Cardiovascular Disease and Related Drugs

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

The 'bad' cholesterol that clogs arteries and forms plaques.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

The 'good' cholesterol that removes bad cholesterol from blood vessels.

Plaque Formation

Buildup of LDL in arteries leading to blockages.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Occurs due to complete blockage of coronary arteries, starving heart tissue of oxygen.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Blockage in arteries that can lead to a heart attack.

Angina

Chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart.

Widowmaker Artery

A main coronary artery where a clot can be fatal.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Genetic predisposition and diet, particularly high-fat foods.

Balloon Angioplasty

Intervention that uses a catheter with a balloon to expand a clogged artery.

Bypass Surgery

Open-heart surgery creating a new path for blood flow by grafting a piece of an artery.

Statins (e.g., Lipitor, Zocor)

Drugs that block the synthesis of LDL in the liver.

Nitroglycerin

Medication that relieves angina by widening heart blood vessels.

Aspirin

Prevents blood clots by inhibiting platelet aggregation.

Clot Busters (e.g., TPA)

Enzymes injected to dissolve clots quickly in heart attacks or strokes.

Blood Thinners (e.g., Eliquis)

Prevent blood clotting from working effectively.

Stroke

Stopped oxygen flow to the brain due to a blocked artery.

Calcium Score

A CAT scan to measure arterial clogging in the heart.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

Measures the heart's electrical activity.

Blood Tests in Cardiology

Tests for cardiac troponin and myoglobin levels indicate heart damage.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Forceful pumping of blood that damages artery walls.

Consequences of Hypertension

Can lead to organ damage, stroke, and heart attack.

Diuretics (e.g., Lasix)

Medications that promote kidney excretion of electrolytes.

Beta Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol)

Block adrenaline effects to lower heart rate and blood pressure.

Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., Verapamil)

Block calcium from entering heart muscle cells to lower contractions.

ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril)

Block the enzyme that produces angiotensin, relaxing blood vessels.

ARBs (e.g., Losartan)

Block angiotensin from binding to blood vessel muscles.

Heart Failure

The heart's inability to pump effectively due to damage or scarring.

Symptoms of Heart Failure

Persistent cough and swollen legs due to fluid buildup.

Heart Chambers

The four sections of the heart: two atria and two ventricles.

Blood Circulation Process

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium and is pumped to the body after oxygenation.

Deoxygenated Blood Appearance

Appears blue due to dark red blood in veins.

Cholesterol Definition

A type of fat found in the blood.

Plaques Definition

Fatty deposits that narrow and stiffen arteries.

Widowmaker Artery Importance

Clot in this artery can be fatal, often linked with heart attacks.

Angina as Warning Sign

Indicates potential for a heart attack due to partially blocked arteries.

Mechanism of Action for Statins

Inhibit LDL synthesis and increase LDL receptors in the liver.

Cholesterol Ratio Importance

The HDL/LDL ratio is more important than individual cholesterol levels.

Nitroglycerin Mechanism

Relaxes blood vessel muscles to increase blood flow.

Aspirin Action

Inhibits platelet aggregation to reduce blood clot formation.

TPA Use

Enzyme injected to dissolve blood clots quickly after heart attacks.

Blood Thinners Function

Reduce clotting ability to prevent new clots.

Stroke Symptoms

Weakness, numbness, facial drooping, and slurred speech.

Hypertension Risk

Increased risk of heart attack and damage to organs.

Goal of Hypertension Treatment

Lower blood pressure to prevent damage and complications.

ACE Inhibitor Action

Block enzyme that produces angiotensin, widening blood vessels.

ARB Mechanism

Blocks angiotensin from binding to blood vessel muscles.

EKG Components

Includes P wave, QRS complex, and T wave which indicate heart activity.

Elevated Cardiac Biomarkers

Indicate damage and death of heart muscle cells.

Atrial Contraction

Signaled by the P wave in an EKG.

Ventricular Contraction

Indicated by the QRS complex in an EKG.