CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS – MEDICAL-SURGICAL /
ADULT HEALTH NURSING
Brief • High-Yield • Exam-Focused
Course: Adult Health Nursing (MedSurg Nursing) - Cardiovascular conditions
Primary Reference: Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Latest Edition
Study Program: Nursing / Medicine / Clinical Health Sciences
Document Type: Course Summary & Exam Revision Notes
Level: Undergraduate
OVERVIEW
Cardiovascular disorders are conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, leading
to impaired circulation, oxygen delivery, and tissue perfusion. They are a leading
cause of morbidity and mortality and form a core component of Adult Health Nursing
II.
Major categories include:
1. HTN
2. CAD
3. MI
4. HF
5. Arrhythmias
6. Valvular heart disease
7. Cardiogenic shock
8. Angina Pectoris
1
, 1. HYPERTENSION (HTN)
Reference: Chapter 25 – Assessment of Cardiovascular Function; Chapter 26 –
Management of Patients with Hypertension
Definition
Hypertension is persistent BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg (UK NICE guidance context) leading
to targeted organ damage
Pathophysiology
Persistent elevation of systemic arterial pressure
Caused by:
↑ Systemic vascular resistance
↑ Blood volume (RAAS activation)
Chronic pressure overload leads to:
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Endothelial damage
Results in target-organ damage:
Heart (CAD, HF)
Brain (stroke)
Kidneys (CKD)
Key phrase:
Sustained high pressure → organ damage
Clinical Features
Often asymptomatic
Headache, dizziness (late signs)
Complications: stroke, MI, CKD
Nursing Management
Accurate BP monitoring
Lifestyle modification education (DASH diet, exercise)
Medication adherence
Monitor for complications
Drug Classes (Recall Cue: ABCD)
ACE inhibitors
Beta blockers
CCBs
Diuretics
Nursing Process
Assessment: BP readings, risk factors
Diagnosis: Ineffective health management
Planning: Achieve target BP
Implementation: Education, meds, BP monitoring
Evaluation: BP control, reduced complications
2
ADULT HEALTH NURSING
Brief • High-Yield • Exam-Focused
Course: Adult Health Nursing (MedSurg Nursing) - Cardiovascular conditions
Primary Reference: Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
Latest Edition
Study Program: Nursing / Medicine / Clinical Health Sciences
Document Type: Course Summary & Exam Revision Notes
Level: Undergraduate
OVERVIEW
Cardiovascular disorders are conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, leading
to impaired circulation, oxygen delivery, and tissue perfusion. They are a leading
cause of morbidity and mortality and form a core component of Adult Health Nursing
II.
Major categories include:
1. HTN
2. CAD
3. MI
4. HF
5. Arrhythmias
6. Valvular heart disease
7. Cardiogenic shock
8. Angina Pectoris
1
, 1. HYPERTENSION (HTN)
Reference: Chapter 25 – Assessment of Cardiovascular Function; Chapter 26 –
Management of Patients with Hypertension
Definition
Hypertension is persistent BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg (UK NICE guidance context) leading
to targeted organ damage
Pathophysiology
Persistent elevation of systemic arterial pressure
Caused by:
↑ Systemic vascular resistance
↑ Blood volume (RAAS activation)
Chronic pressure overload leads to:
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Endothelial damage
Results in target-organ damage:
Heart (CAD, HF)
Brain (stroke)
Kidneys (CKD)
Key phrase:
Sustained high pressure → organ damage
Clinical Features
Often asymptomatic
Headache, dizziness (late signs)
Complications: stroke, MI, CKD
Nursing Management
Accurate BP monitoring
Lifestyle modification education (DASH diet, exercise)
Medication adherence
Monitor for complications
Drug Classes (Recall Cue: ABCD)
ACE inhibitors
Beta blockers
CCBs
Diuretics
Nursing Process
Assessment: BP readings, risk factors
Diagnosis: Ineffective health management
Planning: Achieve target BP
Implementation: Education, meds, BP monitoring
Evaluation: BP control, reduced complications
2
