Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Clinical Management

Vocabulary-style flashcards defining core anatomical, physiological, and clinical terms from the cardiovascular lecture transcript.

LDL Oxidation

The process occurring within arterial plaques where trapped low-density lipoprotein oxidizes and releases free radicals, triggering local vascular inflammation.

LCA (Left Coronary Artery)

The coronary artery that supplies the anterior and lateral portions of the left ventricle.

RCA (Right Coronary Artery)

The coronary artery supplying the right ventricle, posterior, and inferior aspects of the heart; approximately half of humans have higher blood flow in their RCA compared to their LCA.

Collateral Circulation

Vessels built around coronary occlusions over time that provide alternative pathways for myocardial perfusion; typically more developed in older individuals than in younger individuals.

Subendocardial Injury

Myocardial tissue damage that begins in the inner layer adjacent to the ventricular chamber, driven by elevated compressive pressures during systole.

Cardiac Oxygen Extraction Rate

The extraction of approximately $70\%$ of available oxygen from the blood by the high-demand cardiac musculature.

Vagus Nerve Cardiac Innervation

Parasympathetic nerve branches that specifically innervate the SA node and AV node to slow down heart rate and electrical conduction.

Prinzmetal's Angina

A condition characterized by coronary artery spasms, commonly identified in younger female patients.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

A nonspecific systemic inflammatory marker evaluated in patients suspected of having indolent atherosclerotic disease.

Frank-Starling's Law

The myocardial principle stating that greater diastolic stretch on the ventricle creates a proportionally stronger contraction force.

Preload Reduction

A strategy using dilated blood vessels as a reservoir to reduce the volume of venous return flowing back to the heart.

Positive Inotrope

A medication or agent, such as digoxin, that increases the force of myocardial contractility.