Cardiovascular Disease 101 Flashcards
What is the ideal blood pressure reading?
120/80 (systolic/diastolic)
What does systolic pressure represent?
The pressure exerted on blood vessels as the heart pumps blood.
What does diastolic pressure represent?
The pressure exerted on blood vessels when the heart is at rest between beats.
Name one dietary factor that can lead to hypertension.
High intake of salt (sodium)
How does lack of physical activity contribute to hypertension?
It weakens heart muscles, causes weight gain, and stiffens blood vessels.
Why does obesity increase the risk of hypertension?
More blood is needed for the larger body and fat presses on blood vessels.
How does excessive alcohol consumption affect blood pressure?
It makes the heart beat faster and tightens blood vessels.
What effect does nicotine from smoking have on blood vessels?
Nicotine narrows blood vessels.
How does stress affect blood pressure?
It causes faster heartbeat and tightens blood vessels.
What is an aneurism?
A bulge in artery walls due to hypertension, especially in the brain.
What happens if a cerebral aneurism bursts?
It leads to a hemorrhagic stroke.
What is left ventricular hypertrophy?
Thickening of the left ventricle due to hypertension.
What can left ventricular hypertrophy lead to?
Congestive heart failure due to restricted heart movement.
What is atherosclerosis?
Narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup.
How does hypertension promote atherosclerosis?
By damaging the lining of blood vessels.
What is thrombosis?
A blood clot formed due to disrupted plaque in blood vessels.
What is deep vein thrombosis?
A type of thrombosis causing pain, swelling, and redness in limbs.
What is an embolism?
A piece of blood clot that breaks off and travels to another site.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A blockage in lung blood vessels caused by a traveling clot.
What is an ischemic stroke?
A stroke caused by embolism blocking blood flow to the brain.
What causes a myocardial infarction?
Atherosclerosis or embolism in coronary arteries.
What are arrhythmias?
Irregular heart rhythms due to damage to heart’s electrical system.
What is atrial fibrillation?
An erratic heart rate.
What is bradycardia?
A slow heart rate.
What is tachycardia?
A rapid heart rate.
What is heart valve disease?
Valves fail to control blood flow efficiently.
What infections can lead to congestive heart failure?
Pericarditis and endocarditis.
