Cardiovascular System: Disease Conditions

Cardiovascular System: Disease Conditions

1. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

• Definition: A chronic elevation of arterial blood pressure (BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg per current guidelines).
• Etiology: Primary (essential, unknown cause, 90-95% of cases) or secondary (e.g., renal disease, endocrine disorders).
• Pathophysiology: Increased peripheral resistance or cardiac output overworks the heart, damaging vessels and organs.
• Clinical Manifestations: Often asymptomatic; may include headache, dizziness, blurred vision in severe cases.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: BP measurement, blood tests (lipids, glucose), ECG, echocardiogram.
• Medical Management: Antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics), lifestyle changes.
• Surgical Management: Rarely needed unless secondary cause (e.g., renal artery stenosis repair).
• Nursing Care: Monitor BP, educate on medication adherence, assess for side effects.
• Dietary Management: Low-sodium DASH diet, limit alcohol, increase potassium-rich foods.
• Postoperative Care: N/A unless surgery for secondary cause; monitor BP and incision site.
• Rehabilitation: Exercise programs, stress management, regular follow-ups.

2. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• Definition: Narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, reducing blood flow to the myocardium.
• Etiology: Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia.
• Pathophysiology: Plaque buildup causes ischemia, potentially leading to infarction.
• Clinical Manifestations: Angina, fatigue, shortness of breath.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: ECG, stress test, coronary angiography, cardiac biomarkers.
• Medical Management: Nitrates, beta-blockers, statins.
• Surgical Management: Angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
• Nursing Care: Monitor vitals, pain management, post-op wound care.
• Dietary Management: Low-fat, high-fiber diet, limit saturated fats.
• Postoperative Care: Monitor for bleeding, infection; encourage gradual activity.
• Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehab with supervised exercise, lifestyle counseling.

3. Heart Failure

• Definition: Heart’s inability to pump blood effectively to meet body needs.
• Etiology: CAD, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, valve disease.
• Pathophysiology: Reduced cardiac output leads to fluid overload and organ hypoperfusion.
• Clinical Manifestations: Dyspnea, edema, fatigue, orthopnea.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: Echocardiogram, BNP levels, chest X-ray.
• Medical Management: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers.
• Surgical Management: Ventricular assist devices, heart transplant in severe cases.
• Nursing Care: Monitor fluid status, weight, educate on symptom recognition.
• Dietary Management: Low-sodium, fluid restriction if prescribed.
• Postoperative Care: Monitor hemodynamics, prevent infection.
• Rehabilitation: Tailored exercise, energy conservation techniques.

4. Myocardial Infarction (MI)

• Definition: Death of myocardial tissue due to prolonged ischemia.
• Etiology: Coronary artery occlusion (usually thrombus).
• Pathophysiology: Blocked blood flow causes necrosis, impairing heart function.
• Clinical Manifestations: Chest pain, nausea, diaphoresis, dyspnea.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: ECG (ST elevation), troponin levels, angiography.
• Medical Management: Aspirin, thrombolytics, oxygen.
• Surgical Management: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), CABG.
• Nursing Care: Pain relief, monitor arrhythmias, emotional support.
• Dietary Management: Heart-healthy diet post-recovery.
• Postoperative Care: Watch for complications (e.g., bleeding, restenosis).
• Rehabilitation: Gradual return to activity, risk factor modification.

5. Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

• Definition: Irregular, rapid atrial contractions impairing ventricular filling.
• Etiology: Hypertension, heart failure, thyroid disease, alcohol use.
• Pathophysiology: Chaotic atrial impulses increase stroke risk via clot formation.
• Clinical Manifestations: Palpitations, fatigue, syncope.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: ECG, Holter monitor, echocardiography.
• Medical Management: Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), rate/rhythm control drugs.
• Surgical Management: Catheter ablation, maze procedure.
• Nursing Care: Monitor heart rate, educate on bleeding risks.
• Dietary Management: Avoid caffeine, alcohol; maintain consistent vitamin K intake.
• Postoperative Care: Monitor for arrhythmia recurrence, incision care.
• Rehabilitation: Lifestyle adjustments, regular monitoring.

6. Aortic Aneurysm

• Definition: Abnormal dilation of the aorta wall.
• Etiology: Atherosclerosis, hypertension, connective tissue disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome).
• Pathophysiology: Weakened vessel wall expands, risking rupture.
• Clinical Manifestations: Often asymptomatic; may have pulsatile abdominal mass, pain.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: Ultrasound, CT, MRI.
• Medical Management: BP control (beta-blockers).
• Surgical Management: Endovascular stent graft, open repair.
• Nursing Care: Monitor vitals, assess for rupture signs.
• Dietary Management: Heart-healthy diet to manage risk factors.
• Postoperative Care: Prevent infection, monitor graft patency.
• Rehabilitation: Avoid heavy lifting, regular imaging follow-ups.

7. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

• Definition: Atherosclerotic narrowing of peripheral arteries, typically in legs.
• Etiology: Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia.
• Pathophysiology: Reduced blood flow causes ischemia in extremities.
• Clinical Manifestations: Intermittent claudication, cool skin, weak pulses.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: Ankle-brachial index (ABI), Doppler ultrasound.
• Medical Management: Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin), statins, cilostazol.
• Surgical Management: Angioplasty, bypass grafting.
• Nursing Care: Assess pulses, skin integrity, educate on foot care.
• Dietary Management: Low-cholesterol, high-fiber diet.
• Postoperative Care: Monitor circulation, wound healing.
• Rehabilitation: Supervised walking programs.

8. Cardiomyopathy

• Definition: Disease of the heart muscle impairing pumping ability.
• Etiology: Genetic, alcohol, viral infections, chemotherapy.
• Pathophysiology: Structural changes (dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive) reduce efficiency.
• Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, dyspnea, edema.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: Echocardiogram, MRI, biopsy.
• Medical Management: Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics.
• Surgical Management: Implantable defibrillators, heart transplant.
• Nursing Care: Monitor symptoms, support adherence.
• Dietary Management: Low-sodium, balanced nutrition.
• Postoperative Care: Prevent rejection (transplant), monitor device function.
• Rehabilitation: Tailored activity plans.

9. Valvular Heart Disease (e.g., Mitral Regurgitation)

• Definition: Dysfunction of heart valves causing improper blood flow.
• Etiology: Rheumatic fever, congenital defects, endocarditis.
• Pathophysiology: Backflow or obstruction alters cardiac workload.
• Clinical Manifestations: Murmur, fatigue, dyspnea.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: Echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization.
• Medical Management: Diuretics, vasodilators.
• Surgical Management: Valve repair or replacement.
• Nursing Care: Monitor heart sounds, anticoagulation therapy.
• Dietary Management: Low-sodium diet.
• Postoperative Care: Prevent infection, monitor for bleeding.
• Rehabilitation: Gradual activity increase.

10. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

• Definition: Blood clot in a deep vein, usually legs.
• Etiology: Immobility, surgery, hypercoagulability.
• Pathophysiology: Clot obstructs venous return, risking embolism.
• Clinical Manifestations: Swelling, pain, redness in affected limb.
• Diagnostic Evaluations: Doppler ultrasound, D-dimer test.
• Medical Management: Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin).
• Surgical Management: Thrombectomy (rare), IVC filter.
• Nursing Care: Monitor for pulmonary embolism signs, apply compression.
• Dietary Management: Consistent vitamin K intake if on warfarin.
• Postoperative Care: Monitor bleeding, filter placement.
• Rehabilitation: Ambulation encouragement, compression stockings.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

1. Hypertension

Definition: Chronic elevation of blood pressure (≥130/80 mmHg).
Etiology: Genetics, obesity, high salt intake, stress, sedentary lifestyle.
Clinical Manifestations: Headache, dizziness, blurred vision, epistaxis.
Diagnostic Evaluations: BP measurement, ECG, lipid profile, renal function tests.
Medical Management: Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers).
Surgical Management: Rare; renal denervation for resistant cases.
Nursing Care: Monitor BP, educate on lifestyle modifications.
Dietary Management: Low sodium, DASH diet.
Post-Operative Care: Not typically applicable.
Rehabilitation: Regular exercise, weight management, stress reduction.

2. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Definition: Ischemic necrosis of myocardial tissue due to occluded coronary artery.
Etiology: Atherosclerosis, smoking, diabetes, hypertension.
Clinical Manifestations: Chest pain, dyspnea, diaphoresis, nausea.
Diagnostic Evaluations: ECG, cardiac enzymes (troponin), echocardiogram.
Medical Management: Thrombolytics, antiplatelets, beta-blockers.
Surgical Management: PCI (stents), CABG.
Nursing Care: Oxygen therapy, monitor vitals, pain management.
Dietary Management: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Post-Operative Care: Monitor for bleeding, cardiac rehab program.
Rehabilitation: Gradual physical activity, lifestyle modifications.

