Definitions

Question 1

Define ischemia

Answer 1

Decreased blood flow and Oxygen supply to a part of the body, ie: The Heart: Reduced supply to cardiac Muscle

Question 1

Define angina

Answer 1

Chest Pain associated with reduced Blood flow to the Heart - can be caused by Ischemia.

Question 2

Define a myocardial infarction (MI)

Answer 2

Myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, occurs when there is occlusion (blockage) of blood flow within a coronary artery causing prolonged myocardial ischemia which leads to myocyte death (necrosis).

As cardiac muscle cells are unable to repair themselves, there will be permanent loss of muscle tissue in this area - usually in the form of Fibrous Connective Tissue. Areas surrounding the site of necrosis also experience various levels of ischemia, further affecting systolic function.

Question 3

Define pathology

Answer 3

The study of disease or abnormal body conditions

Question 4

What is an Infectious (communicable) disease

Answer 4

Caused by an infectious organism/pathogen (e.g. syphilis, cold/flu, HIV, rubella)

These types of diseases can be transmitted between individuals through various mechanisms

Question 5

What is a non-infectious disease/condition

Answer 5

Disease state NOT caused by a pathogen.

These types of diseases/conditions may occur for unknown reasons, but are generally associated with genetic and/or environmental factors (e.g. nutrition,
lifestyle, injury, exposure to certain elements, etc.)

These types of diseases/conditions are NOT transmitted between individuals, however some genetic conditions may be passed from parent(s) to child/ren.

Question 6

Define pathophysiology

Answer 6

The physiological processes or mechanisms by which such diseases/conditions develop and progress. (Development)

OR the functional changes associated with, or resulting from, disease or injury. (Outcomes)

Question 7

Define aetiology

Answer 7

The cause, set of causes or manner of causation of a disease or condition

Question 8

Define epidemiology

Answer 8

The study of influences that affect the health of populations. Includes information about each type of disease (e.g. how often it occurs, profile of people with
disease/condition)

Question 9

Define risk factor

Answer 9

Factor that increases the susceptibility (sensitivity, vulnerability, disposition) to developing/contracting a disease/condition.

Question 10

Define a sign

Answer 10

An objective, measurable/observable feature associated with a disease/condition state (e.g. blood pressure, HR, bruising, wheezing, pallor, etc.)

Question 11

Define a symptom

Answer 11

An abnormality or feeling noticed by an individual which usually reflects a disease/condition, but which is not necessarily measurable (indication of patient’s
experience).

*Individuals tell you their symptoms, health practitioners observe/measure signs. While these are different indications of a person’s condition, they are each relevant and important in the recognition and diagnosis of disease.

Question 12

Define systemic

Answer 12

Affecting entire body rather than a single organ/body part

Question 13

Define acute

Answer 13

Relatively short-lived disease state, often with a sudden onset followed by a period of intensification before subsiding.

Question 14

Define chronic

Answer 14

Disease/condition state that persists for a relatively long period of time (up to a lifetime in some cases).

With chronic conditions, the disease state may remain stable, may fluctuate and/or may worsen over time.

*In some cases, an acute condition can become chronic, depending on any number of variables.

Question 15

Define morbidity

Answer 15

State of illness or abnormal condition and its impact on an individual’s quality of life.

Question 16

Define mortality

Answer 16

Death; death rate of a disease/condition in a population