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Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Disorders
Cardiac Conditions
Numerous diseases exist which affect the ability of the heart to work properly. The resulting loss of cardiac efficiency can leave the student suffering from irregular blood pressure, chest pain (angina), irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), shortness of breath, weakness, and countless additional symptoms that affect the health of the student. Students may suffer from reduced oxygen to the brain (as well as the rest of the body) which can create memory lapses, difficulties with cognitive functioning and reduced energy level. In order to conserve energy (which in turn, allows for greater focus in class), the student may find it useful to use an elevator rather than stairs; pull books in a cart rather than carry them in a backpack, use lockers in the SSD office, schedule classes with adequate passing time and/or use the on campus transportation (SCOUT) operated by the Parking and Transportation office.
Hypertension
Hypertension may make itself known through physical manifestations, such as headaches, ringing in the ears (tinitus), lightheadedness, tiring easily, and an irregular heartbeat. Like cardiac disease, high blood pressure effects the student not only physically, but may also affect him/her mentally and cognitively. Often, students who know about their condition take medication to control it. As with any medication, the potential for negative side effects exists. Many of the medications used to control this condition cause sleepiness, lack of energy, and numerous other symptoms which clearly can affect the ability of the student to remain focused and perform well at the university.
Atherosclerosis
This is a disorder in which the lining of the arteries becomes clogged and occluded with deposits of cholesterol, lipids, and cellular debris. Over time, this build up increases to the point that the amount of blood flow through the artery is significantly reduced, thereby creating symptoms for the individual to address. Symptoms include tiredness, lack of energy, breathlessness, etc. Like cardiac disease and hypertension, individuals with atherosclerosis must learn new ways to conserve energy. Walking on level ground, use of a tram, using elevators, pulling their books in a cart or using an SSD locker, and resting when appropriate allow the student to better concentrate.
Asthma
Swelling of the bronchial tubes and increased mucous production lead to difficult breathing in the patient with asthma. When an attack comes on, which usually is characterized by coughing, wheezing, difficult breathing, and in severe cases, hyperventilation, the individual may become distressed and anxious thereby compounding the symptoms. The student with asthma, depending on the severity of his/her condition, may find it difficult to walk from class to class, climb stairs or walk through areas where allergens exist, or be in rooms where there are fumes (e.g, freshly painted rooms, chemicals used to build/clean), dust (following vacuuming, dusting) or during allergy seasons. These particles can stimulate an asthmatic attack. Severe attack may cause the student to miss class. When an attack occurs, the student is encouraged to make contact with a physician who can provide a written medical excuse. Use of on-campus transportation, elevators, extended passing time and additional resting may be necessary.
Chronic Bronchitis
Not unlike asthma, chronic bronchitis creates difficult and uncomfortable breathing in the individual. Increased mucous production, from inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the bronchial tubes, can leave an individual feeling short of breath, wheezing and coughing. These symptoms are typically compounded by physical exertion and stress. Accommodations may be as noted in the previous two sections related to cardiac conditions and asthma.