CVS task 4

• • The innermost layer of the heart is the endothelium
  • Endothelium lining the cardiac chambers is continuous with the endothelium of all blood vessels in the body and is composed of squamous epithelial cells
  • The cardiac endothelium provides a friction free interface between the walls of the chambers and the blood contained within them and moving through them
  • This layer just like endothelial cells lining blood vessels also secretes prostacyclin, which repels platelets and prevents platelet adhesion to the walls of the cardiac chambers and vessels
• Why is it important to stop platelets forming within the cardiac chambers and vessels?

  • Preventing Blood Clots (Thrombosis)
  • Platelets play a vital role in blood clot formation, but if they aggregate unnecessarily inside heart or vessels, thrombi (clots) that obstruct blood flow can form
  • Reducing the Risk of Stroke and Embolism
  • If a thrombus forms in the left atrium/ventricle, it can break off and go to the brain, causing an ischemic stroke.
  • This is dangerous in conditions like atrial fibrillation, where irregular heartbeats can lead to blood pooling in the atria, increasing clot risk
• Why is it important to stop platelets forming within the cardiac chambers and vessels?

  • Preventing Heart Attacks (Myocardial Infarction)
  • Platelet aggregation in the coronary arteries can block blood supply to the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
  • This occurs when a plaque ruptures in coronary artery disease, triggering platelet activation and clot formation
  • Avoiding Pulmonary Embolism
  • thrombus in the right atrium or right ventricle can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism
  • This can impair oxygen exchange, leading to respiratory failure and death
• Why is it important to stop platelets forming within the cardiac chambers and vessels?

  • Maintaining Healthy Circulation
  • Platelet overactivity can lead to hypercoagulability, increasing the risk of widespread clotting (e.g., deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)).
  • Antiplatelet medications (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin) are often prescribed to prevent clot formation in high-risk individuals.