Download A4.3.5.SmokingLeg - IBRAHEEM MURTAZA

Activity 4.3.5: Smoking Can Cost You an Arm
and a Leg!
Part I: Tired of Tingling
John Jones has always been relatively healthy. He eats well, but he has smoked a
pack a day on and off for 30 years. John was an athlete in college and even though
he is in his 50’s now, he still gets out running or walking at least twice a week.
Lately, he has noticed cramping in his right calf when he exercises. The pain goes
away once he stops and rests, but John is starting to think that something might be
wrong. John also reports frequent tingling in his leg, almost like it is falling asleep.
o What are some possible causes of John’s leg pain? Brainstorm a
list.
Smoking, straining muscles, atherosclerosis and blood clotting, injury
o What do you think is the most likely cause of John’s leg pain?
Describe this condition.
Plaque buildups and artery walls narrowing (atherosclerosis and
arteriosclerosis)
o How might smoking be related to John’s leg pain?
Smoking can damage and cause plaque buildup in the arteries.
o What basic test(s) can be performed to confirm your diagnosis?
What do these tests measure?
We can perform the ankle brachial index to see the blood flow in the
body while using a Doppler and a sphygmometer to see if he is
subjected to PAD.
Part II: Under Pressure
In Part I, you learned that John may be at risk for peripheral vascular disease (PVD),
specifically peripheral artery disease (PAD). One simple test for diagnosing PAD is
called the ankle brachial index (ABI).
1. Before you look at the test, review the physiology of blood pressure. Use
reference textbooks or the Internet to help you answer the following:
o List and describe at least three body systems that help in the
regulation and control of blood pressure.
The urinary system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system all help
in maintaining homeostasis of blood pressure, urinary controls water
in blood, cardiovascular system controls blood being pumped out,
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Human Body Systems Activity 4.3.5 Smoking Can Cost You an Arm and a Leg! – Page 1
endocrine system releases hormones to also regulate blood
pressure.
o Draw a feedback loop that shows one way your body responds to an
increase in blood pressure. Make sure to mention all the organ
systems, organs, or hormones involved in restoring balance.
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Human Body Systems Activity 4.3.5 Smoking Can Cost You an Arm and a Leg! – Page 2
2. With your partner, use the Internet to answer the following:
o What is the ankle brachial index (ABI) and how is it computed?
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Human Body Systems Activity 4.3.5 Smoking Can Cost You an Arm and a Leg! – Page 3
It’s a way of measuring blood flow in the body to see if one might have
PAD. It is computed by dividing the BP in the ankle by the BP in the
arm.
o How does ABI relate to blood pressure?
ABI is measured by seeing the bloodflow after using a sphygmometer
to decreas the bloodflow then to see the blood flow in after decreasing
the pressure.
o What is the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure?
Systolic pressure is when the heart is contracting, diastolic pressure is
when the heart is relaxing.
o John is worried about pain during this test. What can you tell him to
calm his nerves?
I can tell him that this test is not a big deal at all and that he won’t even
know what’s going on.
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Human Body Systems Activity 4.3.5 Smoking Can Cost You an Arm and a Leg! – Page 4