Unit 8 Heart Health and Disease Flashcards
describe the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system.
The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries), and blood. The heart pumps blood to carry oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, veins return oxygen-poor blood to the heart, and capillaries enable exchange between blood and tissues. This system ensures oxygen delivery, waste removal, and overall body function.
discuss the incidence, prevalence of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of illness and death globally. In Canada, it accounts for a significant portion of health concerns. Incidence refers to new cases, and prevalence refers to the total number of cases in a given population. CVD includes conditions like heart disease, stroke, and hypertension.
discuss the consequences of cardiovascular disease for individuals and for Canadian society.
Consequences for Individuals:
- CVD can lead to serious health complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and reduced quality of life. It often requires ongoing medical care, lifestyle changes, and can limit a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Individuals with CVD may also face emotional and psychological challenges due to the impact on their well-being.
Consequences for Canadian Society:
- CVD has substantial societal implications. It places a burden on healthcare systems, leading to increased healthcare costs, hospitalizations, and medical treatments. Additionally, CVD-related disabilities and premature deaths can reduce workforce productivity and strain social support systems. Addressing CVD through prevention and effective management is crucial for individual and societal well-being.
What is cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels, including conditions like heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. It’s characterized by problems with blood flow, heart function, and circulation, often leading to serious health complications.
List the types of heart disease
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup.
- Heart Failure: Heart’s inability to pump blood effectively.
- Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Malfunctioning heart valves affecting blood flow.
- Cardiomyopathy: Heart muscle damage, leading to weakened pumping.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural heart abnormalities from birth.
List the contributing factors to the development of the various types of heart disease
- Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol.
- Medical Conditions: Hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes.
- Genetics: Family history of heart disease.
- Obesity: Excess body weight strains the heart.
List the diagnostic and treatment options for the various types of heart disease
- Diagnostic: ECG, echocardiogram, stress tests, angiography.
- Treatment: Medications (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors), procedures (angioplasty, bypass surgery), devices (pacemakers).
List the lifestyle changes necessary for disease prevention
- Healthy Diet: Low in saturated fats, rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
- Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking to reduce heart disease risk.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Control Conditions: Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes.
- Limit Alcohol: Moderate consumption for heart health.
discuss controllable risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
- Unhealthy Diet: High in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise.
- Smoking: Tobacco use damages blood vessels and the heart.
- Obesity: Excess weight strains the heart and raises risk.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure increases heart disease risk.
- Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes affects blood vessels.
differentiate among the cardiovascular disease risks and symptoms that are unique to women from those common in men.
Cardiovascular Risks Unique to Women:
- Pregnancy-related Risks: Conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia can impact heart health later.
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause affects heart disease risk due to estrogen decline.
Cardiovascular Symptoms Unique to Women:
- Atypical Chest Pain: Women may experience pain in back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath: More common in women during a heart attack.
- Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness might signal heart issues.
discuss methods of diagnosing cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records heart’s electrical activity.
- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound images to assess heart function.
- Stress Tests: Measure heart’s response to exercise.
- Cardiac Catheterization: Visualize blood flow and blockages.
discuss methods of treating cardiovascular disease.
Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease:
- Medications: Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and symptoms.
- Angioplasty: Opens blocked arteries using a balloon catheter.
- Bypass Surgery: Redirects blood flow around blockages.
- Implantable Devices: Pacemakers, stents, defibrillators.
