Anatomy:
Heart: A muscular organ responsible for pumping blood throughout the body. Blood Vessels: Arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood to and from the heart.
Blood: Composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, carries nutrients, oxygen, and waste products
Function:
Circulation: Delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs while removing metabolic waste products. Regulation: Maintains blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and acid-base balance. Immunity: White blood cells help defend against pathogens and foreign substances.
Heart Structure:
Four Chambers: Two atria and two ventricles. Valves: Ensure one-way blood flow within the heart. Electrical Conduction System: Coordinates heart contractions (systole) and
relaxations (diastole).
Blood Vessels:
Arteries: Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart. Veins: Return deoxygenated blood to the heart. Capillaries: Tiny vessels where nutrient and gas exchange occurs between blood and tissues.
Cardiac Cycle:
Systole: Contraction phase, where blood is ejected from the heart chambers. Diastole: Relaxation phase, allowing the heart chambers to fill with blood.
Blood Pressure:
The force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Systolic Pressure: Pressure during heart contraction. Diastolic Pressure: Pressure during heart relaxation.
Common Cardiovascular Disorders:
Hypertension: High blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque
buildup, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart. Heart Failure: Inability of the heart to pump blood effectively. Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage.
Assessment and Monitoring:
Vital Signs: Including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart.
Laboratory Tests: Such as lipid panel, cardiac enzymes, and electrolyte levels.
