CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

Function of the Cardiovascular System The Heart Blood Vessels Blood Cardiovascular Diseases Career Profiles

Function of the Cardiovascular System

PERFUSION:
Circulation of blood in an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells needs

If any part of the circulatory system fails, perfusion will be decreased.

Perfusion Triangle
Heart (Pump) -Damage from MI or trauma -Tachycardia/Bradycardia Blood Vessels (Pipe) -Adjust size to maintain blood pressure -Relative hypovolemia

Blood (Fluid) -Hemorrhage -Dehydration -Major burns

The Pump

The HEART
Muscular organ about the size of a fist. Very sensitive to decreases in blood supply. Two-sided pump
Right side sends blood to lungs (pulmonary) Left side sends blood to body (systemic)

Anatomy of the Heart

4 chambers
Atrium upper Ventricle lower

Septum Valves
Keep blood moving in one direction by closing to prevent backflow

Anatomy of the Heart

Coronary arteries
Branch off the base of the aorta Gives constant supply of blood and O2 to myocardium

Circulation pathway

4) Lungs

5) Pulmonary vein 1) Right atrium 6) Left atrium 2) Right ventricle 7) Left ventricle 3) Pulmonary artery 8) Aorta 9) Body 10) Vena cava

The Heartbeat
Sounds created by valves closing Creates a pressure wave that is felt as a pulse

Normal heart beat = 60-100 bpm

70-80 mL of blood ejected with each contraction Complete circulation takes about 1 minute

The Cardiac Cycle

Two phases Systole
Atria first Ventricles second Diastole Resting and filling

Physiology of the Myocardium

Cardiac tissue has automaticity
Can contract without signal from the brain

Cardiac conduction system

Specialized nerve tissue Creates a coordinated contraction of the entire heart

Cardiac Conduction System

Impulse starts in the SA node
Natural pacemaker

Moves through atria to the AV node

Cardiac Conduction System

Impulse travels down the septum in the bundle branches Spreads through the ventricles in the Purkinje fibers

Electrocardiogram
Graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart

The Pipes

ARTERIES
Function:
Carry blood away from the heart Carry oxygenated blood (EXCEPT pulmonary)

Description:
Thick walled, with a layer of muscle Under high pressure Can contract to control blood loss or blood pressure Small arteries = arterioles

Major Arteries
Central Aorta Coronary Pulmonary Carotid Femoral Peripheral Radial Brachial

CAPILLARIES
Function:
Exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste at the cellular level

Description:
Connect arterioles to venules Walls are 1-cell thick

VEINS
Function:
Carry blood back to the heart Carry de-oxygenated blood (EXCEPT pulmonary)

Description:
Thin walls Low pressure Valves prevent backflow Small veins = venules

Major Veins
Jugular Pulmonary Inferior vena cava Superior vena cava

Arteries & Veins

The Fluid

Blood
Adult
5-6 L of blood

Major functions
Transportation of nutrients and wastes Bleeding control (clotting) Regulation of body temperature

Blood components
Plasma

Blood cells
Erythrocytes Leukocytes Platelets

Plasma
Mostly water Carries many substances
Proteins Nutrients (glucose, minerals) Hormones Waste Blood cells

Erythrocytes (RBCs)
Produced in bone marrow Carry O2 and CO2 Hemoglobin Protein molecule containing iron

Leukocytes (WBCs)
Fight infection Several types, fight invaders by different means: Phagocytosis Produce antibodies Histamine

Platelets
Involved in the clotting process

Atherosclerosis
Narrowing and hardening of the arteries due to buildup of cholesterol.

Cardiac Stent
A stent is inserted to hold the diseased artery open.

Angina Pectoris
Chest pain caused by ischemia Decreased blood supply to the heart
Usually relieved with rest and NTG

Myocardial Infarction
AKA Heart Attack

Congestive Heart Failure

Heart is weakened and cannot pump effectively. Blood backs up:
Right heart failure
Lower extremities edema

Left heart failure

Pulmonary edema

Dysrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms caused by a disturbance in the conduction system
Normal sinus rhythm

Ventricular tachycardia

Implanted Devices
Pacemakers & Defibrillators Implanted devices designed to correct abnormal heart rhythms

Cardiology
Specialist in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the heart.
Heart attack, atherosclerosis, angina, CHF

May perform corrective surgery

CABG, Angioplasty

Hematology
Specialist in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues
Hemophilia, leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia

Cardiovascular Technician
Assist with cardiac procedures including catheterization and pacemaker placement

ECG & Ultrasound Technician

Operates ECG machines, ultrasound and Holter monitors to perform diagnostic testing

Questions?