Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome based on lecture notes.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The most common type of cardiovascular disease, a progressive and chronic disease that leads to impaired cardiac output and decreased tissue perfusion.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by lipid deposits on the arterial walls, causing narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

ST-segment-elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)

A type of myocardial infarction characterized by the total occlusion of a coronary artery, resulting in severe heart muscle damage.

Non-ST-segment-elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)

A type of myocardial infarction that involves partial occlusion of a coronary artery and is less severe than STEMI.

Collateral circulation

Arterial connections within the coronary circulation that may develop to compensate for chronic ischemia.

Unstable Angina

Chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion, indicating significant coronary artery blockage and requiring immediate treatment.

Hypertension

A condition that increases the risk of coronary artery disease and is characterized by abnormal blood pressure levels.

Lipid-lowering drugs

Medications used to decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels, often including statins and fibrates.

Antiplatelet Therapy

Medications like aspirin or clopidogrel that prevent blood clots from forming in patients at risk for coronary artery disease.

Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD)

An unexpected death resulting from a cardiac cause, most commonly due to ventricular dysrhythmias.

Risk Factors for CAD

Includes modifiable (such as obesity and smoking) and nonmodifiable factors (such as age and family history) that increase the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.

Chronic Stable Angina

Intermittent chest pain occurring over long periods, described as pressure or heaviness, often provoked by exertion.

Myocardial Ischemia

A condition where O2 demand exceeds O2 supply, leading to insufficient oxygenation of the heart muscle.

Cardiac Catheterization

A procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions of the heart, including visualizing blockages in coronary arteries.

Troponin

A cardiac-specific protein released after heart muscle injury, serving as a biomarker for diagnosing myocardial infarction.

Cardiogenic Shock

A condition characterized by decreased cardiac output, leading to insufficient blood flow to the body, often following a severe myocardial infarction.

Beta-blockers

Medications that decrease heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, often used in heart disease management.

Nitroglycerin

A medication used to relieve chest pain by dilating blood vessels and reducing the heart's oxygen demand.