Risk Factors and Cardiovascular Disease

This set of flashcards focuses on vocabulary terms related to risk factors, pathophysiology, and management of cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia

A condition characterized by high levels of lipids in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

Cholesterol

A type of fat found in the blood that is essential for cell membranes and the production of hormones.

Lipoproteins

Particles made of proteins and lipids that transport cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

Chylomicrons

Lipoproteins that carry triglycerides from the intestines to the liver and peripheral tissues.

VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)

A type of lipoprotein that carries newly synthesized triglycerides from the liver to adipose tissue.

IDL (Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein)

An intermediate form of lipoprotein that is derived from VLDL after it has released some of its triglycerides.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

A lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the liver to cells and tissues.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

A lipoprotein that collects cholesterol from tissues and transports it back to the liver.

Atherosclerosis

A pathological condition characterized by fatty deposits (plaques) within arterial walls.

Angina

Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscles.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

A medical emergency commonly known as a heart attack, occurring when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A disease characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries.

Risk Factors for CAD

Factors such as smoking, high cholesterol, and inactivity that increase the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.

Endothelial Dysfunction

Impaired function of the inner lining of blood vessels, often leading to atherosclerosis.

Myocardial Ischemia

A condition where blood flow to the heart is insufficient, leading to tissue hypoxia.

Troponin

A protein released into the bloodstream during myocardial ischemia used to diagnose heart attacks.

Reverse Cholesterol Transport

The process by which HDL collects excess cholesterol from tissues and returns it to the liver.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels, which helps to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Nitric Oxide

A potent vasodilator produced by endothelial cells that helps regulate blood flow.

Coronary Blood Flow

The circulation of blood in the coronary arteries that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

Chest pain

Any sensation of discomfort or pressure in the chest often related to heart conditions.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in daily habits aimed at improving health, such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Hypertension

High blood pressure—the force of blood against the artery walls is too high.

Invasive Interventions

Surgical or procedural measures taken to treat or manage cardiovascular disease.

Plaque Rupture

The breaking open of an atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to a heart attack.

Epidemiological Studies

Research conducted to understand how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Behavioral Change Strategies

Techniques used to help individuals change their lifestyle behaviors to improve health outcomes.

Primary Prevention

Measures taken to prevent the onset of disease before it happens.

Secondary Prevention

Measures aimed at early detection and treatment of disease to prevent worsening.

Statins

A class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Physical Inactivity

Lack of sufficient physical activity, often a risk factor for heart disease.

Dietary Changes

Modifications in food intake, often aimed at reducing cholesterol and improving overall health.

Health Education

Informing individuals about health practices and preventive measures.

Coronary Artery Anatomy

The structural components of the coronary arteries involved in blood supply to the heart muscle.

ABCA1 receptor

A receptor that helps transport cholesterol from cells to HDL.

Family History

Genetic predisposition to certain health conditions based on familial background.

Aortic Sinus

The opening behind the aortic valve where coronary arteries originate.