Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 heart failure. The surgery is done by transecting the aorta, pulmonary artery, and superior and inferior vena cava. Further, the left atrium is divided such that the back wall along with the pulmonary vein openings remains intact. Then, the heart of the donor is connected and sewn together with the aorta, pulmonary artery, and the divided portion of the left atrium. Reasons for transplantation include non-functioning of both ventricles and a situation of severe heart failure. Congenital defect with single ventricle, long standing obstruction, or leakage from the valve are other reasons for transplantation. Transplant is done after matching the blood group and the body size of the donor and the recipient. Immunosuppressive medications are given post- transplantation so that the immune system of the recipient does not reject the new heart. 3.4 Atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis is the situation in which the arteries that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to other body parts becomes thick and stiff, leading to a restricted flow of blood to the organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis is a special type of arteriosclerosis in which fats, cholesterol, and other substances get stuck on the walls of the artery, commonly known as plaques, and restrict the normal flow of the blood. These plaques have the capability to trigger a blood clot. Risk Factors Risk factors for atherosclerosis include unhealthy levels of blood cholesterol, that are either or both high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol; high blood pressure, that is generally over 140/90; smoking as it damages and tightens the blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and increases blood cholesterol; insulin resistance and diabetes; obesity; lack of physical activity; unhealthy diet; older age coupled with lifestyle factors; and family history of heart disease. Some other emerging risk factors include high levels of C-reactive protein and triglycerides in the blood. Other factors that have the ability to cause atherosclerosis are sleep apnea, stress, and excessive alcohol. Vascular Disease There are three kinds of cardiovascular diseases that can be caused due to the plaques of atherosclerosis: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. Coronary artery disease includes plaques in the arteries of the heart and can cause chest pain called angina on exertion, death of heart muscles, myocardial infarction, and even heart attack. The cerebrovascular disease is caused as the plaques get ruptured in the arteries of the brain and can cause a temporary or permanent blockage. Temporary artery blockage can lead to transient ischemic attacks and acts as a signal for strokes. The permanent blockage can cause strokes and even permanent damage of the brain. Finally, peripheral artery disease is caused when the plaques lead to narrowing of the arteries of the legs, which hinders the normal circulation of blood. Symptoms include pain while walking and poor healing process of wounds. In extreme cases, it can result in amputation. Achieve Page 53