Heart Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

In the event of catastrophic heart failure, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can save lives.However, improperly performed CPR can result in further harm, including internal bleeding.Do not attempt CPR unless you are qualified to do so.Local community centers often provide CPR certification classes that will prepare you to properly administer CPR.

Anticoagulant therapy is employed in a number of clinical situations Some of these clinical situations include: After an episode of thrombosis, such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the veins of the legs, to prevent reoccurrence. Prophylactically after some surgeries, especially those involving vascular repair such as coronary bypass surgery to prevent clots from blocking newly formed vasculature. In heart valve and chamber disorders where there is an increased risk of thrombosis occurring.

The sites used to obtain bone marrow samples are:illiac crest (posterior, anterior)sternumspinal processestibia - (infants and newborns)The illiac crest is the most common site for bone marrow collection. Sternal aspiration can have serious or even fatal consequences if the needle penetrates the heart.

Specialists in immunohematology perform all testing prior to blood transfusions and work to prevent transfusion infections. They also investigate any post-transfusion reactions. This specialty includes all lab procedures performed in the specialty of histocompatibility. Specialists in clinical chemistry analyze body fluids such as blood, urine, and spinal fluid to determine the chemical makeup, including the amount of carbohydrates, proteins, enzymes, and trace elements. The special covers urine microscopics and chemical evaluation of the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and other vital organ systems. This specialty also covers all testing performed in the specialties of radioassay and blood gas analysis. Specialists in blood banking can perform all immunohematology testing as well as testing from the specialties of clinical chemistry, hematology and serology/immunology that relates to donor blood. Specialists in immunohematology, clinical chemistry, hematology, and serology / immunology may perform all tests in the blood banking specialty.

Theophylline is used as a bronchodilator for treatment of moderate to severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). TDM is needed for theophylline because the kinetics of the drug are highly variable. It has a narrow therapeutic window, and overdose can result in elevated heart rate, arrhythmia, and CNS excitability. Clearance of the drug is increased in children, smokers, persons with cystic fibrosis, and persons with hyperthyroidism. Elimination is slowed in congestive heart failure and in the elderly.

The cardiovascular system consists of the Heart, and Blood Vessels. Its main function is circulate oxygenated blood from the lungs to various organs, and return blood depleted of oxygen to the lungs, where it is reoxygenated. Illustration this screen from LifeArt Collection 2000, with permission. © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Blood is then pumped from the right side of the heart to the lungs, where it takes up oxygen. Oxygenated blood is then pumped through the left side of the heart via arteries to tiny blood vessels called capillaries.Illustration this screen from LifeArt Collection 2000, with permission. © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Two photographs of a peripheral blood smear are submitted for review . The smears are from a 9-month-old baby with a heart valve replacement. In the upper photograph is a nucleated RBC and platelets are decreased. Nucleated red cells and occasional giant platelets indicate an active marrow response. In the process of forcing blood cells through the heart valve, erythrocytes are damaged, schistocytes are formed, and platelets are destroyed leading to thrombocytopenia. In the lower field are schistocytes, acanthocytes, echinocytes (burr cells), spherocytes, and the absence of platelets. The presence of burr cells could represent an artifact of smear preparation, but with the history of valve replacement, the red cell changes are likely the result of red cell damage as the cells circulate through the new valve. This situation is described as Waring Blender Effect because of damage to blood cells passing through the new valve, looking as if they had suffered the onslaught of a blender. Target cells and mild hypochromia may reflect iron deficiency through the loss of iron from destruction of RBC's. Iron loss through red cell destruction may be reflected in some hypochromia.

Casts are cylindrical bodies formed either in the distal convoluted tubules or the collecting ducts of the kidney. Since the walls of the tubule act as a mold for cast formation, the width of the tubule determines the width of the cast. Thus, narrow casts are formed in the distal tubules while broad casts are formed in the collecting ducts. The matrix of all casts is thought to be Tamm-Horsfall protein, a glycoprotein secreted by the distal loop of Henle and the distal tubule. This protein entraps cells and granular material of tubular origin. Very few casts are seen in the urine of a person without renal disease, except for hyaline casts, which may be transiently present after strenuous exercise, and during fever, diuretic therapy, and congestive heart failure. A significant number of urinary casts usually indicates the presence of renal disease.