The Cardiovascular System

Procedures To Treat and Diagnose Diseases of the Cardiovascular System

Cheryl A. Kirby

Biology 120Chapter 5

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

CVD – broad term used to describe many diseases of the heart and blood vessels

3 Procedures Used to Diagnose or Treat CVD

Stress Testing

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

Stripping and Ligation

Stress Testing

Used to diagnose CVD

Some heart problems easier to diagnose when heart is working hard

Risks usually minimal, same as with any strenuous exercise

Tests last about 1 hour

Stress Testing Procedure

Patient will walk or run on a treadmill

Electrodes placed on chest, shoulders, and hips and connected to EKG machine for monitoring

Treadmill started slowly with speed and incline increased periodically

Doctor monitors heart rate, blood pressure, EKG pattern changes, irregular heart rhythms, patient’s appearance and symptoms

Test ends when patient reaches 85% of maximum heart rate for his/her age

May be stopped sooner if needed

Stress Testing Procedure Continued

Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

Used for treatment of atherosclerosis Blood vessels become blocked with

plaque May cause heart attack or heart muscle

damage if left untreated Some risks PTCA is performed to open up blood

vessels for sufficient blood flow Patient usually stays 1-2 days in

hospital

PTCA Procedure

Patient is given general anesthesia and blood thinners, dye is injected so doctor can follow catheter on x-ray screen

Small incision is made, usually in groin area

Catheter, balloon-tipped tube, is inserted and threaded to blockage

Balloon is inflated pushing plaque to wall of artery

Stent may be left in place so artery stays open

PTCA Procedure Continued

Ligation and Stripping

Treatment of varicose veins Valves in veins leak, causing blood to

flow backward and pool inside vein Causes pain, swelling, cramping Can lead to leg ulcers

Generally very safe procedure, very little pain, very few risks

Procedure takes 2-3 hours, outpatient basis

Ligation and Stripping Procedure

Patient is given sedative and regional and/or general anesthesia

Incision is made at site Flexible instrument is

threaded up vein Dilated vein is either

removed or tied off Afterwards, a

compression stocking or bandage is worn

Conclusion

Many types of CVD can be prevented and treated with lifestyle and diet changes Eat a heart-healthy diet Don’t smoke Avoid or reduce stress Exercise regularly Limit alcohol consumption