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Cardiovascular Diseases

Surgical Technologist Guides: Studying Cardiovascular Diseases

 

When we think of cardiovascular diseases, we often think of heart attacks or strokes fearing that they may ultimately lead to death.  However, these diseases are part of a vast category in medicine, and can range from a miniscule problem that can be dealt with by a simple prescription, to complicated issues that require cardiothoracic surgeons. For a disease that claims more lives a year than cancer, it can often be frustrating to find the appropriate resources. Many can be densely written: these are jargon-laden scientific articles for researchers, and not suited for a general audience.  To better assist navigation for this complicated subject matter, compiled below is a resource directory for a variety of cardiovascular diseases, for aspiring surgical technologists, scholars and all others alike.

Congenital Heart Defects

Congenital heart defects are heart diseases, disorders, or defects that arise from birth. Many congenital heart defects include an obstruction of blood flow or abnormal blood flow. Some severe congenital conditions may require surgery to repair the defect.

  • List of common heart defects
  • An information network for families and professionals

Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous malformations are often congenital (since birth) conditions that include an abnormal connection of veins and arteries. The majority of persons affected go asymptomatic, while others may require surgery.

Bacterial Endocarditis

Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the inner tissues of the heart. Endocarditis may cause interruption or abnormal blood flow, which may be slight to serious. It may also cause death if left untreated.

 

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Cardiac arrhythmia, or cardiac dysrhythmia pertains to irregularities in heart rhythm (too fast or slow). Many arrhythmias are considered minor annoyances and can go untreated, while others may be signs of more serious conditions, such as heart failure.

 

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of cardiac arrhythmia, involving the atriums (upper chambers) of the heart.

Long QT Syndrome

Long QT syndrome is a congenital heart condition that causes irregularity in heartbeat, leading to palpitations, dizziness and fainting, and ventricular fibrillation.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a condition (often in short, sudden spurts) in which the heart rate exceeds the normal rate. Because the heart pumps less efficiently when beating rapidly, tachycardia may potentially be dangerous.

 

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation occurs when the ventricles of the heart improperly contracts, causing disruption in blood flow, and cardiac arrest.

Cardiomegaly, Cardiomyopathy, and Hypertrophy

Cardiomegaly is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged. Cardiomyopathy encompasses diseases that affect the heart muscles, leading to deteriorating function. Hypertrophy occurs when the volume of cells in the heart increase.

 

Myocarditis

Myocarditis is an inflammation of heart muscles. Although it can be mistaken for a heart attack, myocarditis does not cause blockage of arteries.

  • A myocarditis resource from the NIH

Heart Failure

Heart failure is designated as any condition that causes the heart to perform abnormally, disrupting blood flow for the body. Conditions include cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease.

Heart Valve Diseases

Heart valve diseases include any defects or interruptions in the way the mitral or tricuspid valves perform.

Myocardial Ischemia

Myocardial ischemia is a discrepancy between oxygen supply and demand.

  • The BMJ on ischaemic heart disease
  • A site for cardiac ischemia recovery and prevention

Angina Pectoris

Severe chest pain due to a lack of blood and oxygen supply is known as angina pectoris. Angina is often caused by coronary artery disease (blockage).

  • The NIH on angina pectoris

Myocardial Infarction

More commonly known as a heart attack, a myocardial infarction is defined as a disruption of blood flow to the heart, causing it to cease in function. The most common reason for interruption is a blockage of arteries.

General Information on Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases affect the blood vessels of the circulatory system. This includes ischemia, atherosclerosis, and other buildups in the blood vessels.

Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm occurs in the artery carrying blood to the left ventricle. An aneurysm may burst when the volume of its size increases, causing hemorrhage or death.

Intracranial Aneurysm

Otherwise known as a brain aneurysm, the ballooning of an artery or vein occurs at the base of the brain.

Moyamoya Disease

Moyamoya syndrome is a when arteries in the brain become constricted, leading to blood flow interruptions.

Angiomatosis

Angiomatosis is a condition in which knots form in the capillaries.

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the arteries stiffen or harden.

Polyarteritis Nodosa

Polyarteritis nodosa is when arteries become swollen and/or damaged by immune cells, causing disrupted blood flow from heart to organs and tissues.

Intracranial Hemorrhages

Intracranial hemorrhaging occurs when there is bleeding within the skull. Common causes for brain bleeding are trauma injuries, as well as strokes.

Thrombosis

Thrombosis is a blood clot inside a blood vessel that often occurs when there is injury. Severe thrombosis will lead to complications including an obstruction of blood flow.

Hypertension

Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure. Hypertension is influenced by other cardiovascular conditions, diet, and lifestyles.

  • The NIH on malignant hypertension
  • Hypertension and cardiovascular physiology
  • The NIH defining hypertension

Hypotension

Opposite of hypertension, hypotension is a condition involving abnormally low blood pressure. In less severe cases, hypotension can lead to dizziness, due to the lack of oxygenated blood reaching the body. In more extreme cases, the subdued supply and demand of blood throughout the body may cause severe damage to organs.

 

Peripheral Vascular Diseases

Peripheral vascular diseases affect arteries that are not near the heart or brain. Typical cases of PVD include atherosclerosis, embolism, or thrombosis of limbs.

Varicose Veins

Veins that become enlarged and noticeably visible from the skin’s surface are called varicose veins. It occurs where there is dysfunction in blood flow.

  • A guide to varicose veins and their surgery
  • A FAQ on varicose veins

Vasculitis

Vasculitis affects both veins and arteries, where they become inflamed and destroyed.

 

General Cardiovascular Disease Links

 

Other Heart Disease Resource Links

Image source: http://scopeblog.stanford.edu