Antilipemic Medications and Hyperlipidemia

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to antilipemic medications and hyperlipidemia, aiding in understanding of the topics for examination preparation.

Antilipemic

Medications used to lower lipid levels in the blood.

Hyperlipidemia

High levels of lipids in the blood, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Cholesterol

A lipid used to make steroid hormones, cell membranes, and bile acids; can be obtained from both exogenous and endogenous sources.

Triglycerides

Fats that function as an energy source and are stored in adipose tissue.

Lipoproteins

Particles that transport lipids in the blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Often referred to as 'bad cholesterol', it transports cholesterol to tissues and can contribute to atherosclerosis.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Known as 'good cholesterol', it helps to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of plaque in blood vessels, often leading to cardiovascular disease.

Statins

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, which lower cholesterol by inhibiting its production in the liver.

Rhabdomyolysis

Breakdown of skeletal muscle leading to the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream, potentially a serious side effect of statins.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

Medications that bind bile acids preventing their reabsorption, used to lower cholesterol levels.

Niacin

A B vitamin that lowers lipid levels by reducing triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism.

Fibric Acid Derivatives

Medications that activate lipase to break down cholesterol and are used to treat specific forms of hyperlipidemia.

Metabolic Syndrome

A combination of disorders that increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Lipid Panel

A blood test measuring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in diet, exercise, and other habits recommended before initiating drug therapy for lipid management.

Thrombus

A blood clot that can form in blood vessels and cause blockage, relevant in atherosclerosis.

Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis

Conditions that increase the likelihood of plaque buildup in arteries, including immobility, obesity, poor diet, and smoking.

Dietary Fiber

Recommended for patients taking bile acid sequestrants to help manage constipation.

Apoproteins

Proteins that bind to lipids to form lipoproteins, critical for lipid transport in the blood.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

Medications that block the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, exemplified by ezetimibe.

PCSK9 Inhibitors (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors)

A class of antilipemic drugs that increase LDL receptor availability on liver cells, leading to lower LDL-C levels.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A major cardiovascular disease resulting from plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the coronary arteries, impeding blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A group of essential fatty acids known to reduce triglyceride levels, often prescribed as a supplement for hypertriglyceridemia.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Commonly known as a heart attack, caused by a sudden lack of blood supply to a part of the heart muscle, usually due to a blocked coronary artery.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)

A genetic disorder causing very high levels of LDL cholesterol from birth, leading to early onset of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)

A type of lipoprotein produced by the liver, primarily responsible for transporting triglycerides to tissues.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

A condition caused by atherosclerosis that affects blood vessels outside of the heart and brain, often in the legs, leading to reduced blood flow.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, a common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Blood tests used to monitor liver health, often recommended for patients taking antilipemic medications such as statins and niacin due to potential for hepatotoxicity.

Chylomicrons

Lipoproteins formed in the intestines that primarily transport dietary triglycerides and cholesterol from the small intestine to the liver and other tissues.

Non-HDL Cholesterol

A calculated measure representing all cholesterol not carried by HDL, including LDL, VLDL, and other atherogenic lipoproteins, used as a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]

A specific type of low-density lipoprotein-like particle whose elevated levels are an independent and often genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Saturated Fats

A type of dietary fat, commonly found in animal products, full-fat dairy, and some tropical oils, that tends to raise LDL cholesterol levels.