In patient care for cardiovascular disease

BY.DR HINA ADNAN

• Cardiovascular disease is a term that refers to more than one disease of the circulatory system including the heart and blood vessels, whether the blood vessels are affecting the lungs, the brain, kidneys or other parts of the body

Definition

• The following six types of cardiovascular disease are highlighted below:

• Ischemic heart disease• Stroke• Peripheral vascular disease• Heart failure• Rheumatic heart disease• Congenital heart disease

Types of CVS

• is the most common type of cardiovascular disease It refers to problems with the circulation of blood to the heart muscle. A partial blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries can result in a lack of enough oxygenated blood (ischemia) thus causing symptoms such as angina (chest pain) and dyspnea (shortness of breath). A complete blockage of an artery causes necrosis (damage to the tissues) or a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack

Ischemic heart disease

• refers to a problem with the circulation of blood in the blood vessels of the brain.

• Peripheral vascular disease: affects the circulation primarily in the legs]. Patients with this disease typically complain of pain in their calves especially when walking.

Stroke

• Occurs when the pumping action of the heart cannot provide enough blood to the rest of the body as it is needed. This can happen as a result of damage to the heart muscle, for example from a heart attack, or from excessive consumption of alcohol

Heart failure

• Major problem in many poor countries. This disease begins with a bacterial infection in childhood, affecting joints and heart valves. The heart problems appear many years later. Often the valves have to be replaced by an operation.

Rheumatic heart disease

• Is a problem with the structure of the heart arising because of a birth defect. These anatomical defects can be as simple as a small hole in one of the inside walls of the heart or they can be very complex, affecting the way blood flows through the heart and lungs.

Congenital heart disease

Dental Care After Heart disease

Tell your dentist if you are taking anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs). These medications could result in excessive bleeding during some oral surgery procedures. Ask your dentist if oxygen and nitroglycerin are available in case a medical emergency should arise during your office visit.

• If your dental procedure requires the use of anesthesia, ask your dentist if the anesthesia contains epinephrine. Epinephrine is a common additive in local anesthesia products. Use of epinephrine in some patients with high blood pressure may result in cardiovascular changes, including the rapid development of dangerously high blood pressure, angina, heart attack, and arrhythmias, and should be used with caution.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

• Patients with angina treated with calcium cannel blockers may experience gum overgrowth. In some cases, gum surgery may be required.

• Like patients with a previous heart attack, patients with angina may want to ask their dentist if oxygen and nitroglycerin are available in case a medical emergency should arise.

Chest Pain (Angina)

• If you’ve had a stroke in the past, tell your dentist if you are taking anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs). These medications could result in excessive bleeding during some oral surgery procedures. your dentist may also recommend use of fluoride gels, modified brushing or flossing techniques, and strategies others can use to assist you in maintaining good oral hygiene.

Stroke

• Give your dentist a complete list of the names and dosages of all the drugs you are taking for your heart condition.

• If you are particularly nervous about undergoing a dental procedure because of your heart condition, talk with your dentist and heart doctor. 

Points to Remember About Dental Care and Heart Disease

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