CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Question 1

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Cardiac Cycle

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

Types of CV Disease

Answer 4

Coronary Artery Disease
Valve Disease
Aneurysm
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiomyopathy
Pericarditis
Heart Failure

Question 5

Cardiac Event

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Conditions (Pericarditis, Cardiomyopathy)

Answer 6

Pericarditis: Swelling/inflammation at the sack of the heart, can lead to myocarditis.
Cardiomyopathy: Thickening, stretching, stiffening, or enlargement of the myocardium

Question 7

Arrhythmias

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Atherosclerosis

Answer 8

Hardening of arteries.
Buildup of plaque in arteries

Question 9

Risk Factors

Answer 9

High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
Smoking
Type 1 Diabetes
Obesity
Physical Inactivity
High Saturated Fat

Question 10

Aortic Aneurysm

Answer 10

Aorta under high pressure.
Aneurysm caused by high BP or traumatic injury.

Question 11

Measurement and Diagnosis

Answer 11

ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Blood tests (Troponin)
Chest X-ray (Pneumothorax)
Exercise Stress Test
Cardiac CT (Computerized Tomography)

Question 12

Causes of CV Disease

Answer 12

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.