Cardiovascular Disorders: Risk Factors

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, including both nonmodifiable and modifiable factors.

Nonmodifiable Factors

Risk factors for cardiovascular disorders that cannot be changed, such as family history, age, and sex.

Family History

Having a parent or sibling who has a cardiovascular disorder before the age of 50.

Age

Approximately 50% of all myocardial infarctions (MIs) occur after the age of 65.

Sex (Gender)

Men are at greater risk for cardiovascular disorders compared to women.

Race

African American males are at a higher risk of hypertension.

Smoking

A modifiable factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders by 2-3 times.

Hyperlipidemia

High cholesterol levels, specifically above 200 mg/dl, often due to a diet high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories.

Hypertension

Blood pressure higher than 140/90, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.

Blood pressure higher than 140/90, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disorders.

A condition that damages blood vessels due to high glucose levels, leading to increased cardiovascular risk.

Obesity

Excess body weight that increases the workload of the heart and contributes to cardiovascular disorders.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lifestyle with little to no physical activity that can lead to increased cardiovascular risk.

Stress

A psychosocial factor that can impact cardiovascular health; exercise is known to reduce stress and improve heart efficiency.

Catecholamines

Hormones released during stress that can increase heart rate and damage myocardial cells.

Oral Contraceptives

Previous high-dose contraceptives increased women's risk for cardiovascular disorders, especially in smokers.

Psychosocial Factors

Personality traits, like Type A personality, which include aggressiveness, competitiveness, perfectionism, and compulsiveness, that may contribute to cardiovascular risk.