Image transcription text Step 3 Post a response to the

Image transcription text Step 3 Post a response to the discussion board. In your post, describe the alterations in cardiovascular functioning associated with the disorder yo… Show more PEER POSTS 1. The heart constantly pumps blood through the blood vessels, working closely with the nervous and endocrine systems to regulate its function and that of the vessels. It is positioned obliquely in the mediastinum, which lies above the diaphragm and between the lungs (Huether et al., 2020). The World Health Organization (2024) has recognized cardiovascular diseases as the leading cause of death globally with deaths of 17.9 million lives every year. Key behaviors that increase the risk of heart disease include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, usage of tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption. Environmental factors like air pollution also play a significant role. These behaviors can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, elevated blood lipid levels, and obesity. One example of cardiovascular disorder is rheumatic heart disease, the most commonly acquired cardiovascular disease under age 25, particularly in low-income settings. This condition stems from an infection caused by the pathogen, group A streptococcus, that can be transmitted easily from person to person. The immune system is triggered to fight off the infection, however, due to antigenic similarity between the group A streptococcal components and the human connective tissue, the body mistakenly attacks the connective tissues, leading to inflammation and scarring of the heart valves, known as rheumatic fever. The inflammation and scarring then result in rheumatic heart disease. Common clinical manifestations of rheumatic heart disease include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, edema in the abdomen, hands, or feet, fatigue, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. These symptoms result from the scarring and inflammation of the heart valves leading to valve stenosis or regurgitation, which puts additional strain and disrupts the effective distribution of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. According to another article by the World Health Organization (2020), there is no cure for rheumatic heart disease and the damage to the heart valves is permanent. Patients typically need surgery to replace or repair the damaged valves. The primary approach involves medications to address symptoms. Rheumatic heart disease is preventable. Since it stems from rheumatic fever, a key preventive measure is stopping it from developing. This can be achieved by treating strep throat with the correct antibiotics. 2. Aortic dissection is a medical emergency that can be as sudden as it is life-threatening. Imagine the aorta, the body’s largest artery, as a thick-walled tunnel that channels blood from the heart to the rest of the body. In an aortic dissection, the inner layer of this tunnel tears, and blood begins to force its way between the layers, causing them to split apart. This process can disrupt blood flow to vital organs and even lead to an aortic rupture, which can be fatal. As an RN with experience in med-surg and home health, I’ve seen how crucial early recognition is for conditions like this. The most common symptom is excruciating chest pain, often described as tearing or ripping, that radiates to the back, neck, or abdomen. It’s the kind of pain that makes patients immediately seek help, but it can sometimes be mistaken for a heart attack. Other signs that can help distinguish it include a difference in blood pressure between the arms or a weak pulse in the extremities. Some patients may experience stroke-like symptoms or kidney failure as the condition worsens. Aortic dissection is often linked to chronic high blood pressure, which gradually weakens the walls of the aorta. Certain genetic conditions, like Marfan syndrome, can also increase the risk by making the connective tissue in the aorta more fragile. In the ER, controlling the patient’s blood pressure is critical to prevent the tear from getting worse. Surgery may be necessary to repair the aorta and prevent a rupture. In addition to emergency care, long-term prevention is vital. Educating patients about managing high blood pressure and reducing other risk factors is crucial. In my experience, providing clear instructions on lifestyle changes and follow-up care can make a world of difference in preventing future issues *********** N/B: MY OWN POST Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and complex cardiovascular disorder characterized by the heart’s inability to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s metabolic demands. This condition can result from various underlying causes, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and myocardial infarction. The alterations in cardiovascular functioning associated with heart failure can be understood through its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and systemic effects. In heart failure, the heart’s pumping efficiency is compromised due to either a decrease in contractility (systolic heart failure) or the inability of the heart to relax and fill properly (diastolic heart failure). The left ventricle is often affected, leading to a decreased cardiac output. This reduction in output triggers compensatory mechanisms, such as neurohormonal activation, where the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are activated to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs (McMurray & Pfeffer, 2005). However, these compensatory mechanisms can lead to further cardiac remodeling and worsening of heart function over time. Clinically, patients with heart failure may present with a variety of manifestations that reflect both the heart’s impaired function and the body’s compensatory responses. Common symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention leading to edema, particularly in the lower extremities and pulmonary circulation. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs can result in orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, which significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life (Yancy et al., 2013). Additionally, patients may exhibit signs of reduced perfusion, such as cool extremities and altered mental status, particularly in acute decompensated heart failure. In summary, heart failure is a multifaceted disorder that signifies significant alterations in cardiovascular functioning. The interplay between impaired cardiac output, compensatory mechanisms, and systemic manifestations outlines the complexity of this condition. Effective management requires a comprehensive understanding of these alterations and their implications for patient care. The integration of pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education is essential for optimizing outcomes in individuals with heart failure.

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