Chapter 4: Pathophysiology of Chronic Cardiovascular Conditions for Therapy Professionals: An Overview 2 CEUs
By: Jim Menz MS, CES Learning outcomes
After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Identify the various circulation schemes and the general anatomy of the cardiovascular system Define the measures of cardiac function and of the heart’s electrical control mechanism
Recognize the most common cardiovascular symptoms and chronic conditions. Identify implications of diet and other lifestyle factors on cardiac health
Course overview This course reviews the general anatomy of the
In understanding the cardiovascular system, learners will understand appropriate ways to educate their patients on the implications of diet and other lifestyle factors have on cardiac health.
cardiovascular system and the circulatory schemes. Learners will gain foundational knowledge of the most common chronic cardiovascular diseases and associated symptoms.
INTRODUCTION
4. The heart than delivers the blood throughout the body to the cells to deliver oxygen. 5. The blood then returns to the heart and the whole cycle repeats. This process occurs once every minute or so. The blood also delivers nutrients and hormones, transports waste products, and interacts with lymphatic fluid (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). arterial pressure is slightly lower than it is proximally (Tucker et al., 2023). Since the demands on the arteries and veins are so different, it makes sense that their structures are quite distinct. Veins are considerably thinner, since they do not encounter the high pressure that is experienced within the arteries. Veins are lined with valves to keep blood flowing in one direction. Arteries are much thicker and are lined with three layers. As mentioned, they are lined with smooth muscle the helps withstand the high pressures created by ventricular action. Forms of arterial disease include buildup of calcium deposits or fatty plaques, as well as blood clots. The smooth muscle within the arteries allows them to narrow the lumen (causing vasoconstriction), which occurs if the blood pressure drops too low. Conversely, if blood pressure rises, the smooth muscle relaxes, causing the arteries to dilate and therefore reducing the pressure (Tucker et al., 2023). ● Continuous capillary : The surrounding membrane of a continuous capillary is relatively intact. It limits passage of materials through tiny openings called intercellular clefts (IC) . ● Fenestrated capillary : These capillaries contain many window-like pores that allow more substances to pass into/out of the capillary. ● Discontinuous capillary : These capillaries allow for the greatest amount of materials to flow into and out of the capillary.
The cardiovascular system is incredibly complex. To understand the processes of the circulatory system, consider the idea that the body’s blood is used as the body’s delivery system. The cardiovascular system can be broken down into a simple scheme: 1. The body inhales and brings air into the lungs. 2. Simultaneously the body pumps blood to the lungs to pick up the oxygen from the inhalation. 3. The oxygenated blood is brought back to the heart. Arteries and veins Two of the principal types of blood vessels are arteries and veins. In common conversation, people often use the terms interchangeably or simply refer to the veins. However, these two vessels are quite distinct, and it is important to recognize the differences. One major factor defining the difference between an artery or a vein is the direction in which the blood flows relative to the heart. Arteries are vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Veins are vessels that carry blood in toward the heart. It is the presence of oxygen that turns blood bright red in the arteries. Many note that veins are blue and assume that is due to the deoxygenated/oxygen-depleted blood that travels through them. In actuality, deoxygenated blood is more of a dull maroon tint. The arteries are lined with smooth muscle, which can constrict or dilate, which in turn increases or decreased the blood pressure. Keep in mind that fluids such as blood flow down pressure gradients (from higher pressure to lower pressure), so it is vital that the distal Smaller blood vessels The suffix - le means “small one.” As arteries divide and get smaller, they are referred to as arterioles. As veins divide and get smaller, they are called venules . Capillaries are blood vessels so narrow that the red blood cells can only pass through one or two at a time. The walls of capillaries are very thin and allow oxygen and carbon dioxide to pass through. These microscopic vessels deliver oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the cells and pick up waste products. There are several types of capillaries (Nelson & Greene, 2020):
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Book Code: MLA1225
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