Unit 2: CVS, Respiratory & Renal Diseases

February 21, 2026

Semester 2
BP204T

Introduction to CVS, Respiratory & Renal Diseases

Unit 2 covers the three most critical organ systems in medicine. Cardiovascular diseases (like Hypertension, Heart Failure, and Angina) are the leading cause of death globally. Respiratory diseases (Asthma, COPD) and Renal Failure are also common clinical scenarios that pharmacists encounter daily. Mastering the pathophysiology here is key to understanding prescriptions.

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Syllabus & Topics

  • 1Cardiovascular System: Hypertension – Definition (primary/secondary), pathogenesis, and complications.
  • 2Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Left-sided vs Right-sided heart failure.
  • 3Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD): Angina Pectoris (stable/unstable), Myocardial Infarction.
  • 4Atherosclerosis and Arteriosclerosis: Differences.
  • 5Respiratory System: Asthma – Pathogenesis (Type I hypersensitivity, airway hyperresponsiveness), triggers.
  • 6Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Chronic Bronchitis vs Emphysema.
  • 7Renal System: Acute Renal Failure (ARF) – Pre-renal, Intra-renal, Post-renal causes.
  • 8Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) – Stages, pathogenesis, and complications (Uremia).

Learning Objectives

Classify Hypertension: Distinguish Primary vs Secondary (renovascular, endocrine) hypertension.
Explain MI: Describe the sequence of events from coronary artery thrombosis to myocardial necrosis.
Understand CHF: Explain why ankle edema occurs in right-sided heart failure.
Asthma Pathogenesis: Describe the early and late phase responses in Asthma.
ARF Classification: Give one example each for pre-renal, intrinsic renal, and post-renal causes of ARF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the definition of Hypertension?

Hypertension is defined as sustained blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg (systolic) / 90 mmHg (diastolic). Primary (Essential) hypertension has no identifiable cause (~95%).

Q2. What is the difference between Angina and Myocardial Infarction?

Angina is chest pain due to transient, reversible myocardial ischemia (no cell death). Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) involves permanent death of cardiac muscle due to sustained ischemia.

Q3. What is the pathogenesis of Asthma?

In allergic asthma, an allergen triggers mast cell degranulation (releasing Histamine, Leukotrienes, Prostaglandins). This causes bronchospasm, mucus hypersecretion, and airway inflammation.

Q4. What is the difference between Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema in COPD?

Chronic Bronchitis (Blue Bloater) is defined clinically by productive cough for ≥3 months in ≥2 years. Emphysema (Pink Puffer) involves permanent destruction of alveolar walls, reducing gas exchange.

Q5. What are the three types of Acute Renal Failure?

  • Pre-renal: Reduced blood supply (shock, dehydration).
  • Intra-renal: Direct kidney damage (nephrotoxins, glomerulonephritis, Acute Tubular Necrosis).
  • Post-renal: Urinary obstruction (kidney stones).