10 Terms To Learn By Heart

Source: Heart Healthy Living, Summer 2007

1. Cardiovascular Disease: CVD refers to diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

2. Coronary Artery Disease: This disease is caused by narrowing of the arteries to the heart.

3. HDL Cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein known as “good” cholesterol transports extra cholesterol from the blood to the liver.

4. Heart Attack: This attack occurs when the blood vessels to the heart become blocked by fatty deposits reducing or halting the blood supply.

5. LDL Cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol carries cholesterol and may lay down fatty deposits on the walls of blood vessels.

6. Lipid Profile: This blood test result gives total cholesterol, triglycerides and cholesterol.

7. Macrovascular Disease: These complications affect large arteries as in the legs and heart.

8. Microvascular Disease: These complications affect small arteries as in the kidneys and eyes.

9. Stroke: A stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is interrupted and tissue is damaged. Strokes can be mild or severe depending on where they occur and the extent of damage.

10. Triglycerides: This common blood fat triggers the liver to create more cholesterol. If blood glucose is high, triglycerides are usually high.