Heart Disease & Cardiovascular Disorders

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to heart disease and cardiovascular disorders.

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening of the arteries due to loss of elasticity and plaque buildup.

Hypertension

Blood pressure that is above normal, which can lead to health problems like stroke.

Valve Disease

Conditions affecting the valves in the heart, which can lead to various complications.

Aneurysm

A bulge in a weakened artery wall that can burst, leading to serious health risks.

Coronary Heart Disease

A type of heart disease resulting from the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often a symptom of coronary heart disease.

Cardiac Arrest

A sudden loss of heart function, leading to a cessation of blood circulation.

Cardiac Arrhythmia

Irregular heartbeat, which can be classified as either tachycardia or bradycardia.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute.

Plaque

A deposit of fat, cholesterol, and other substances that can clog arteries.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Often referred to as 'good' cholesterol; helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol; contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.

Stroke

A medical condition in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to brain damage.

Embolism

A blockage in a blood vessel caused by an embolus, which can be a blood clot or fat deposit.

Varicose Veins

Swollen and twisted veins, often in the legs, caused by weakened valves and pooling blood.

Congenital Heart Disease

Heart defects that are present at birth, such as a hole in the heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound of the heart that shows its structure and function.

Angiogram

A medical imaging technique used to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs.

CT Scan

A medical imaging technique that uses computer-processed combinations of multiple X-ray images.

MRI Scan

A medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues.

Holter Monitoring

A continuous form of ECG monitoring used to record the heart's rhythms for 24 to 72 hours.

Lifestyle Changes

Adjustments in daily habits that can improve health, such as diet and exercise.

Bypass Surgery

A surgical procedure that restores normal blood flow to an obstructed coronary artery.

Heart Transplant

A surgical procedure in which a failing heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor.

Angioplasty

A procedure to restore blood flow through the artery by using a balloon to widen the artery.

Medications

Drugs used to treat or manage conditions, including antibiotics for infections.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A type of heart disease characterized by the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Cardiac Catheterization

A procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions by inserting a catheter into the heart.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher concentration.

Risk Factors

Characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a disease, such as age or lifestyle.

Stress Test

An exercise test that measures the heart's performance under physical stress.