Cardiovascular and respiratory

What are traditional risk factors for CVD?

• Well-established factors that contribute to CVD risk.

• Include modifiable risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.

• Include non-modifiable risk factors such as age, genetic factors, and ethnicity.

• High blood pressure and obesity are also listed as traditional risk factors.

• The Framingham Heart Study played a significant role in defining these risk factors.

What are novel risk factors for CVD?

Factors beyond the traditional ones that are being investigated for their role in CVD.

Traditional risk factors can only explain approximately 50% of acute cardiovascular events, suggesting the involvement of other, "novel" factors.

Examples include circulating factors found in plasma:

• Proteins/cytokines

• microRNAs

• Extracellular vesicles

• Hormones

Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) are also considered novel risk factors.

What is the primary topic discussed in the initial slides of "CV endothelial fxn"?

Vascular Function and Blood Vessels, emphasizing that all blood vessels have endothelium

Describe the endothelium in terms of its location and structure.

The endothelium is found lining the inside of all blood vessels, lymph vessels, and heart chambers. It is one cell thick.

List the functions of the endothelium related to transport and barrier.

The endothelium provides a barrier between blood and other body tissues and transports blood through the body, delivering substances such as nutrients, oxygen (via diffusion), glucose and amino acids (via pores), and exchangeable proteins (via vesicular transport).

What are the two main ways the endothelium regulates vascular tone and blood flow?

By redirecting blood to areas that need it most and by controlling blood pressure.

What is a key messenger molecule produced by the endothelium and what is its effect?

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule that causes vasodilation. Its production is impaired with aging.

According to the sources, what is endothelial dysfunction associated with?

Cardiovascular disease

How does a sedentary lifestyle with aging affect brachial artery function as measured by Flow-Mediated Dilatation (FMD)?

A sedentary lifestyle with aging is associated with a lower percentage change in Flow-Mediated Dilatation compared to young sedentary individuals.

How do sedentary habits generally impact vascular aging?

Sedentary habits increase the risk for vascular aging, leading to decreased cardiac and arterial compliance, endothelial dysfunction, and reduced vasodilation.

What are the potential benefits of exercise on vascular function with age?

Exercise may decrease the risk of vascular aging by leading to less arterial stiffening and endothelial dysfunction and preserved vasodilator signaling.