Alterations of the Cardiovascular System

A collection of 60 vocabulary flashcards focusing on the alterations of the cardiovascular system, including key diseases, terms related to heart function, and associated conditions.

Cardiovascular System

The system in the body that circulates blood, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Heart Electrical System

Composed of the SA node, AV nodes, bundle of His, and Purkinje fibers that coordinate heart contractions.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Capillary Beds

Network of tiny blood vessels where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs.

Arteriosclerosis

Abnormal thickening and hardening of arterial walls, often associated with aging.

Atherosclerosis

A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by soft deposits of fat and fibrin in arterial walls.

Foam Cells

Macrophages filled with lipids that accumulate in arterial walls, contributing to atherosclerosis.

Fatty Streak

Early lesion in atherosclerosis formed by foam cells.

C-Reactive Protein

An inflammatory marker released when arterial walls are injured.

Collateral Circulation

Blood flow through alternate pathways developed when primary arteries become occluded.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevations in lipid levels, particularly cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Type of lipoprotein that transports cholesterol to cells, associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Type of lipoprotein that helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, protective against heart disease.

Triglycerides

Large lipid molecules that are stored as fat tissue and transported in the bloodstream.

Hypertension

Elevated blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Malignant Hypertension

Rare, severe form of hypertension that can lead to life-threatening organ damage.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A condition where blood pressure drops upon standing, leading to dizziness.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Narrowing or occlusion of coronary arteries leading to reduced blood supply to the heart.

Aneurysm

Local dilation or out-pouching of a vessel wall or cardiac chamber.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Atherosclerotic disease that affects arteries supplying blood to limbs.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels, often due to autoimmune disorders.

Raynaud's Disease

Episodic vasospasm in small arteries, typically of the fingers, causing color changes.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Condition caused by prolonged ischemia resulting in heart muscle death.

Stable Angina

Chest pain or discomfort due to transient ischemia, typically relieved by rest.

Unstable Angina

Chest pain that occurs unexpectedly, often at rest, and indicates a higher risk of MI.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The pressure in arteries during the contraction phase of the heartbeat.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The pressure in arteries during the relaxation phase of the heartbeat.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

A substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation used as a marker in cardiovascular disease.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Cholesterol

A fatty substance found in the blood that is necessary for building cells but can cause health issues if levels are too high.

Thrombus

A blood clot formed in a blood vessel that can obstruct blood flow.

Embolism

An obstruction in a blood vessel caused by an embolus, which can be a blood clot or other material.

Endothelial Injury

Damage to the inner lining of blood vessels that can contribute to atherosclerosis.

Cardiac Catheterization

A medical procedure used to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular conditions.

Heart Failure

A condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often due to blood clots.

Dyslipidemia

An abnormal amount of lipids in the blood, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Congenital Aneurysm

An aneurysm present at birth caused by an abnormal development of blood vessels.

Ischemia

A condition characterized by insufficient blood flow to meet the needs of tissues.

Vascular Resistance

The resistance that must be overcome to push blood through the circulatory system.

Collateral Circulation

Alternative routes of blood flow that develop to compensate for blocked pathways.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in daily habits, such as diet and exercise, aimed at improving health outcomes.

Antihypertensive Medications

Drugs used to treat high blood pressure.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease.

Valve Insufficiency

A condition where a heart valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward.

Dietary Fats

Nutrients that can impact cholesterol levels; includes saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats.

Exertional Dyspnea

Shortness of breath that occurs during physical activity.

Diabetes Mellitus

A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can affect cardiovascular health.