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Peripheral Vascular Disorder: Arteriosclerosis - Coggle Diagram
Peripheral Vascular Disorder: Arteriosclerosis
Definition
Blood vessel endothelium is made up of a single layer of cells and its primary functions are
Protective Barrier
Endothelium acts as a protective layer that separates the blood inside the vessel from the underlying tissues
Anti-Clotting Surface
Secretes proteins on its surface to prevent the blood from clotting, the proteins secreted by the endothelium ensure that blood flows smoothly without clotting when it’s not needed. This helps prevent conditions like thrombosis (the formation of a clot within a blood vessel)
Hardening of the artery walls can interfere with blood flow and disrupt the normal function of the circulatory system
Atheromatous plaques and happen in the innermost wall of the blood vessel called the tunica intima or endothelium
Change impedes proper blood flow, potentially leading
to cardiovascular problems
Medical term encompasses various types of arterial stiffening, where the arteries—blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body—lose their elasticity
Atherosclerosis is a common disease that develops when a sticky plaque builds up in your arteries - plaque - A substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood
A condition where the arterial walls thicken, harden, and lose their elasticity
As plaque builds up, your arteries narrow. This reduces the
supply of oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs in the body
“Arterio” which is Greek for artery, and sclerosis which is Greek for “hardening”
Pathophysiology
Arteriolosclerosis
Condition that affects the small arteries and
arterioles (small branches of arteries), causing thickening of the arterial walls. This type is often related to high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes
Atherosclerosis
Most common form of arteriosclerosis, where plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) builds up in the arterial walls, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow
Etiology
High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
Leads to plaque buildup in arteries
Diabetes
Elevates the risk of artery hardening
Hypertension
High blood pressure damages the arterial walls
Smoking
Damages blood vessels and accelerates plaque formation
Aging
Arteries naturally stiffen over time
Genetic predisposition
Family history can increase risk
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of physical activity contributes to the development
Complications
Heart Disease
Reduced blood flow from stiff arteries can lead to coronary artery disease, increasing the risk of heart attacks
Stroke
Stiffening of arteries leading to the brain can cause reduced blood flow, leading to stroke
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Stiff arteries increase resistance to blood flow, which can raise blood pressure
Kidney Disease
If the arteries to the kidneys are affected, this can result in poor kidney function
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms)
Numbness or weakness in the limbs
Fatigue
Leg pain when walking (intermittent claudication)
Difficulty speaking or confusion if cerebral arteries are involved
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure
Chest pain (angina)
Investigation
Doppler ultrasound
Examines blood flow in arteries
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to assess blood flow
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Assesses heart function
Angiography
Uses a contrast dye and X-ray to visualize blood flow
Blood tests
Check cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels
CT Scan/MRI
Provides detailed images of the arteries
Management (Lifestyle Modification)
Smoking Cessation
Quitting smoking to reduce further damage to blood vessels
Weight Management
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
Exercise
Regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health and manage weight
Stress Management
Techniques like relaxation and mindfulness to reduce stress
Diet
A heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those from fish, nuts, and olive oil)
Management (Medication)
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
To help control blood pressure and prevent further artery damage
Calcium Channel Blockers
To help lower blood pressure
Beta-Blockers
To lower blood pressure and reduce strain on the heart
Diuretics
To manage fluid retention and reduce blood pressure
Antiplatelet Agents
Medications like aspirin or clopidogrel to reduce the risk of blood clots
Ezetimibe
To lower cholesterol levels by reducing cholesterol absorption in the intestines
Statins
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin) to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and stabilize plaque
Management (Procedures)
Angioplasty
A procedure where a balloon is inserted into a narrowed artery and inflated to open the artery. Sometimes a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
Bypass Surgery
In severe cases, bypass surgery may be performed to reroute blood flow around blocked arteries
Management (Monitoring & Regular)
Follow-ups
Regular check-ups to monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular health
Ongoing management of risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol
Nursing Care
Promoting physical activity to enhance circulation
Dietary counselling for a heart-healthy diet
Administering medications as prescribed (e.g., antiplatelets, statins)
Emotional support to reduce stress
Vital sign monitoring for blood pressure and heart rate
Encouragement to quit smoking
Monitoring for signs of complications, such as severe pain or signs of a stroke
Nursing Diagnosis
Chronic pain related to impaired ability of peripheral vessels to supply tissues with oxygen
Risk for impaired skin integrity related to compromised circulation
Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion related to compromised circulation
Deficient knowledge regarding self-care activities