3. Heart Failure

Definition: Inability of the heart to pump blood effectively.
Etiology: Hypertension, CAD, valvular diseases.
Clinical Manifestations: Dyspnea, edema, fatigue, orthopnea.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Echocardiogram, BNP levels, chest X-ray.
Medical Management: Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers.
Surgical Management: LVAD, heart transplant.
Nursing Care: Fluid balance monitoring, daily weights, oxygen therapy.
Dietary Management: Low sodium, fluid restriction.
Post-Operative Care: Wound care, infection prevention.
Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation, exercise therapy.

4. Atrial Fibrillation

Definition: Irregular heart rhythm leading to poor blood flow.
Etiology: Hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism.
Clinical Manifestations: Palpitations, dizziness, fatigue.
Diagnostic Evaluations: ECG, Holter monitor, echocardiography.
Medical Management: Anticoagulants, beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics.
Surgical Management: Catheter ablation, pacemaker implantation.
Nursing Care: Monitor heart rate, prevent thromboembolism.
Dietary Management: Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol.
Post-Operative Care: Monitor for bleeding, infection.
Rehabilitation: Physical activity, stress reduction.

5. Peripheral Artery Disease

Definition: Narrowing of peripheral arteries due to atherosclerosis.
Etiology: Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol.
Clinical Manifestations: Claudication, weak pulses, ulcers.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Ankle-brachial index, Doppler ultrasound.
Medical Management: Antiplatelets, statins, vasodilators.
Surgical Management: Angioplasty, bypass surgery.
Nursing Care: Promote circulation, monitor for ischemia.
Dietary Management: Low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Post-Operative Care: Wound care, prevent thrombosis.
Rehabilitation: Smoking cessation, supervised exercise therapy.

6. Endocarditis

Definition: Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.
Etiology: Bacterial or fungal infections, dental procedures, IV drug use.
Clinical Manifestations: Fever, chills, heart murmur, petechiae.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Blood cultures, echocardiography.
Medical Management: IV antibiotics, antifungals.
Surgical Management: Valve replacement if severe.
Nursing Care: Monitor for embolic events, administer medications.
Dietary Management: Balanced diet, hydration.
Post-Operative Care: Wound care, infection control.
Rehabilitation: Long-term antibiotic therapy, follow-up care.

7. Cardiomyopathy

Definition: Disease of the heart muscle affecting function.
Etiology: Genetics, alcohol use, infections, hypertension.
Clinical Manifestations: Fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Echocardiogram, MRI, cardiac biopsy.
Medical Management: Beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors.
Surgical Management: ICD implantation, heart transplant.
Nursing Care: Monitor cardiac output, fluid balance.
Dietary Management: Low sodium, fluid restriction.
Post-Operative Care: Post-transplant immunosuppression.
Rehabilitation: Cardiac rehab, lifestyle modification.

8. Aortic Aneurysm

Definition: Abnormal dilation of the aortic wall.
Etiology: Hypertension, atherosclerosis, connective tissue disorders.
Clinical Manifestations: Often asymptomatic; severe cases may have pulsatile mass, pain.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Ultrasound, CT angiography.
Medical Management: Blood pressure control.
Surgical Management: Aneurysm repair or grafting.
Nursing Care: Monitor for rupture signs, BP control.
Dietary Management: Low-fat, heart-healthy diet.
Post-Operative Care: Monitor for graft leakage, infection prevention.
Rehabilitation: Gradual return to activity, BP monitoring.

9. Rheumatic Heart Disease

Definition: Chronic heart valve damage from rheumatic fever.
Etiology: Streptococcal infection.
Clinical Manifestations: Heart murmur, chest pain, joint pain.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Echocardiogram, ASO titer.
Medical Management: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories.
Surgical Management: Valve repair or replacement.
Nursing Care: Infection prevention, monitor heart function.
Dietary Management: Balanced diet, adequate hydration.
Post-Operative Care: Anticoagulation therapy if valve replacement.
Rehabilitation: Regular cardiac follow-up.

10. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Definition: Blood clot formation in deep veins.
Etiology: Immobility, hypercoagulability, endothelial injury.
Clinical Manifestations: Swelling, pain, warmth, redness.
Diagnostic Evaluations: Doppler ultrasound, D-dimer test.
Medical Management: Anticoagulants, thrombolytics.
Surgical Management: Thrombectomy, IVC filter.
Nursing Care: Encourage mobility, compression therapy.
Dietary Management: Hydration, vitamin K monitoring if on warfarin.
Post-Operative Care: Monitor for bleeding, PE prevention.
Rehabilitation: Gradual mobilization, long-term anticoagulation.