Cardiology Flashcards
What are the aetiological factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
Poor diet and hypertension (HTN) increase blood pressure (BP), which is a risk factor for CVD. HTN puts strain on the heart and blood vessels, raising the risk of strokes and heart failure (HF).
Poor diet, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM) are interconnected and significantly increase the risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction (MI), and myocardial ischemia.
What is the impact of COPD on heart health?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to the development of ‘cor pulmonale,’ where the right side of the heart becomes enlarged or strained due to pulmonary issues, resulting in heart failure as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
What is a cardioprotective diet?
A cardioprotective diet combines lipid management and hypertension management diets, focusing on reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
What are key components of a lipid management diet?
A lipid management diet involves managing lipids, particularly cholesterol, by reducing saturated and trans fats and increasing heart-healthy fats (n-3) and soluble fiber.
What dietary strategies are recommended for hypertension management?
Hypertension management diet aims to control high BP by reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium-rich foods, following the DASH diet, and maintaining a balanced diet.
What lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of heart disease?
Weight loss and maintenance, moderation of alcohol intake, and smoking cessation are significant lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of heart disease.
What are the recommendations for managing heart failure (HF)?
Management of HF may include magnesium and thiamine supplementation for nutritional deficiencies, fluid restriction to prevent excessive fluid buildup, and a high-protein, high-energy (HPHE) diet to support nutritional needs.
What is the Mediterranean-style diet’s impact on heart health?
The Mediterranean diet is based on dietary patterns rather than isolated nutrients and is well-evidenced to reduce risks of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, high BP, and high cholesterol.
What are fundamental food choices in a heart-healthy diet?
A heart-healthy diet includes abundant fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy dairy, and fats, while limiting red and processed meats.
Aim for 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables daily, and choose whole grain options like oats, barley, and quinoa.
How can salt intake be reduced in a heart-healthy diet?
Reduce salt intake by using herbs and spices for flavor, limiting packaged and processed foods high in salt, and refraining from adding extra salt during cooking or at the table.
What are hydration and alcohol guidelines for heart health?
Prioritize water intake and avoid sugary drinks. Alcohol intake should follow Australian guidelines: no more than 10 standard drinks per week and a maximum of 4 standard drinks on a single day for lower risk.
What is the self-monitoring checklist for heart-healthy eating?
Gauge current dietary habits against heart-healthy principles, focusing on daily fruit and vegetable intake, whole grains, limiting red and processed meats, including fish and seafood, using herbs and spices instead of salt, and aligning alcohol intake with guidelines.
What are the dietary fat recommendations for cardiac rehabilitation?
Limit saturated fats to less than 7% of total energy intake (TEI) and trans fats to less than 1% of TEI. Include monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) to help lower cholesterol levels.
What are the fluid intake recommendations for managing heart failure?
Fluid intake is important for managing heart failure to reduce retention and bloating.
What are the salt and blood pressure recommendations?
Aim for less than 2300 mg of sodium per day, as high intake can increase blood pressure and stress on the heart.
