PATHFIT 1 - Midterm Study Guide: Stress, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Substance Use

Vocabulary flashcards covering stress, cardiovascular diseases, basic first aid, and drug categories for PATHFIT 1 Midterm exam review.

Stress

The body's physical, mental, and emotional response to a specific stimulus called a stressor.

Stressor

Something that causes stress.

Eustress

A type of 'good' stress that can motivate and improve focus (e.g., preparing for a job interview).

Distress

A type of 'bad' or harmful stress (e.g., sudden loss of a loved one, an unreasonable boss).

Adrenalin (adrenaline)

A hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress; increases blood circulation and breathing rate.

Chronic stress

Constant and unavoidable stress that can lead to upset stomach, headaches, sleep problems, heart disease, depression, anxiety, memory loss, and raises inflammation contributing to plaque buildup in the arteries per Dr. Lampert.

Physical Signs of Stress

Stress signs and symptoms including appetite change, upset stomach, fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.

Emotional Signs of Stress

Stress signs and symptoms including frustration, mood swings, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, and anxiety.

Mental Signs of Stress

Stress signs and symptoms including difficulty concentrating/deciding, negative self-talk, catastrophizing, and denial.

Relational Signs of Stress

Stress signs and symptoms including isolation, resentment, lashing out, distrust, and fewer contacts with friends.

Spiritual Signs of Stress

Stress signs and symptoms including emptiness, loss of meaning, doubt, and loss of direction.

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

A general term for conditions involving narrowed or blocked blood vessels.

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Condition occurring when an artery becomes blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart.

Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Condition occurring when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced.

Behavioral risk factors

CVD risk factors including unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful use of alcohol.

Intermediate risk factors

CVD risk factors including raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, raised blood lipids, and overweight/obesity.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

A type of heart disease where the blood force against artery walls is too high.

Coronary Artery Disease

Damage or disease in the heart's major blood vessels.

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness.

Congestive Heart Failure

A chronic condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should.

Arrhythmia

Improper beating of the heart — irregular, too fast, or too slow.

Peripheral Artery Disease

Condition where narrowed blood vessels reduce blood flow to the limbs.

Congenital Heart Disease

A heart abnormality present before birth.

Cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle.

Aortic Aneurysm

Abnormal bulging or weakening of the aorta.

Ischemic stroke

Stroke caused by a blockage (blood clot or embolus) in an artery supplying the brain; the most common type.

Hemorrhagic stroke

Stroke occurring when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or leaks, causing bleeding and pressure on brain tissue.

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack / "mini-stroke")

A temporary blockage whose symptoms resolve within 24 hours; a medical emergency that often precedes a full stroke.

BEFAST

An acronym for stroke recognition: Balance (sudden loss of balance/dizziness), Eyes (blurred vision), Face (drooping on one side), Arms (arm/leg weakness), Speech (difficulty speaking), Time (call for help immediately).

DRSABCD Method

First aid steps standing for: Danger (check for danger), Response (check response), Send for help, Airway (check/clear), Breathing (30 compressions, 2 breaths if none), CPR (continue until signs of life return), Defibrillation (attach if available).

Recovery Position

A 7-step simplified process where a person is turned on their side to stabilize the body, chin raised gently to open airway, and breathing monitored until first responders arrive.

Drug Addiction

A chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences — a psychological and physical inability to stop.

Drug Abuse

The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, that may lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Mechanism of Action

The specific biochemical interaction by which a drug produces its effects in the body.

Prescription Drugs

Drugs prescribed by a doctor, bought at a pharmacy, intended for one person, and regulated through the NDA process.

OTC (Over-the-Counter) Drugs

Drugs that do NOT require a prescription, are bought off-the-shelf, and are regulated through FDA OTC drug monographs.

Depressants

Drug category (e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives) that slows down brain/CNS function causing relaxation and drowsiness; 'cold turkey' withdrawal from barbiturates can be fatal.

Stimulants

Drug category (e.g., amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine) that speeds up brain/body function, increasing heart rate, alertness, talkativeness, agitation, and insomnia.

Opiates

Naturally occurring drugs (e.g., heroin, morphine) that produce pain relief and euphoria.

Opioids

Manmade drugs with the same effect as opiates (e.g., Demerol, Darvon, methadone) producing pain relief and euphoria.

Hallucinogens

Drug category (e.g., LSD, mescaline, peyote, methamphetamine) that alters perception/reality, causing hallucinations, confusion, floating sensation, paranoia, and panic.

MDMA ("ecstasy")

A designer drug classified under hallucinogens that is wrongly believed to be harmless.

PCP ("angel dust")

A very dangerous drug that actually makes up much of what is sold as LSD/mescaline.

Marijuana

A classic 'gateway' drug that alters senses and mood, leading to altered time/color perception, impaired memory/coordination, and red eyes.