Cardiovascular Health - Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Flashcards
Q: What is Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)?
CVD refers to heart and blood vessel conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, and stroke. It causes 32% of global deaths and is preventable in over 75% of cases.
Q: What are key risk factors for CVD?
Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, excess body fat, stress, and smoking.
Q. What is the role of the Endothelium (ED)?
The ED lines blood vessels, regulates vascular tone, prevents thrombosis, and maintains fluid balance and immune defense.
Q. What is the glycocalyx (GX)?
A protective layer on the ED that controls permeability and NO production. Damage to the GX leads to atherosclerosis.
Q: How does oxidative stress affect the ED?
It increases permeability, reduces vasodilation, and raises the risk of thrombosis.
: Q: What do Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) do?
VSMCs help control blood pressure and maintain vessel integrity. They play a role in vascular diseases when damaged.
Q: How does nitric oxide (NO) help cardiovascular health?
NO relaxes blood vessels, prevents platelet aggregation, and reduces LDL oxidation, helping to prevent atherosclerosis.
Q: What are PPARs and their role in CVD?
PPARs regulate lipid and glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation, and improve endothelial health.
Q: How do VSMCs contribute to vascular disease?
Activated VSMCs migrate, proliferate, and thicken vessel walls, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis.
Q: What are natural sources of PPAR agonists?
PPAR-α: Green tea, resveratrol, omega-3s.
PPAR-γ: Curcumin, resveratrol, EGCG.
