The Cardiovascular System

Frederick Nsatimba (Mr.)

 Introduction

 The circulatory system comprises the heart, the blood vessels

and the blood.
 The function of the circulatory system is not only the transport
of oxygen, but also removal of toxins from the blood to be
excreted by the kidneys, lungs and skin, and
 to deliver hormones and nutrients to various parts of the body
 Changes Associated with Ageing
 Heart muscle weakens and/or enlarges, resulting in less effective
pumping of blood around the body (reduced cardiac output)
 Blood vessels stiffen (atherosclerosis) and inner lining of vessels
roughens (arteriosclerosis)
 Blood pressure increases

 Cardiac conduction (hearts electrical system) becomes less

effective – may result in abnormal cardiac rhythms.
 Signs and Symptoms of CVS Disorders
 Blood pressure changes
 Heart rate (pulse) changes
 Pain
 Dizziness
 Fatigue
 Fainting
 Oedema (fluid/swelling)
 Skin changes such as coldness, cyanosis (bluish tinge)
 Easy bruising
 Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing)
 Postural hypotension (marked drop in blood pressure for lying or sitting to
standing
Common Health Problems Associated with the CVS

 Hypertension – sustained, elevated blood pressure.

 This puts stress on the blood vessel walls and if left untreated
damages the blood vessels which may result in conditions such as
stroke, heart attack or renal failure.
 Clients experiencing hypertension may present with the following
signs and symptoms:
 headache,
 dizziness,
 blurred vision,
 reddened face.
 However, hypertension may also cause no symptoms.

 Clients with hypertension may also have underlying

conditions such as heart or kidney disease.
 Heart Failure
 Is the inability of the heart to maintain circulation sufficient to
meet the body’s needs.
 Abnormal retention of water and sodium leads to oedema (fluid
retention) with congestion of the lungs (left sided heart failure) or
the peripheral circulation (right sided heart failure) or both.
 Presenting problems include
 breathlessness, and/or
 swelling of the ankles,
 fatigue and possibly
 confusion depending on the degree of hypoxia (oxygen
insufficiency).
 There are a number of causes of heart failure including:
 coronary artery disease,

 infection,

 excessive alcohol intake and

 congenital abnormalities of the heart.

 A client coughing up pink, frothy sputum may be suffering

heart failure.
 Conduction Disorders
 known as arrhythmias, these are unusual electrical conduction of the
heart resulting in an abnormal rate and/or rhythm of the heart beat.
 Conduction disorders may occur in the top of the heart (atria) or the
bottom (ventricles).
 One of the most common rhythm disturbances is atrial fibrillation
(AF).
 Presenting problems may be an
 irregular pulse,
 dizziness,
 palpitations,
 breathlessness and
 tiredness.
 Rhythm abnormalities originating in the ventricles are life
threatening.
 Abnormal heat rates may be fast or slow and treatment will
depend on the cause.
 For example, a cardiac pacemaker may be inserted for a
slow heart rate, whilst a rapid heart rate may require
electrical conversion such as defibrillation
 Valve Disease
 the valves of the heart may be damaged or diseased from
either infection, heart disease or congenital abnormality.
 The affected valve may be repaired of replaced depending
on the individual case.
 Replacement valves may be mechanical (metal alloy) or
tissue (pig valve).
 Coronary Artery Disease
 Angina – symptoms experienced due to an inadequate
supply of oxygen to the cardiac muscle caused by narrowing
of one or more of the coronary arteries.
 Angina may be brought on by exercise or stress, but may also
occur at rest in some people.
 problems may include:
fatigue,
chest tightness,
heaviness or pain – with or without radiation to the arm(s),
jaw or back.
 Angina is a warning sign.

 Myocardial Infarction or “heart attack” – occurs when a narrowed
coronary artery becomes completely occluded (blocked), usually by
a blood clot, and results in death of myocardial muscle tissue due
to a lack of oxygen.
 Presenting problems may include:
chest pain – may be crushing and possibly radiating to left arm, jaw
and/or back,
paleness,
clamminess/ sweating,
nausea and or vomiting and
shortness of breath.
 A heart attack is a medical emergency and urgent treatment must
be sought immediately.
 Risk Factors for diseases of the CVS
 Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in
most countries.
 However, a large number of these deaths are preventable
with modifications to lifestyle.
 The greater number of risk factors as person has for
cardiovascular disease, the greater the likelihood of
developing one or more of the conditions above.
 Risk factors include:
 Family history of cardiovascular disease
 Smoking
 Diabetes
 Hypertension
 Overweight
 Diet high in saturated and trans fats
 Sedentary Lifestyle
 Increased cholesterol
 Excessive alcohol
 Healthy Lifestyle Interventions for the CVS
 Eat a healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats, but
include a selection of healthy fats such as omega 3 oils.
 Exercise regularly
 Maintain a healthy weight
 Maintain cholesterol levels within normal limits
 Maintain blood pressure within normal limits
 Don’t smoke
 No alcohol or Limit alcohol
 Know your family health history and
 have regular health checks.
 Responsibilities of Care Workers
 As a Care Worker caring for clients with CVS problems, you
may be required to undertake the following:
 Checking, recording and reporting vital signs (temperature,
pulse, blood pressure, respiration)
 Completing fluid balance chart
 Daily weight of the client
 Assist with oxygen therapy as required
 Assist with activities of daily living
 Application of anti-thrombotic stockings
 Assistance with maintenance of healthy lifestyle practices
 ACTIVITY

1. What is the difference between Angina and a Myocardial

Infarction or “heart attack”?

2. List 5 risk factors for developing heart disease.

3. Mrs. Buamam is a resident in your low care facility. She has

a known history of heart disease and complains to you of
chest pain. Outline your responsibilities and actions in this
situation.
Summary