Discussion – Week 4
Cardiovascular Disorders
Veins and arteries are vital elements of the cardiovascular
system. They carry the blood supply through the body and are essential for
proper function. Sometimes veins and arteries malfunction, resulting in
cardiovascular disorders. Malfunctions of arteries and veins are similar to
malfunctions of a water hose. Consider the structure and function of a hose. A
tap releases water, which then travels through the hose and comes out the other
end. If the hose has been dormant for several months, dirt and rusty particles
might build up inside, resulting in a restricted flow of water. Similarly,
buildup of plaque inside the coronary arteries restricts blood flow and leads
to disorders such as coronary heart disease. This disease is one of the most common
cardiovascular disorders, and according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute (2011), is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United
States. In this Discussion, you examine the pathophysiology of cardiovascular
disorders such as coronary heart disease.
To prepare:
· Review this
week’s media presentation on alterations of cardiovascular functions, as well
as Chapter 23 in the Huether and McCance text. Identify the pathophysiology of
cardiovascular disorders.
· Select one
patient factor: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Consider how the
factor you selected might impact the pathophysiology of cardiovascular
disorders.
· Select one
of the following alterations of cardiovascular disorders: peripheral arterial
disease, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, congestive heart
failure, or dysrhythmia. Think about how hypertension or dyslipidemia can lead
to the alteration you selected.
By Day 3
Post a description of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular
disorders, including how the factor you selected might impact the
pathophysiology. Then, explain how hypertension or dyslipidemia can lead to the
alteration you selected for patients with the factor you identified.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different
days who selected different alterations and factors than you, in one or more of
the following ways:
· Share
insights on how the factor you selected impacts the cardiovascular alteration
your colleague selected.
· Offer and
support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from
your own research in the Walden Library.
· Validate an
idea with your own experience and additional research.
Reference:
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2011). What is
coronary heart disease? Retrieved from
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cad/
