Definitions of Cardiovascular Disorders
Hypertension:
Definition: Hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure greater than 90 mm Hg, based on two or more measurements.
- Hypertension describes blood pressure levels that would benefit the patient if reduced, considering other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Blood pressure below 130/85 mm Hg is considered normal.
- Hypertension is classified as essential (primary, idiopathic) or secondary to other diseases and commonly affects the kidneys.
Hypotension:
Definition: Hypotension is low blood pressure, usually <90 mm Hg systolic.
- It may result from other conditions such as shock or Addison’s disease.
- Low blood pressure can cause inadequate brain perfusion, leading to fainting or, in severe cases, death.
- Postural hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing, causing dizziness or syncope.
Arteriosclerosis:
Definition: Thickening and stiffening of blood vessels, sometimes restricting blood flow to organs and tissues.
Atherosclerosis:
Definition: A vascular disease characterized by lipid accumulation and invasion of leukocytes and smooth muscle cells into the intima, potentially forming arterial plaques.
Angina:
Definition: Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand, commonly due to atherosclerotic coronary arteries failing to perfuse the heart during increased myocardial activity.
Myocardial Infarction:
Definition: MI occurs when blood flow in a coronary artery is reduced due to atherosclerosis or artery occlusion by a thrombus or embolus.
Congestive Heart Failure:
Definition: Inability of the heart to pump blood at a rate sufficient to meet tissue metabolic demands, or only at an elevated filling pressure.
Cardiac Arrhythmias:
Definition: Disorders of heart rate or rhythm resulting from abnormal impulse generation or conduction. Normal sinus rhythm is 60–100 b.p.m.
Sinus tachycardia: >100 b.p.m. at rest, can accompany exercise or anxiety; may indicate fever, hyperthyroidism, or other cardiac conditions.
Sinus bradycardia: <60 b.p.m., may occur during sleep or in athletes; abnormal if following MI or with raised intracranial pressure.
Detailed Notes
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