Imbalance of Cardiac Output & Heart Pathologies

• Congestive Heart Failure - heart cannot pump sufficiently to meet needs of the body
  

• Coronary Atherosclerosis - leads to gradual occlusion of heart vessels, reducing oxygen nutrient supply to cardiac muscle cells; (fat & salt diet, smoking, stress)
• High Blood Pressure - when aortic pressure gets to large, left ventricle cannot pump properly, increasing ESV, and lowering SV
• Myocardial Infarct (MI) - "heart cell death" due to numerous factors, including coronary artery occlusion
• Pulmonary Congestion - failure of LEFT heart; leads to buildup of blood in the lungs
• Peripheral Congestion - failure of RIGHT heart; pools in body, leading to edema (fluid buildup in areas such as feet, ankles, fingers)

1. Congenital Heart Defects - heart problems that are present at the time of birth
   
1. Patent Ductus Arteriosus - bypass hole between pulmonary trunk and aorta does not close
2. Sclerosis of AV valves - fatty deposits on valves; particularly the mitral valve of LEFT side; leads to heart murmur
3. Decline in cardiac reserve - heart efficiency decreases with age
4. Fibrosis and conduction problems - nodes and conduction fibers become scarred over time; may lead to arrhythmias

Category: Pathology Notes , Physiology Notes