PAD VS Venous Disorders

I. Cardiovascular System Overview

A. Arteries vs. Veins

• Arteries:

  • Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

  • Thick, muscular walls to withstand high pressure.

  • Have a pulse.

  • Blood flow is high pressure.

  • Example: Aorta, Coronary Arteries.

• Veins:

  • Carry deoxygenated blood to the heart.

  • Thin, elastic walls with low pressure.

  • No pulse; blood moves via muscle contraction.

  • Example: Vena Cava, Jugular Veins.

II. Conditions Affecting Blood Flow

A. Arterial Disorders

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):

  • Cause: Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup).

  • Symptoms:

    • Pain/cramping in legs/feet.

    • Cold extremities.

    • Skin discoloration.

    • Hair loss on legs.

    • Decreased perfusion.

• Aneurysm:

  • Weakened blood vessel wall leading to bulging.

  • Risk: Rupture leads to life-threatening bleeding.

B. Venous Disorders

• Chronic Venous Insufficiency:

  • Blood does not drain properly from legs to heart.

  • Causes: Obesity, prolonged sitting/standing, pregnancy, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).

  • Symptoms:

    • Swelling, edema.

    • Varicose veins.

    • Itching, tingling.

    • Blood pooling, coagulation risk.

• Raynaud’s Syndrome:

  • Arteriovasospasm → color change of fingers due to lack of blood flow.

  • Symptoms: Pain, cold, numbness.

III. Abdominal Assessment

A. Steps of Abdominal Exam (Correct Order)

1. Inspect

2. Auscultate

3. Percuss

4. Palpate (Last to avoid disturbing bowel sounds)

B. Quadrants & Associated Conditions

• Right Lower Quadrant (RLQ): Appendicitis (McBurney’s Point pain).

• Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ): Splenomegaly (Enlarged spleen).

• Left Lower Quadrant (LLQ): Diverticulitis (Colon pouches → constipation).

• Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ):

  • Hepatitis → Liver inflammation.

  • Cholecystitis → Gallbladder inflammation.

  • Peptic Ulcer → Stomach ulcer (stores bile).

C. Ascites & Diagnostic Tests

• Ascites: Excess fluid in abdominal cavity.

• Diagnostic Tests:

  • Physical exam.

  • Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan.

  • Paracentesis → Needle inserted into abdomen to remove fluid.

D. Modified Allen Test

• Purpose: Checks collateral circulation before drawing blood from the radial artery.

• Procedure:

  • Occlude both radial & ulnar arteries → hand turns pale.

  • Release ulnar artery → Hand should return to normal color in <5 sec.

  • If delayed → Indicates poor circulation.