Cardiovascular Disease Pathophysiology and Risk Factors

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on cardiovascular disease pathophysiology and risk factors.

Atherosclerosis

Chronic arterial disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and accumulation of lipids, macrophages, blood-clotting elements, calcium, and fibrous tissue leading to plaque formation and arterial narrowing.

Endothelial dysfunction

Impaired function of the vascular endothelium caused by factors such as LDL, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, homocysteine, and cholesterol, leading to vasoconstriction, thrombosis, and lipid accumulation.

Foam cells

Lipid-loaded monocytes/macrophages and smooth muscle cells that form the lipid-rich cores of atherosclerotic lesions.

Fatty streak

Early atherosclerotic lesion consisting of lipid-laden foam cells in the arterial intima.

Atheroma

A fatty plaque within an artery composed of lipids, inflammatory cells, and a fibrous cap.

Fibrous cap

A layer of fibrous tissue covering an atherosclerotic plaque; rupture can lead to acute obstruction.

LDL

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; transport particle often referred to as “bad cholesterol” that promotes lipid deposition in arteries.

HDL

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol; facilitates reverse cholesterol transport and is protective against atherosclerosis.

Dyslipidemia

Abnormal lipid levels in the blood, including high LDL or triglycerides or low HDL.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated levels of lipids in the blood, contributing to cardiovascular risk.

Hypercholesterolemia

Elevated cholesterol levels, often particularly high LDL, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Triglycerides

A type of fat in the blood; high levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

Non-HDL cholesterol

Total cholesterol minus HDL; includes all atherogenic lipoproteins.

Total cholesterol

Sum of cholesterol in all lipoproteins; categories:

LDL cholesterol classification

Breakpoints:

HDL cholesterol classification

≥60 mg/dL High; <40 mg/dL in men or <50 mg/dL in women considered Low.

Triglyceride classification

Metabolic syndrome

A cluster of risk factors: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, elevated blood pressure, and high fasting glucose; any three indicate the syndrome.

Abdominal obesity thresholds

Men: waist circumference >102 cm (40 in); Women: >88 cm (35 in).

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measure of body weight relative to height: Normal 18.5–24.9, Overweight 25–29.9, Obesity Class I 30–34.9, Class II 35–39.9, Extreme >40.

Hypertension

Persistently elevated blood pressure with categories: Normal

Cigarette smoking

Use of tobacco products; causes vasoconstriction, increases platelet aggregation, promotes LDL oxidation, and reduces lung function.

Nitric oxide

Vasodilator produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase; promotes vasodilation and has anti-adhesive effects on leukocytes.

Coronary arteries

Right coronary artery; Left coronary artery; Left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

Non-modifiable CAD risk factors

Advancing age; male gender; family history (including Diabetes Type 1 per notes).

Modifiable CAD risk factors

Hypertension, dyslipidemia, low HDL, obesity, high glucose (Type II diabetes), smoking, physical inactivity.

Type I Diabetes

Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to insulin deficiency; requires insulin; accounts for about 5–10% of diabetics.

Type II Diabetes

Insulin resistance and/or insufficient insulin production; accounts for about 90–95% of diabetics.

Gestational diabetes

Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy; increases risk of developing Type II diabetes later; diagnosed with OGTT; risk factors include family history, prior large baby, obesity.

Diagnostic criteria for diabetes

A1c ≥ 6.5%; fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL; 2-hour OGTT ≥ 200 mg/dL; random glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL with symptoms.

Prediabetes/IFG/IGT

A1c 5.7–6.4%; impaired fasting glucose 100–125 mg/dL; impaired glucose tolerance 140–199 mg/dL in OGTT; major risk factor for Type II diabetes.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular risk

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may increase the risk for new or worsening cardiovascular disease.

Life’s Essential 8

American Heart Association framework of eight metrics to improve and maintain cardiovascular health.

Physical activity vs exercise

Physical activity is any bodily movement; exercise is planned, structured, repetitive activity to improve fitness.