PSL301 — Cardiovascular & Respiratory Study Materials Flashcards

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Atherosclerosis

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A chronic arterial disease in which **lipid-rich plaques** form beneath the endothelium, leading to vessel narrowing, potential plaque rupture, thrombosis, and reduced blood flow to tissues.

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LDL-C

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**Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol** that transports cholesterol to tissues; high levels are associated with increased plaque formation and atherosclerosis risk.

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HDL-C

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**High-density lipoprotein cholesterol** that helps return cholesterol to the liver for excretion; higher levels are generally protective against atherosclerosis.

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Fatty streak

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An early lesion in atherosclerosis where **LDL accumulates beneath endothelial cells** and macrophages infiltrate, creating visible streaks along artery walls.

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Vulnerable plaque

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A heterogeneous, lipid-rich plaque with a weakened fibrous cap that is prone to **rupture**, triggering platelet activation and thrombus formation.

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Myocardial infarction

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Death of myocardial tissue due to prolonged ischemia, typically diagnosed by **chest pain**, elevated cardiac enzymes (e.g., **troponin**, CK-MB), and ECG changes.

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Troponin

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A cardiac muscle protein released into blood during myocardial injury; **elevated troponin** is a sensitive and specific marker for myocardial infarction.

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Thrombolysis

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The pharmacologic breakdown of blood clots using agents like **t-PA**, which converts plasminogen to plasmin to degrade fibrin in thrombi and restore blood flow.

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Angioplasty

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A percutaneous procedure using a balloon-tipped catheter to **expand a narrowed coronary lumen**, often followed by stent placement to keep the artery open.

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ACE inhibitor

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A medication that **blocks the renin-angiotensin system**, reducing afterload and remodeling, and is used to treat hypertension and heart failure.

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Hypertension

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Sustained elevation of arterial blood pressure that increases the risk of **stroke, heart failure, vascular and renal disease**, and may be essential or secondary in origin.

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Orthostatic hypotension

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A drop in blood pressure causing dizziness upon standing, typically due to impaired autonomic reflexes or volume depletion, leading to reduced cerebral perfusion.

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Alveoli

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Microscopic air sacs in the lungs where **gas exchange** occurs; they provide large surface area and minimal diffusion distance for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

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Type II cells

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**Alveolar Type II cells** produce pulmonary surfactant, which lowers surface tension and prevents alveolar collapse, and they serve as progenitors for Type I cells.

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Mucociliary escalator

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The coordinated system of **mucus production by goblet cells** and ciliary movement that clears inhaled particles and pathogens from conducting airways.

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Diaphragm

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The principal muscle of inspiration that contracts to increase thoracic volume; it is innervated by the **phrenic nerve (C3–C5)**.

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Conducting zone

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Airways that **condition and conduct air** (nose, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles) but do not participate in gas exchange; they create anatomical dead space.

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Pulmonary circulation

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The low-pressure vascular circuit that transports deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to alveolar capillaries for gas exchange and returns oxygenated blood to the left atrium.

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Pneumothorax first aid

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Initial emergency measures include applying a **wet dressing as a one-way valve** at the chest wound and supplying trained positive-pressure ventilation to re-expand the lung until definitive care.