1. Procedures To Treat and Diagnose Diseases of the Cardiovascular System Cheryl A. Kirby Biology 120 Chapter 5

2. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) CVD – broad term used to describe many diseases of the heart and blood vessels

3. 3 Procedures Used to Diagnose or Treat CVD Stress Testing PercutaneousTransluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) Stripping and Ligation

4. 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

5. 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

6. Stress Testing Procedure Continued 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

7. PercutaneousTransluminal 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

8. 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

9. PTCA Procedure Continued

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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