Diet and Health: Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, and Diabetes

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers cardiovascular health metrics, blood lipid levels, hypertension categories, dietary interventions (DASH), metabolic syndrome criteria, and diabetes classifications/complications based on lecture notes.

Atherosclerosis

The process where plaque forms along the inner wall of the artery, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to clots.

Total Blood Cholesterol (Desirable)

A measurement of blood cholesterol less than $200\,mg/dL$.

Total Blood Cholesterol (High)

A measurement of blood cholesterol at $240\,mg/dL$ and above.

LDL Cholesterol (Optimal)

A measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol less than $100\,mg/dL$ when at risk.

LDL Cholesterol (High)

A measurement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at $160\,mg/dL$ and above.

Triglycerides (Healthy)

A healthy triglyceride level measured at less than $150\,mg/dL$.

HDL Cholesterol (High/Healthy)

A high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level greater than $60\,mg/dL$.

HDL Cholesterol (Unhealthy)

A high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level less than $40\,mg/dL$.

Total Cholesterol : HDL ratio (Desirable)

A health ratio of $3:1$.

Dietary Cholesterol

A component that increases total blood cholesterol and LDL in most individuals.

Saturated Fat

A dietary component that increases total cholesterol and LDL in all individuals.

Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated Fats

Dietary fats that decrease total cholesterol and LDL.

Excessive Simple CHO Intake

A dietary pattern that decreases HDL and increases triglycerides.

Soluble Fiber

A viscous fiber that, when consumed at $5-10\,g/day$, can result in a $3-5\%$ possible LDL reduction.

Normal Blood Pressure

A blood pressure measurement of less than $120\,mmHg$ and less than $80\,mmHg$.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A blood pressure measurement of $120-129\,mmHg$ and less than $80\,mmHg$.

High Blood Pressure Stage 1

A blood pressure measurement of $130-139\,mmHg$ or $80-89\,mmHg$.

High Blood Pressure Stage 2

A blood pressure measurement of $\ge 140\,mmHg$ or $\ge 90\,mmHg$.

DASH Eating Plan

A dietary approach to treat hypertension rich in low-fat dairy ($2-3$ servings/day) and fruits and vegetables ($8-10$ servings/day).

DASH Low-Sodium

A version of the DASH diet with $1500\,mg$ sodium, which is more effective at lowering blood pressure but harder to follow.

Metabolic Syndrome

A cluster of at least 3 risk factors: central obesity, high triglycerides (>150\,mg/dL), low HDL (<40\,mg/dL), prediabetes, and hypertension.

Diabetes Diagnosis Criteria

A fasting plasma glucose $\ge 126\,mg/dL$ or an $A1C \ge 6.5\%$.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune disease where the body produces little or no insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

A classification of diabetes characterized by high insulin levels and insulin resistance.

Prediabetes

A condition with higher than normal fasting blood sugar ($100-125\,mg/dL$) but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.

Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Metformin

A medication noted for a $31\%$ reduction in diabetes risk according to the Diabetes Prevention Program.

Macrovascular Complications

Damage to large blood vessels resulting in heart disease, amputations, or neuropathy.

Microvascular Complications

Damage to small blood vessels resulting in blindness or kidney disease.