Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Diseases

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases based on lecture materials.

Primary Hypertension

More than 90% of hypertensive patients; idiopathic or without any known cause.

Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension caused by various medical conditions including renal, endocrine, cardiac, neurological, and pregnancy-related issues.

RAAS

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System; regulates blood pressure by modulating blood volume and vascular resistance.

Systolic Blood Pressure

Pressure in the arteries when the heart ventricles contract.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Aneurysm

Dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel.

Cardiac Tamponade

Build up of fluid in the pericardial cavity that restricts heart filling, leading to a decrease in cardiac output.

Acute Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium typically due to infection or autoimmune disease.

Ischaemic Heart Disease

Conditions where myocardial oxygen supply is insufficient due to coronary artery pathology.

Dysrhythmia

A group of disorders characterized by irregular heartbeats due to impulse generation or conduction problems.

Atrial Fibrillation

A common rhythm disturbance where electrical impulses in the atria lead to ineffective pumping and reduced cardiac output.