6.3 Common Cardiovascular Disorders
Now that we have reviewed the basic anatomy and physiology concepts of the cardiovascular and renal system, let’s review common cardiovascular disorders.
However, too much bad cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. The medical term for high blood cholesterol is hyperlipidemia. There are many types of cholesterol (see Figure 6.15 for basic types of cholesterol[1]).
- Total cholesterol: All the cholesterols combined
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Often called “good” cholesterol because it promotes the excretion of cholesterol. Exercise helps to increase HDL and remove cholesterol from the bloodstream
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Often called “bad” cholesterol because it stores cholesterol in the bloodstream, which contributes to atherosclerosis
For many people, abnormal cholesterol levels are partly due to lifestyle choices, including a diet that is high in fat, being overweight, or lack of exercise. However, disorders can also be hereditary (i.e., passed down through families) that lead to abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.[2] In addition to lifestyle modifications such as a low-fat diet and exercise, hyperlipidemia is treated with antilipidemic medication such as atorvastatin to help prevent long-term complications.
Hypertension
Chronically elevated blood pressure is known clinically as hypertension. High blood pressure is treated with lifestyle changes and medication. The American Heart Association guidelines state that hypertension should be treated at 130/80 mm Hg rather than the previous standard of 140/90 mm Hg.[3] See Figure 6.16[4] for an image of a health care professional obtaining an accurate blood pressure reading that will be used to determine a treatment plan for the client.
About 68 million Americans currently suffer from hypertension. Unfortunately, hypertension is often a silent disease, meaning no symptoms occur until complications happen, so clients may fail to recognize the seriousness of their condition and fail to follow their treatment plan. The result is often a heart attack or stroke. Hypertension may also lead to an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel caused by a weakening of the wall), peripheral arterial disease (obstruction of vessels in peripheral regions of the body), myocardial infarction (heart attack), chronic kidney disease, or heart failure.[5]
Many cardiovascular medications are commonly used to treat hypertension such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.
Thrombi and Emboli
Thrombi are most commonly caused by vessel damage to the endothelial lining, which activates the clotting mechanism. A thrombus can seriously impede blood flow to tissue or organs. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur when blood in the veins, particularly in the legs, remains stationary for long periods, such as during and after surgery. See Figure 6.17[6] for an image