Arrythmias/conduction disruptions Arrythmias are often present in conjunction with other pathologies such as congenital defects. Treatments may include anticoagulants to prevent thromboses, which tend to accompany suboptimal heart rhythms (Ntiloudi et al., 2023). In some people, the conductive fibers that track down the right and left sides of the septum can become damaged through disease, infection, or the use of illicit drugs. This can disrupt proper conduction and subsequent ventricular contraction. Obstruction of the conductive fibers is called bundle branch block , and it increases the risk of pathologies such as arrythmias and heart attacks. Patients with bundle branch block must be closely observed for signs of cardiac distress. They may need to divide physical activity into short segments with gradual increases in intensity (Ntiloudi et al., 2023). Atrial fibrillation is the result of irregular electrical signals from the SA node. The atria shake and contract erratically, which reduces blood delivery to the ventricles. Atrial fibrillation elevates the risk of stroke and transient ischemic Cardiac inflammation Each of the layers of the heart muscles is vulnerable to toxins and infection. The layer may become swollen or inflamed. This enlargement can be painful and may dangerously limit heart function (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [NHLBI], 2023). Pericarditis Pericarditis is defined as enlargement of the outer sac-like membrane of the heart, which makes it difficult for the heart to expand and fill with blood (NHLBI, 2023). Myocarditis Possibly due to overexertion, the middle layer of the heart enlarges, making expansion difficult in the limited space of the chest cavity. This may cause the muscle to lose elasticity. Thickening of the heart muscle can also be genetically determined. Changes in the shape of the heart due to myocarditis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can interfere with the conduction of the electrical signal. In such cases, doctors may implant a special defibrillator to guard against sudden death due to disruptions in electrical conduction (NHLBI, 2023).
attacks (TIAs). Patient monitoring and using anticoagulants are treatments for atrial fibrillation (Boriani et al., 2023). When the heart’s electrical system is damaged, surgeons often install a pacemaker. This device takes the place of the SA node and generates the electrical signals that will keep the heart pumping. The pacemaker may be set to initiate the atrial contractions then allow the rest of the cardiac cycle to continue. In some patients, the relay to the ventricles is also compromised. In such cases, surgeons may perform an AV node ablation, in which the AV node is reduced by essentially scarring it. Tissue reduction introduces heat, cold, or lasers to eliminate dysfunctional cells. The pacemaker is then connected to also control ventricular contraction (Dalia & Amr, 2023). Healthcare Consideration: Recent advances in science include leadless pacemakers, which are less invasive and eliminate common complications. New digital technology allows cardiologists to easily assess and adjust the pacemaker (Vouliotis et al., 2023). Endocarditis Endocarditis involves inflammation of the inner layer of the heart and is sometimes caused by illicit drug use or by the immune system attacking healthy tissue. Rogue immune activity is also believed to cause other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Other cases of endocarditis have been traced to infection. Risk is increased by extensive dental work, damaged heart valves, or congenital defects. Regardless of the underlying cause, recent studies have shown that establishing an endocarditis team helps facilitate communication among medical professionals, decrease treatment times and improve outcomes. Persons with a diagnosis of endocarditis are at increased risk of reoccurrence. Additionally, onset of the condition results in fibrin and platelet deposits on the infection sites, which can lead to future complication such as heart attack or stroke (NHLBI, 2023). Self-Assessment Quiz Question #7 Which of the following can be caused by overexertion?
a. Myocarditis. b. Endocarditis. c. Pericarditis. d. All of the above.
Arterial disease Aneurysm
Blood clots Two common terms associated with blood clots are thrombosis and embolism . A thrombosis is a buildup of fatty materials that clog a blood vessel. A thrombotic blood clot stays in one place. An embolism is a clot that travels through the bloodstream, lodges into a different place, and causes an occlusion in an artery in the heart, lungs, or brain (Wenger et al., 2021). Antithrombotic medications include platelet inhibitors. These medications decrease the ability of platelets (thrombocytes) to form blood clots. They are typically utilized in combination with aspirin to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially in the presence of cardiac arrythmia or following bypass surgery or stent placement. Excessive dosing of platelet inhibitors can leave the patient vulnerable to excessive bleeding or bruising (Capodanno et al., 2018).
An aneurysm is an enlarged a blood vessel. The stretched arterial wall becomes thinner and weaker, which increases the risk of rupture. Treatment may include surgery, catheterization, angioplasty, stenting, or BP medications. One major site of occurrence is the abdominal segment of the aorta. Diagnoses of an abdominal aortic aneurysm jumped substantially in around 1970s, due in part to improved diagnostics and increased life spans. Genetics play a role in the risk of onset. Smoking is a leading contributor. Contemporary technologies include ultrasound as a reliable diagnostic tool. Endovascular surgical techniques are evolving and are increasingly replacing open abdominal surgical procedures (John Hopkins Medicine, n.d.).
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