Cardiovascular System Changes in Aging

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components of the cardiovascular system, effects of aging, common diseases, and nursing management based on lecture notes.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart.

Systole

The contraction phase of the cardiac cycle during a heartbeat.

Diastole

The relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle during a heartbeat.

Sinoatrial (SA) node

The heart's natural pacemaker system that controls the heartbeat; it may lose some of its cells with age.

Aortic stenosis

A condition resulting from the thickening and calcification of heart valves, leading to slower or less smooth blood flow.

Arrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, which disrupt the electrical system and are more common in older people.

Lipofuscin

A substance known as the "aging pigment" that can deposit in the heart as a normal change of aging.

Heart murmur

An abnormal whooshing or swishing sound caused by valve stiffness, which is common in older people.

Arterial Stiffening

A process where arteries lose elasticity and become less compliant, potentially leading to increased blood pressure.

Baroreceptors

Sensors that monitor and regulate changes in blood pressure; they become less sensitive with aging.

Orthostatic hypotension

A condition in which blood pressure falls when a person moves from lying or sitting to standing, causing dizziness.

Hypertrophy

Thickening of the heart muscle, which can occur when the heart has to work harder due to a thicker and stiffer aorta.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

Nitroglycerin

A prescribed medication used in the management of chest pain episodes.

Heart Failure

A condition where the heart muscle becomes too weak or stiff to effectively pump blood and oxygen throughout the body.

Arteriosclerosis

The buildup of fatty deposits, or plaques, in the walls of the coronary arteries, which can cause hypertension.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

A condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly the legs, causing pain when walking.

Recommended BP

The target blood pressure level for older adults mentioned in the text is $130/80\,mmHg$.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)

Events that can occur if blood flow to the brain is disrupted, often serving as a warning for a stroke.

Hypertension

A condition in which blood pressure remains consistently high, increasing risks for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Aneurysm

A bulging or weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel, usually an artery.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)

A blood test used to help diagnose heart failure.

Echocardiogram

A painless test using sound waves to produce images of the heart in motion to visualize structure and abnormalities.

Cardiac CT Scan

A medical imaging test used to detect plaque buildup and coronary artery disease.

Statins

Medications frequently used to lower cholesterol levels.

Physical Activity Recommendation

At least $150$ minutes of physical activity each week, including aerobic exercises like brisk walking or tai chi.