Definition of Atherosclerosis
The build-up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances like triglycerides in the artery wall. The build-up forms a plaque that restricts the flow of blood. Although atherosclerosis is mostly found in arteries it may be found also in a vein. This causes the flow of blood to be restricted and the artery to become stiff.
Below is the illustration of atherosclerosis in an artery:
The Build-up of Atherosclerosis in Your Arteries and the Heart
This happens when your LDL cholesterol is too high as well as high levels of triglycerides. Your arteries will start forming a build-up of plaque on the inner lining of the artery and in time will form atherosclerosis. When arteries then become stiff, they are not as flexible as they should be, and the heart will be forced to work harder. Arteries always assist the heart in moving blood through your body and becoming stiff is a problem for the heart.
Prevent the Formation of Atherosclerosis.
It is very necessary to keep a good balance of cholesterol levels making sure you consume the correct foods, to have a higher HDL than LDL level in your blood.
Cut out foods high in triglycerides to prevent atherosclerosis from forming.
Also, exercising and not smoking, as well as not consuming alcohol will help us keep our bad cholesterol in check.
Consequences of The Build-up of Atherosclerosis
What Can Happen if I Have a Build-up of Atherosclerosis and Vital Organs?
This build-up starts as a plaque on the inner lining of the blood vessel and then restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart, and brain.
It may also build up in your arms and legs which may lead to pain and claudication (cramps, pain, and fatigue)
Oxygen flow to any part of the body is fatal.
Effects of Atherosclerosis and The Heart
Let us look at how this can affect the heart:
Definition of CAD (coronary artery disease)
In the heart, we will have a disease called coronary artery disease. When the artery starts narrowing because of the build-up of atherosclerosis, blood flow is compromised and, in some cases, the artery may be completely blocked. This then leads to the death of the area where the blood flow cannot get to. This is then called a heart attack.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptom of CAD (coronary artery disease) is Angina. Angina means chest pain and is especially felt when the person starts exercising or walks faster.
Sometimes there may be no pain of Angina but the person will still have CAD. The patient may feel dizzy, have pale skin, have trouble breathing, or may rub the left side or centre of the chest.
Your Duties as a Nurse
You should assist your clients with their medication reminders, and follow the orders from the physician, you should know the following:
- The medication that is normally prescribed is nitro glycerine which will help the arteries to relax for blood to flow.
- Clients with CAD should not exercise too long or too hard, should not become too stressed, and not eat large meals.
- CAD may also be a reason for Congestive heart failure
CHF (congestive heart failure) Definition and Explanation
What is congestive heart failure? When the heart cannot pump your blood well enough to meet your body’s needs.
Over time when the heart becomes tired of pumping too fast, the heart starts weakening and the left ventricle of the heart may become stretched out.
The body’s way of trying to get oxygen to the cells when the heart is too weak to do so, the kidneys will retain more water and salt, rather than excrete it through urine. The water H2O contains oxygen that the heart cannot pump but this excess fluid in turn causes a condition called oedema. Oedema is a condition whereby the excess fluid causes tissue to become swollen, and this normally starts in the feet, ankles, and then legs. This leads to sudden weight gain.
When the heart then fails as it has been overworked, blood will back up and fluid will leak back into the lungs causing left- heart failure.
Right heart failure may also happen when the heart is trying to pump the blood into the lungs, blood is left behind as the heart is too weak to pump and this is called right heart failure.
Patients with CHF may have sudden weight gain, fatigue (not enough oxygen is pumped through the body and the person feels tired), oedema, and dyspnoea (shortness of breath).
Oedema
The build-up of fluids in the body that will cause swelling in the affected tissues. Oedema normally starts showing in the feet and ankles. When you gently press on the skin for 5 to 10 seconds and then release the finger, a dimple will appear in the skin where your finger was. This is also called the pitting test.
Your Duties as a Nurse
You should monitor vital signs, check daily weight, record the input and output of fluids, and plan for rest breaks.
Warning: any respiratory rates that fall outside the range of 12 -20 breaths per minute must be reported immediately.