Chapter 6 – Physical Activity and Risk for Disease Flashcards
Longitudinal studies
A form of observational research in which data is gathered for a given sample of a population over a period of time to examine long-term effects or relationships
Epidemiological studies
A form of research that focuses on the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions within specific populations
Comorbidities
Refers to the simultaneous presence of two or more chronic diseases in a patient
Thrombosis
The formation of a dangerous blood clot in a major blood vessel, heart, lungs or other body tissue which can cause various life-threatening issues, such as a stroke or pulmonary embolism.
Cytokines
Various substances secreted by components of the immune system to modulate tissue functions or have an impact on other cells.
Autoimmune disorders
A type of disease in which the body produces antibodies to attack its own tissues, leading to the deterioration and potential death of cells, glands, or organs
Low-density lipoproteins
A complex of lipids and proteins that functions as a transporter for circulating cholesterol from the liver to various body tissues
High-density lipoproteins
A complex of lipids and proteins that functions to transport/remove cholesterol and lipids from circulation to the liver.
Very-low density lipoproteins
Similar in structure, function, and circulatory impact to low-density lipoproteins, which aid in transporting cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipids throughout the body.
Atherogenic
A term used to describe dynamics which promote the formation of fatty plaques in vascular structures.
Lumen
When referring to an artery or vascular structure, this term describes the inside open space of the tubular structure.
Aneurism
An excessive localized enlargement of an artery (or abnormal dilation) caused by the weakening of an arterial wall due to issues such as hypertension and atherosclerosis or genetics.
Statins
A group of drugs that function to reduce cholesterol and lipid levels in circulation to help lessen the impact and progression of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis.
Monocytes
Large phagocytic (cells which can ingest other cells) white blood cells released from the immune system to deal with invading pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Apolipoprotein A-I
The primary protein component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL); it plays specific roles in the metabolism of cholesterol and lipids.
Myocardial ischemia
A symptomatic or asymptomatic condition where oxygen supply to the heart muscle does not meet demand.
Cardiac fibrosis
Refers to an abnormal thickening and stiffening of the heart valves (primarily tricuspid) and/or heart muscle walls, which can indicate a progression towards heart failure.
Renin-angiotensin system
The hormone system which functions to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance throughout the body.
Ventricular fibrillation
The most serious form of cardiac rhythm disturbance, where the ventricles essentially quiver or perform erratic mini-contractions
Pulmonary embolism
A serious, life-threatening type of blood clot that occurs in the pulmonary arteries which oxygenate the lungs themselves
Postphlebitic syndrome
Also known as post-thrombotic syndrome or venous stress disorder, it involves inflammation within the walls of a vein(s) which manifests as a collection of signs and symptoms: swelling and pain in the legs, skin color changes, and/or sores on the skin
Ischemic stroke
Occurs as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the brain; this blockage type accounts for the vast majority of stroke cases.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Occurs as a result of a weakened blood vessel rupture (aneurysm) in or on the surface of the brain
Hypoperfusion
Essentially a shock response in a given tissue due to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply which can quickly result in cellular death.
Hypoxia
A state of oxygen deficiency in a given tissue, muscle or organ
Atherothrombotic disease
Describes disease characterized by atherosclerotic lesion disruption which results in a dangerous blood clot(s) and occlusion of vascular structures.
Embolic disease
Describes diseases where an embolus (blockage-causing material such as blood clots, lipids, or even air bubbles) inside vascular structures causes occlusion at some point in the body resulting in ischemia and potential cellular death.