Cardiovascular system summary

Cardiovascular Effects. In a recent report on the clinical treatment of phenol poisoning, Langford et al. (1998) provide a summary of a case report in which a woman accidentally consumed an ounce of 89% phenol which had been mistakenly been given to her in preparation for an in-office procedure. Her immediate reaction upon consuming the phenol was to clutch her throat and collapse, and within 30 minutes she was comatose and had gone into respiratory arrest. Treatment was initiated with an endotracheal intubation. Ventilation with a bag and mask led to the detection of a lamp oil odor. Within an hour she developed ventricular tachycardia which responded to cardioversion however, she subsequently developed (in the first 24 hours) supraventricular and ventricular dysrhythmias, metabolic acidosis, and experienced a grand mal seizure. After a 15-day hospital stay, she was completely recovered with no evidence of impaired motility or compromised gastrointestinal or cardiovascular systems. 

In summary, most evidence in the fiterature indicates that a low (and low-normal) thyroid function can influence the cardiovascular system either direcdy, as a consequence of the lack of the beneficial effect ofTH on heart and vessel physiology, or indirectly, by aggravating most of the recognized risk factors that can lead to cardiovascular damage. 

A summary of cardiovascular allometric relationships is given in Tables 7.4.3 and 7.4.4. For further scaling considerations for the cardiovascular system, consult Dawson (1991). 

Table 19.1 Summary of Factors Affecting Cardiovascular and Renal Systems... 

Geriatric Considerations - Summary Systemic absorption of ophthalmic drugs may occur and cause adverse effects in older adults. Since betaxolol is beta-selective, cardiovascular, respiratory and CNS adverse effects occur less frequently than with beta-nonselective topical opthalmics. These effects may still occur therefore close monitoring for systemic side effects is warranted. Betaxolol maybe less effective than the nonselective topical beta-blockers with an average lOP reduction of 18%-26%. Tachyphylaxis may occur after long-term therapy. 

Includes, when necessary, notes on nomenclature, information about the results of observational studies, comparative studies, and placebo-controlled studies in relation to reports of adverse drug reactions, and a general summary of the major adverse effects. ORGANS AND SYSTEMS Cardiovascular (includes heart and blood vessels) Respiratory Ear, nose, throat... 

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