Medical Physiology Report: Cardiopulmonary

Primarily, cardiopulmonary being a system between two vital body organs, its function is imperative and sensitive not only for homeostasis but also for prevention of acute conditions in case of defects and dysfunction (Tang, 2012 p. 18). Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) proactive physiological testing combines critical indices of gas exchange with the standard method of ECG (electrocardiogram), stress testing performed under progressive exercise stimulus. Together with the spirometry test, the two tests examine a wide range of cardiopulmonary conditions and diseases such as bronchitis. Therefore, this paper reports and underscore a critical discussion of the medical physiology test result of an Elderly HGV driver, Steve.

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Healthy living is a personal responsibility and requires frugal and careful lifestyle, meaning taking precautionary measures against health risk factors especially those that alter body homeostasis. In the case of Steve, many predisposing factors make him vulnerable to numerous cardiopulmonary condition and diseases (Gravlee, 2008 p. 20). Despite weighing 110 kg with a BMI of 29.0 (overweight), he holds a record of heavy cigarette smoking and a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis.

Methods

The physiological tests used included impedance cardiogram, echocardiogram, and spirometry tests to measure, heart rate HR, Stroke Volume SV, Cardiac Output, CO and Blood gases to examine Steve's condition. Different types of tools used such as spirometer and Jugulometre used to measure FEV1/FVC ratio plus determination of air exhalation and inhalation and jugular venous pressure respectively.

Result and Discussion

According to the 2016 physiology result, Steve has a history of heavy cigarette smoking, FEV1/FVC ratio of 50 % with the low partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), and partial pressure of Carbon iv oxide (PaCO2) at 60 mmHg and 43mmHg respectively. Heavy cigarette smoking causes chronic bronchitis, and the above results confirm Steve's bronchitis test positive (Griffin, Rimmerman, & Topol, 2007 p. 28). Moreover, heavy smoking plus the high BMI of 29 increases the risk of heart disease, since smoking increases the levels of Carbon monoxide CO in the blood that facilitate the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). The condition is caused by deposits low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol synthesized in the liver catalyzed by enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG CoA reductase) on the artery walls (Cybulski, 2010 p. 32).

In 2017, in the cardiovascular examination, Steve shows life threatening results. He tests Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) +ve, >10 mmHg, and reveal Pulmonary Artery pressure (PA) of 35 mmHg. The condition makes Steve much vulnerable to the risk of contracting various heart diseases and respiratory tract illnesses, such as heart attack, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In summary, Steve leads an unhealthy lifestyle (overweight and heavy smoking) that makes him susceptible to numerous cardiopulmonary diseases. Steve's results confirm positive to bronchitis and various chronic heart disease. Thus the two major lifestyle problems (overweight and heavy smoking) are the reasons for his relentless illnesses.

References

Cybulski, G. (2010). Ambulatory impedance cardiography: the systems and their applications. Berlin, Springer.

Gravlee, G. P. (2008). Cardiopulmonary bypass: principles and practice. Philadelphia, PA, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.Griffin, B. P., Rimmerman, C. M., & Topol, E. J. (2007). The Cleveland Clinic cardiology board review. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Tang, W. (2012). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Philadelphia, Pa, W.B. Saunders.