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Evidence-based medical learning
Heart Disease 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Students — Flashcards
Flashcards for Heart Disease 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Students
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1
QUESTION
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What are the coronary arteries?
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1
ANSWER
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They are blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself.
coronary arteries
CAD
anatomy
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2
QUESTION
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What are heart valves?
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2
ANSWER
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Valves are one-way “doors” that keep blood moving forward and prevent backflow.
heart anatomy
valves
basics
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3
QUESTION
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What does “heart disease” mean?
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3
ANSWER
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It’s an umbrella term for multiple conditions affecting the heart and circulation—commonly the vessels (CAD), pump (heart failure), valves (valve disease), or electrical system (arrhythmias).
heart disease
overview
basics
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4
QUESTION
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What is valve regurgitation?
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4
ANSWER
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Valve regurgitation means a valve is leaky and allows blood to flow backward, making the heart work harder.
valves
regurgitation
basics
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5
QUESTION
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What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?
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5
ANSWER
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CAD happens when coronary arteries narrow (often from plaque buildup), reducing blood flow to heart muscle. This can cause chest discomfort and can lead to heart attacks.
CAD
coronary arteries
basics
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6
QUESTION
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What are arrhythmias?
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6
ANSWER
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Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms (too fast, too slow, or irregular) caused by problems in the heart’s electrical system.
arrhythmia
electrical system
basics
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7
QUESTION
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What is primary prevention?
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7
ANSWER
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Primary prevention means preventing the first occurrence of heart disease or a first major event (like a first heart attack).
prevention
public health
basics
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8
QUESTION
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Name 2 non-modifiable heart disease risk factors.
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8
ANSWER
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Age and family history (genetics). (Sex also affects risk patterns over time.)
risk factors
prevention
basics
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9
QUESTION
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What is a stress test used for (basic idea)?
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9
ANSWER
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A stent is a small mesh tube placed in a narrowed coronary artery to keep it open and improve blood flow. PCI is the procedure used to place it.
treatment
PCI
stent
CAD
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10
QUESTION
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Name 3 modifiable heart disease risk factors.
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10
ANSWER
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Examples: smoking/tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, inactivity, unhealthy diet, excess weight.
risk factors
prevention
lifestyle
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11
QUESTION
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What does the left side of the heart do?
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11
ANSWER
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It pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of the body.
heart anatomy
blood flow
basics
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12
QUESTION
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What is a risk factor?
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12
ANSWER
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A risk factor is something that increases the chance of developing a disease. It doesn’t guarantee disease—it increases probability.
risk factors
prevention
basics
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13
QUESTION
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What does an echocardiogram (echo) show?
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13
ANSWER
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An ultrasound of the heart that shows structure and function—how well the heart pumps and how the valves are working.
diagnosis
echocardiogram
basics
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14
QUESTION
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What does the right side of the heart do?
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14
ANSWER
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It pumps blood to the lungs so the blood can pick up oxygen.
heart anatomy
blood flow
basics
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15
QUESTION
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What is a common CAD symptom pattern that raises suspicion?
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15
ANSWER
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Symptoms (often chest pressure or shortness of breath) that happen with exertion and improve with rest.
CAD
symptoms
clinical patterns
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16
QUESTION
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What is a stent (PCI) and what is it for?
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16
ANSWER
Did you remember?
A stent is a small mesh tube placed in a narrowed coronary artery to keep it open and improve blood flow. PCI is the procedure used to place it.
treatment
PCI
stent
CAD
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17
QUESTION
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What is the heart’s main job?
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17
ANSWER
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The heart is a muscular pump that moves blood through the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste.
heart anatomy
basics
circulation
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18
QUESTION
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What is secondary prevention?
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18
ANSWER
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Secondary prevention means preventing another event or worsening after heart disease is already known or diagnosed.
prevention
chronic care
basics
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19
QUESTION
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What is a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?
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19
ANSWER
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A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing heart muscle injury.
heart attack
CAD
emergency
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20
QUESTION
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What are palpitations?
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20
ANSWER
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Palpitations are the sensation of a racing, fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeat—often linked to rhythm issues but sometimes caused by stress, caffeine, or illness.
arrhythmia
symptoms
basics
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21
QUESTION
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What is heart failure (in simple terms)?
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21
ANSWER
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Heart failure means the heart can’t pump effectively (or fill properly), so the body may not get enough blood flow and fluid can back up, leading to shortness of breath and swelling.
heart failure
symptoms
basics
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22
QUESTION
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What is valve stenosis?
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22
ANSWER
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Valve stenosis means a valve does not open fully, making it harder for blood to move forward and increasing strain on the heart.
valves
stenosis
basics
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23
QUESTION
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What does an ECG/EKG measure?
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23
ANSWER
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It records the heart’s electrical activity and can suggest rhythm problems and certain patterns of strain or injury.
diagnosis
ECG
basics
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24
QUESTION
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What is edema and why can it happen in heart failure?
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24
ANSWER
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Edema is swelling caused by fluid buildup. In heart failure, poor pumping can lead to fluid backing up and collecting in tissues, often legs and ankles.
heart failure
symptoms
edema
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