts and Definitions

  • Cardio-: Pertains to the heart.

  • Cardiac: Refers to the heart muscle and its various aspects.

Heart Rate and Pulse

  • Normal resting heart rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute.

  • Respiratory Rate: 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

  • Points for measuring pulse:

    • Radial artery (wrist)

    • Femoral artery (thigh)

    • Popliteal artery (back of the knee)

    • Dorsalis pedis artery (top of the foot)

    • Brachial artery (upper arm)

    • Axillary artery (armpit)

    • Carotid artery (neck)

    • Facial artery (face)

    • Superficial temporal artery (above the eye)

Anatomy of the Heart

  • Heart Structure:

    • Left pulmonary artery, left atrium, left pulmonary vein, left ventricle, apex of the heart.

    • Right ventricle, right atrium, right coronary artery, right pulmonary vein, superior vena cava, right pulmonary artery (carries deoxygenated blood to lungs).

    • Aorta: Major blood vessel carrying oxygenated blood to the head and neck.

    • Pulmonary Arteries and Veins: Right pulmonary artery is the only artery carrying deoxygenated blood; left pulmonary vein carries most oxygenated blood.

Mediastinum

  • Mediastinum: Area between the lungs, around the sternum.

  • Pericardium: Double-layered fibrous sac enclosing the heart, origin of major blood vessels.

  • Two layers of pericardium:

    • Visceral Layer: Lies on the heart muscle (myocardium).

    • Parietal Layer: Outside layer.

  • Serous Fluid: Lubricates the heart.

Myocardium and Cardiac Conditions

  • Myocardium: Heart muscle responsible for contractions to pump blood.

  • Endocardium: Lining inside the heart, similar to oral membranes.

  • Carditis conditions:

    • Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium.

    • Myocarditis: Inflammation of the myocardium.

    • Endocarditis: Inflammation within the heart.

    • PANCARDITUS: General inflammation of the heart.

Blood Flow through the Heart

  1. Blood Returns to the heart via the superior vena cava (upper body) and inferior vena cava (lower body) into the right atrium.

  2. Blood moves from the right atrium to the right ventricle through the tricuspid valve.

  3. The right ventricle pumps blood through the pulmonary valve to the lungs for oxygenation.

  4. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, then moves to the left ventricle through the bicuspid (mitral) valve.

  5. The left ventricle pumps blood out through the aortic valve.

Arteries and Veins

  • Layers of Blood Vessels:

    • Tunica Externa: Outer layer.

    • Tunica Media: Middle layer.

    • Tunica Intima: Lining interior, contains endothelium.

  • Coronary Arteries: Supply blood to the myocardium; may lead to coronary pain (often a dull, heavy sensation).

Common Heart Conditions

  • Coronary Thrombosis: Clots in coronary arteries, leading to heart attacks.

  • Myocardial Infarction: Blockage in heart blood flow.

  • Atrial Systole: Blood is pumped through the tricuspid valve, while ventricles relax.

  • Ventricular Systole: Blood pumped out of the heart.

  • Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP): Bicuspid valve weakens and allows backflow of blood.

Measuring Blood Pressure

  • Normal levels: 120/80 mmHg.

  • Hypertension: >130/80 mmHg, increased risk for heart disease.

  • Hypotension: <90/60 mmHg, can cause dizziness.

Lymphatic System

  • Lymphatic Circulation: Clear, watery fluid; protects and maintains internal fluid environment.

  • Lymph Nodes: Filter foreign materials, located in neck, armpit, abdomen, groin.

  • Lymphatic Ducts: Drain lymph back into the circulatory system (thoracic duct, right lymphatic duct).

Blood Cells

  • Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Approx. 5 million per cubic mm.

  • White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Approx. 5,000-10,000 per cubic mm; elevated (leukocytosis) or decreased (leukopenia) counts indicate health issues.

  • Platelets (Thrombocytes): Approx. 300,000 per cubic mm, involved in clotting.

  • Types of Leukocytes: Basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease

  • Controllable Factors: Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, stress, high cholesterol.

  • Variable Factors: Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes management.

  • Non-controllable Factors: Age, genetics, family history, homocysteine levels.

Diagnostic Procedures

  • Ultrasonography: Visualizes organs and blood flow (e.g., kidneys, placenta).

  • Angiography: X-rays of blood vessels after dye injection.

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG): Measures electrical activity; detects arrhythmias and heart conditions.

Common Heart Defects and Conditions

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): Defect in the septum between atria; can lead to reduced oxygen circulation.

  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD): Abnormal opening between ventricles, also leads to oxygenation issues.

  • Mitral Regurgitation/Stenosis: Backflow or restricted flow through mitral valve, may require surgical correction.

  • Hypertension: Often due to vascular constriction; treated with medications such as diuretics or beta blockers.

Anemia and its Types

  • Anemia: Reduced red blood cell count; symptoms: paleness, weakness, shortness of breath.

  • Types of Anemia:

    • Aplastic Anemia: Bone marrow failure to produce red blood cells.

    • Sickle Cell Anemia: Abnormal cell shape causing obstructions and pain crises.