Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and treatment strategies related to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) as discussed in the lecture.

What is the largest killer of American men and women across all ethnic groups?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

What is atherosclerosis?

A condition that affects arteries providing blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the heart, leading to blockages.

What causes ischemia?

A lack of oxygen to heart tissue due to partially blocked blood flow.

What is the difference between ischemia and infarction?

Ischemia is reversible lack of oxygen; infarction is cell death due to lack of oxygen.

What characterizes chronic stable angina?

Pain due to a temporary imbalance in oxygen supply and demand; it is predictable and reversible.

What causes acute coronary syndrome?

Rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque leading to clot formation and vasoconstriction.

What are the distinctions between STEMI and NSTEMI?

STEMI involves ST elevation in EKG with complete blockage; NSTEMI shows ST and T wave changes with possible normal initial cardiac enzymes.

What is the ‘Widow Maker’ in terms of heart attack?

Obstruction of the left anterior descending artery leading to high mortality rate due to critical impact on cardiac output.

What health promotion can reduce sudden cardiac arrest risk?

Controlling modifiable risk factors and using AEDs in public places.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent Coronary Artery Disease?

Quit smoking, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage diabetes and hypertension, and avoid obesity.

What are the major indicators of metabolic syndrome?

Hypertension, low HDL-C levels, high triglycerides, high fasting blood glucose, and excessive abdominal fat.

Name a common treatment method for chronic stable angina.

Medications including nitroglycerin and antiplatelet aggregators such as aspirin.