Condition | Description | Cause | Manifestation | Treatment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Atherosclerosis | Hardening and thickening of the arterial walls | Genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, increased LDL, decreased HDL, autoimmune | None | Diet, decreased fat, decrease alcohol, weight control, exercises |
Transient Ischemic Attack | Episode of neurological dysfunction lasting minutes to hours. “mini stroke. No necrosis of brain tissue | Temporary reduction in blood flow from a partial occlusion of an artery | Dizziness, sleepiness, altered sensations, confusions, difficulty swallowing, lack of coordination | Prevention and weight loss, low dose aspirin |
Cerebrovascular Accidents (CVA) | Acute, focal neurological deficit, secondary to vascular disorder Classifications: Hemorrhagic Stroke – when there’s a bleed in the brain. More fatal than ischemic Ischemic Stroke – Lack of oxygen to brain | Hemorrhagic: high blood pressure, trauma, tumours Ischemic: cerebral thrombosis | Hemorrhagic: sudden onset of headache and incoordination, come and death Ischemic: F.A.S.T | Corticosteroids, anticonvulsant, clot-buster, drugs to manage hypertension |
Myocardial Infarction | Decreased blood flow causing necrosis of heart tissues | Occlusions of coronary artery | Pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, pressure on chest | Go to the hospital, Cardiovascular rehab |
Coronary Artery Disease | Decreased blood flow to the heart | Atherosclerosis | Angina, dysrthymias, shortness of breath | Prevention, weight loss, blood thinners, beta blockers |
Dysrthymias | Any change in heart rate or rhythm | Abnormal K+ levels, heart attack, congenital heart disease, hyperthyroid, drugs, alcohol, caffeine | Often asymptomatic, slow, fast or irregular heart rate, chest pain, fatigue | Shock, defibrillation, pacemakers, medication |
Hypertension | Elevation of blood pressure more than 140/90 | Idiopathic, secondary to kidney disease | Asymptomatic, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, stupor, confusion | Change diet, exercise, decrease alcohol consumption, sodium, stress |
Congestive Heart Failure | Heart fails because it can no longer pump blood either because it is too weak or unable to fill up | CAD, infection, congenital heart disease, MI, heart valve disease | Low salt diet, cease smoking, exercise with caution, weight loss, resting after exercise and eating, blood thinners, valve replacement | |
Varicose Veins | Enlarged, swollen, tortuous veins filled with stagnant blood | Pregnancy, standing for prolonged periods, increased abdominal pressure | Fullness in legs, aching in legs, visible veins, cankles | Decrease standing, standing on anti-fatigue mats, wear support stockings |
Aneurysms | Weak point in blood vessels, usually artery, making it prone to rupture | Genetics, Marfan’s Syndrome, Bacterial/fungal infections, CAD | Asymptomatic until grown to significant size. Cerebral : Double or loss of vision Thoracic: Chest/ upper back pain Abdominal: Pulse in abdomen, pain in low back | Watch and wait |

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