Topic 11 cardiac rehabilitation (25% of Short Answers)

Cardiovascular Anatomy

The study of the structure and organization of the heart and blood vessels.

Atherosclerosis

A condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in arterial walls, leading to narrowed arteries.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis

Factors that increase likelihood of developing atherosclerosis, such as high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension.

Cardiac rehabilitation

A medically supervised program designed to improve cardiovascular health through exercise, education, and lifestyle changes.

Patient assessment in cardiac rehabilitation

The process of evaluating a patient's functional status to inform rehabilitation strategies.

Goals of Phase 1 Cardiac Rehabilitation

Initiate low-level exercise in a hospital setting and provide education about lifestyle changes.

Goals of Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation

Increase work capacity and improve clinical status in closely monitored outpatient settings.

Exercise prescription guidelines

Recommendations for establishing safe and effective exercise programs for cardiac rehabilitation.

Modifiable risk factors

Lifestyle or health factors that can be changed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nonmodifiable risk factors

Intrinsic factors such as age, gender, and family history that cannot be changed.

Arteriosclerosis

A general term describing the thickening and hardening of arteries that can restrict blood flow.

Hypertension

Consistently high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health complications.

Angina

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Myocardial infarction

Also known as a heart attack; occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked.

Heart failure

A chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficiently to maintain blood flow.

Stroke

A medical emergency characterized by an interruption in blood flow to the brain, leading to neurologic dysfunction.

Coronary angioplasty

A procedure used to open narrowed arteries supplying blood to the heart.

Medications for cardiovascular health

Drugs used to manage conditions affecting the cardiovascular system, such as beta-blockers or nitrates.

Exercise tolerance testing

Assessment of how well a patient's heart and lungs perform during physical activity.

Recovery after an acute cardiac event

The process of regaining health and strength following a severe cardiovascular incident.

Patient self-management skills

Skills developed by patients to effectively manage their own health and chronic conditions.

Physical activity and lifestyle modification

Behavioral changes aimed at improving physical health and reducing disease risk.

PACEMAKER syndrome

A condition that may occur with pacemakers, causing inadequate timing of heart contractions.

Quality of life in cardiac patients

A measure of patients’ overall well-being, including physical, mental, and social health.

6MWT

6-Minute Walk Test; a common test to assess functional capacity in heart rehabilitation.

NYHA scale

New York Heart Association functional classification system that assesses the severity of heart failure.

Concordance with prescribed medications

The extent to which patients follow their prescribed medication regimen.

Behavioral change strategies

Approaches used in rehabilitation to encourage patients to adopt healthier lifestyle choices.