CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM

The cardiovascular system is a highly organized and indispensable system that maintains life by ensuring the continuous circulation of blood throughout the body. Through the coordinated activity of the heart, blood, and blood vessels, it supplies oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to tissues while removing metabolic waste products. This chapter presents a comprehensive and clinically oriented discussion of the cardiovascular system. It includes detailed explanations of heart anatomy and blood flow, the electrical activity of the heart and electrocardiography, major cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, heart failure, and myocardial infarction, an in-depth review of cardiovascular drug classes including beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, and extensive nursing monitoring parameters and responsibilities. Integration of anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and nursing care makes this chapter suitable for medical, nursing, and allied health curricula.