Altered Physiology in Relation to Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) encompasses a range of conditions affecting the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, including both arterial and venous components. Here’s a detailed look at the altered physiology associated with both types of PVD: 1. Arterial Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD) Arterial […]
Category: Cardiovascular
Hypertension
Altered Physiology in Relation to Hypertension Hypertension, or high blood pressure, results from complex interactions between genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Here’s an overview of the altered physiology that contributes to and results from hypertension: 1. Vascular Resistance 2. Cardiac Output 3. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) 4. Endothelial Dysfunction 5. Sympathetic Nervous System 6. Genetic and […]
Cardiac Arrest causes (4H & 4T)
I Potential Causes of Cardiac Arrest: The 4 H’s and 4 T’s The 4 H’s 2. Hypovolemia: 3. Hypothermia/Hyperthermia 4. Hypo-/Hyperkalemia and Other Metabolic Disturbances (Hydrogen Ions H+ pH): The 4 T’s 2. Tamponade (Cardiac): 3. Toxins (Drug Overdose): 4. Thrombosis (Pulmonary or Coronary):
Cardiac vrs Skeletal Muscle
Comparison of Cardiac Muscle and Skeletal Muscle Feature Cardiac Muscle Skeletal Muscle Structure Involuntary, single nucleus, abundant mitochondria Voluntary, multi-nucleated, fewer mitochondria Function. Pumps blood Movement of bones and joints Control Involuntary, self-excitable Voluntary Contraction Rhythmic, sustained Voluntary, short bursts Blood Supply Dedicated network (coronary arteries) Increases with activity Regeneration Limited Higher capacity Additional Details […]
Cardiac Action Potential
The cardiac action potential is a sequence of electrical events that occur in the heart muscle cells (myocytes) to trigger their contraction. These action potentials are essential for the proper functioning of the heart, ensuring coordinated and rhythmic contractions. The action potential in cardiac cells is typically divided into five phases (0-4). Phases of the […]
Coronary 🫀Circulation
The coronary arteries are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle (myocardium). They originate from the base of the aorta and branch out to cover the surface of the heart. Major Coronary Arteries Coronary Veins The coronary veins are responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the myocardium and returning it to the right […]
Colloids, Crystalloids & blood products
Understanding the differences between colloids, crystalloids, and blood products is crucial in clinical practice, especially in fluid resuscitation and volume replacement therapies. Here’s a breakdown of each: Colloids: Description: Examples: Clinical Use: Considerations: Crystalloids: Description: Examples: Clinical Use: Considerations: Blood Products: Description: Examples: Clinical Use: Considerations: Summary:
Fluid management in ICU
Fluid management is a critical component of intensive care, where patients often present with complex fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The following detailed clinical indications necessitate fluid interventions, highlighting their relevance to ICU patients in the UK and incorporating guidelines from authoritative bodies such as NICE and the Royal College of Physicians. 1. Dehydration Clinical Indications: […]
Osmosis & Diffusion
Osmosis and Diffusion in Relation to Fluid Movements Understanding osmosis and diffusion is fundamental to comprehending how fluids and solutes move within and between the body’s compartments. These processes are critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and overall physiological balance. Diffusion Definition:Diffusion is the passive movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an […]
Fluid Compartments Within the Body
Understanding the distribution and dynamics of body fluids is critical for clinical practice, particularly in managing fluid and electrolyte imbalances. This knowledge is essential in the UK healthcare setting, where guidelines and protocols are informed by organisations like NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Intracellular Fluid (ICF): Accounts for about 60% of total […]