Heart Disease and Stroke Flashcards - Chapter 8

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

• Includes conditions such as congestive heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Atherosclerosis

• Characterized by clogged arteries due to irregular thickening from plaque accumulation.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

• Involves narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries, impacting blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart Attack

• Results in tissue death (infarction) in the myocardium due to insufficient blood flow.

Angina

• Defined as chest pain or discomfort from restricted blood supply to the heart.

Stroke

• A "brain attack" caused by blockage or rupture of blood vessels, often linked to atherosclerosis.

Heart Attack Alert (Signs)

• Symptoms include chest discomfort, arm or back pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

Stroke Symptoms

• Indicators include numbness or weakness typically on one side, confusion, trouble speaking or seeing, balance issues, or severe headaches without an apparent cause.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

• Focus consists of compression, airway management, and breathing assistance.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

• Devices that diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and deliver shocks; user-friendly with training available through organizations like the American Heart Association.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

• Defined by elevated pressure against arterial walls; classified as systolic pressure of 140 mm or higher and diastolic pressure of 90 mm or higher (140/90).

High Blood Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

• Indicates elevated cholesterol levels; screenings recommended for individuals over 20 years old.

Fasting Lipoprotein Profile

• Measures LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular health.

Obesity

• Increases risks for coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.

Diabetes

• Defined by high blood glucose levels, often due to insufficient insulin production or response; type 2 diabetes is the most common form, generally occurring in middle age.

Other Risk Factors

• Include continued stress, aggressive personality traits, excessive alcohol consumption.

Coronary Angioplasty

• A minimally invasive procedure using a balloon-tipped catheter to open narrowed coronary arteries.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

• Surgical procedure creating an alternative route for blood flow around blocked arteries using veins from the leg.

Carotid Endarterectomy

• Surgery aimed at removing plaque from narrowed carotid arteries to restore proper blood flow to the brain.