1B - Cardiovascular Disease Flashcards
What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
Affects the heart and blood vessels.
What Is Atherosclerosis?
The hardening of the arteries caused by damage to the endothelium of the artery, which then leads to an inflammatory response.
What Is Thrombosis?
The formation of blood clots in the arteries.
What Are Risk Factors & What Could They Be?
(4 Points)
~ Are factors that can be linked to an increased risk of disease.
~ What people consume.
~ Persons environment.
~ Biological factors.
What Are Some Lifestyle Factors Linked To CVD?
(3 Points)
~ Diet.
~ High blood pressure.
~ Smoking.
What Are Some Factors Beyond Our Control That Can Lead To CVD?
(3 Points)
~ Genetics.
~ Age.
~ Biological Sex.
What Are The 6 Steps Involved In Atherosclerosis?
1) Damage to the endothelium layer. Caused by high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, smoking.
2) Inflammatory response. White blood cells such as macrophages accumulate in the damaged area.
3) Lipids and cholesterol clump together with the white blood cells under the endothelium to form fatty streaks.
4) Over time more white blood cells, lipids and connective tissue build up and harden to form a fibrous plaque called an atheroma.
5) The plaque partially blocks the lumen of the artery and restricts blood flow, causing blood pressure to increase.
6) Positive feedback occurs and the process is repeated.
What Does Blood Clotting Prevent?
(3 Points)
~ Excess loss of blood.
~ Entry of pathogens.
~ Provides a scab.
What Are The 5 Steps Of Thrombosis?
1) A chemical called thromboplastin is released from the damaged blood vessel.
2) Thromboplastin and calcium ions from the plasma trigger the conversion of soluble prothrombin protein into enzyme thrombin.
3) Thrombin then catalyses the conversion of the soluble protein fibrinogen to the insoluble protein fibrin.
4) The fibrin fibres then form a mesh and tangle together which then platelets and red blood cells get trapped in.
5) Blood clots are formed.
What Is A Stroke?
A rapid loss of brain function, due to the disruption of blood supply to the brain.
How Can Blood Clots Cause Stokes?
Caused by a blood clot in an artery leading to the brain, which reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that can reach the brain.
How Do Blood Clots Cause Heart Attacks?
The coronary arteries become blocked by a blood clot.
What Are Symptoms Of Heart Attacks?
(3 Points)
~ Chest pain.
~ Shortness of breath.
~ Sweating.
How Do Blood Clots Cause Deep Vein Thrombosis?
If a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside the body.
What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?
(3 Points)
~ Prolonged inactivity.
~ Old age.
~ Some medication.
