Cardiovascular Assessment

Week 5 Special topic Diploma of Applied Science (Anaesthetic Technology)

Anatomy Review
Heart
Specialised Tissues Multi chambered & valved Electrical conduction system

Blood Vessels
Arteries Veins

Blood

Conduction system

Systolic Pressure
The maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. In a blood pressure reading, the systolic pressure is typically the first number recorded. It is usually expressed in mmHG e.g.120 mmHg

Diastolic pressure
Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in your blood vessels between contractions The pressure observed during atrial and ventricular filling This follows the Systolic reading and is expressed in mmHg. E.g. 120 / 80 mmHg

Mean Arterial Pressure

MAP is defined as the average arterial blood pressure during a single cardiac cycle Can be calculated using

Normal range is around 70-110 mmHg

Measurement
Electronic
Uses an automated pump to inflate a cuff and translates pressure differences into a reading

Manually
Requires a sphygmomanometer, stethoscope and practice!

Pulse assessment
Sites Rhythm Amplitude Rate

Values and Interpretation

The Importance of baseline recordings Any reading after a baseline can be
Within normal limits Abnormal

Interpretation

Cardiovascular Disease
Atherosclerosis / Arteriosclerosis (Ischaemic Heart Disease) Hypertension Angina Myocardial Infarction Arrhythmias

Atherosclerosis / Arteriosclerosis
Contributes to Ischaemic heart Disease Caused by gradual build up of plaque on vessel walls. Accelerated by high Cholesterol

Hypertension
Often a result of Athero/Arterio sclerosis Chronic Elevation of Blood pressure May be Primary or Secondary Multiple Risk groups

Angina
Severe chest pain due to ischemia of the heart muscle Usually occurs during physical exertion or stress Generally lasts 3-5 minutes

Myocardial Infarction
An occlusion or blockage of arteries supplying the muscles of the heart, resulting in injury or necrosis of the heart muscle

Arrhythmias
Broad description of any abnormal electrical activity There are a number of conditions that cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow or irregularly

Others to research..
Aneurysms Coronary Artery Disease Congestive Heart Failure Cerebrovascular Events (Stroke)

Resources
http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practiceclinical-research/practical-procedures-archive/ http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/5504/ $File/cardiovascular-toolkit.doc http://www.medterms.com/script/main/hp.asp http://bcs.whfreeman.com/thelifewire/content/ch p49/49020.html http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/con ditions/cvd.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/arrh ythmias/htm/_no_50_no_0.htm