1

What is the heart’s main job?

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The heart is a muscular pump that moves blood through the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste.

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2

What does the right side of the heart do?

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It pumps blood to the lungs so the blood can pick up oxygen.

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3

What does the left side of the heart do?

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It pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the rest of the body.

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4

What are heart valves?

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Valves are one-way “doors” that keep blood moving forward and prevent backflow.

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5

What are the coronary arteries?

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They are blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle itself.

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6

What does “heart disease” mean?

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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).

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7

What is coronary artery disease (CAD)?

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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.

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8

What is a heart attack (myocardial infarction)?

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A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing heart muscle injury.

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9

What is heart failure (in simple terms)?

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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.

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10

What are arrhythmias?

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Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms (too fast, too slow, or irregular) caused by problems in the heart’s electrical system.

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11

What is valve stenosis?

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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.

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12

What is valve regurgitation?

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Valve regurgitation means a valve is leaky and allows blood to flow backward, making the heart work harder.

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13

What is a risk factor?

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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.

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14

Name 3 modifiable heart disease risk factors.

Hint available

Examples: smoking/tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, inactivity, unhealthy diet, excess weight.

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15

Name 2 non-modifiable heart disease risk factors.

Hint available

Age and family history (genetics). (Sex also affects risk patterns over time.)

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16

What is primary prevention?

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Primary prevention means preventing the first occurrence of heart disease or a first major event (like a first heart attack).

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17

What is secondary prevention?

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Secondary prevention means preventing another event or worsening after heart disease is already known or diagnosed.

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18

What is a common CAD symptom pattern that raises suspicion?

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Symptoms (often chest pressure or shortness of breath) that happen with exertion and improve with rest.

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19

What is edema and why can it happen in heart failure?

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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.

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20

What are palpitations?

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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.

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21

What does an ECG/EKG measure?

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It records the heart’s electrical activity and can suggest rhythm problems and certain patterns of strain or injury.

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22

What does an echocardiogram (echo) show?

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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.

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23

What is a stress test used for (basic idea)?

Hint available

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.

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24

What is a stent (PCI) and what is it for?

Hint available

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.

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