Pathophysiology cases
Diabetes Mellitus 1 – Type 1 diabetes occurs as a result of the body's immune
system attacking the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, A lack of insulin in the
blood means inadequate amounts of glucose are taken up by cells of the body to
provide energy for cellular functions. Consequently, glucose remains in the blood
leading to a high blood sugar level.
Hypertension – Involves the impairment of renal pressure natriuresis, the feedback
system in which high blood pressure induces an increase in sodium and water excretion
by the kidney that leads to a reduction of the blood pressure.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – The development of atherosclerotic plaque.
Plaque is a build-up of fatty material that narrows the vessel lumen and impedes blood
flow.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) – Involves atherosclerotic disease in the
abdominal aorta, iliac, and femoral arteries. The pathophysiology of atherosclerosis
involves complex interactions between cholesterol and vascular cells. Affects lower
limbs. Distal areas first cold toes.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
– Heart failure develops when there are changes
to the structure of the heart muscle and it can't pump blood as efficiently as it should.
When this happens blood can back up and fluid may build up in the lungs or arms and
legs, indicating congestive heart failure.
A-FIB – the signals in the upper chambers of the heart are chaotic. As a result, the
upper chambers shake (quiver). The AV node is then bombarded with signals trying to
get through to the lower heart chambers (ventricles). This causes a fast and irregular
heart rhythm.
CKD – The kidneys have been damaged and lost kidney function. This means there is a
loss of the ability to filter properly. This causes an increase in excretion of creatinine,
urea, and potassium. Water and salt balance is also affected by this.
Myocardial Infarction - a profound imbalance exists between myocardial oxygen
supply and demand. Unstable angina. There is reduced blood flow in a coronary artery,
often due to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, but the artery is not completely
occluded. Left ventricular area not pumping efficiently.