CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES Flashcards
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
NCDs are chronic diseases resulting from a combination of genetics, physiology, environment, and behavior.
Main NCDs include Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), Cancer, Chronic Respiratory Disease, and Diabetes.
74% of all deaths are attributed to NCDs, with 77% occurring in low and middle-income countries.
Cardiac Cycle
SA node generates electrochemical impulse.
Impulse travels across atria causing contraction.
AV node receives and relays the impulse.
Impulse travels down AV bundle (bundle of His).
Impulse then travels along Purkinje Fibers, causing ventricles to contract.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
General term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels.
Common outcomes include angina, heart attack, and stroke.
Coronary Artery Disease: Narrowing of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis.
Heart failure: Occurs when the heart doesn’t pump effectively.
Types of CV Disease
Coronary Artery Disease
Valve Disease
Aneurysm
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis
Heart Failure
Cardiac Event
Cardiac Arrest: Occurs when cardiac muscle malfunctions, triggered by electrical malfunction.
Heart Attack: Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked due to plaque buildup.
Note: Heart Attack can lead to Cardiac Arrest, but the reverse is not true.
Conditions (Pericarditis, Cardiomyopathy)
Pericarditis: Swelling/inflammation at the sack of the heart, can lead to myocarditis.
Cardiomyopathy: Thickening, stretching, stiffening, or enlargement of the myocardium
Arrhythmias
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib): Rapid, uncoordinated heart rate.
Atrial Flutter: Similar to A-fib but with a more organized heartbeat.
Ventricular Fibrillation: Uncoordinated impulses to the ventricles.
Ventricular Tachycardia: High heart rate without full ventricular filling
Atherosclerosis
Hardening of arteries.
Buildup of plaque in arteries
Risk Factors
High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Smoking
Type 1 Diabetes
Obesity
Physical Inactivity
High Saturated Fat
Aortic Aneurysm
Aorta under high pressure.
Aneurysm caused by high BP or traumatic injury.
Measurement and Diagnosis
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Blood tests (Troponin)
Chest X-ray (Pneumothorax)
Exercise Stress Test
Cardiac CT (Computerized Tomography)
Causes of CV Disease
Natural causes: Systemic inflammation, direct viral infection, cardiac injury, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, thromboembolism.
Unnatural causes: Obesity, psychological distress, smoking, diet, sedentary behavior, poor clothing choices.