 How do different signs and symptoms affect diagnosis of cardiac
conditions? Identify and explain a cardiac condition.
The pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease has been best understood
through the research of genetics, inflammatory, neurohumoral, and metabolic
mechanisms of tissue and cellular alterations (McCance & Huether, 2019).
Peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) is when blood circulation is reduced to a
body part that is not the heart or brain. This can occur through any blood vessel,
such as, lymphatic vessels, arteries or veins (John Hopkins Medicine, 2023).
PVD can be categorized in two major categories; occlusive PVD and Functions
PVD (Stanford, 2023). Occlusive PVD are caused from a blockage in a vessel.
There is a variety of signs and symptoms that can occur with PVD and depends
on type and severity. Symptoms can include; changes in skin, diminished pulse
in limbs, gangrene, pain, numbness, thin or thickened nails, limited mobility,
enlarged veins (Stanford, 2023).
While functional PVD are blood vessels that narrow and widen through spasms
that are caused by factors such as, stress, cold temperatures, smoking, and
working with machinery that vibrates (Stanford, 2023). There are multiple forms
of PVD to include (Stanford,2023, McCance & Huether, 2019, John Hopkins,
2023):
 Atherosclerosis: This is a form of occlusive PVD; this occurs when there is
thickening or hardening of the arteries; this increases the risk of stroke or
heart attack over time.
 Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease): This is a form of occlusive
PVD and is a idiopathic autoimmune condition that causes blood clots and
blockages in the minor arteries in the limbs. This is associated with
individuals who smoke; thrombi becomes filled with immune and
inflammatory cells that causes disruption in the peripheral cells.
 Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): CVI is a functional PVD; the valves
within the veins are not working properly which may prevent blood from the
legs returning to the heart causing a pool of blood in the legs. This is not
considered a serious health condition; however leg ulcers can occur if left
untreated.
 Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This is a form of occlusive PVD and occurs
when a blood clot occurs within a muscle which can dislodge and go into
the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. This will often occur after long
periods of inactivity; such as, long flight or bed rest.
 Raynaud’s disease: This is a form of functional PVD and is a primary
vasospastic disorder that the origin is unknown. Females, genetics,
smoking , migraine, manual occupation, and cardiovascular disease
increases the likelihood of Raynaud’s. An individual who is affected by this
disease shows endothelial dysfunction and a imbalance between of the
vasoconstrictors and endotherlium-derived vasodilators.
 Raynaud’s phenomena: This is a form of functional PVD. This is secondary
to systemic diseases such as; hypothyroidism, chemotherapy, collagen
vascular diseases, to name a few. In severe cases, ischemia can cause
ulcers or gangrene.
 Carotid artery disease: This is a form of occlusive PVD; which occurs in the
carotid arteries which is the main vessel that is responsible to provide
oxygenated blood to the brain. When the carotid artery becomes narrowed
or block one can suffer from a stroke or heart attack.
 Varicose veins: This is a form of functional PVD and caused by venous
insufficiency. These are veins that become large, twisted and visible under
one’s skin. Pregnancy, obesity and long periods of standing will cause
these and are not considered to be a major medical concern.
There is a variety of ways in order to diagnose the type PVD; this can include
angiograms, bloodwork, MRA, PPG, PVR, ABI, Doppler ultrasounds, stress tests,
and blood pressure (Stanford, 2023).
Reference:
John Hopkins Medicine. (2023). Peripheral Vascular Disease. Retrieved from:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/peripheralvascular-disease
McCance, K. L. & Huether, S. E. (2019). Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for
Disease in Adults and Children, 8th ed., Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0-323-58347-3
Stanford Medical (2023). Types. Retrieved from:
https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heartcirculation/peripheral-vascular-disease/types.html#