Across
- 4. A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel or the heart, obstructing blood flow. A thrombus is the underlying cause of many heart attacks and strokes. Anticoagulants are the primary treatment.
- 5. Persistently high blood pressure. Often called the "silent killer," it damages blood vessels over time, leading to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Treatment often involves medications that block the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), like ACE inhibitors.
- 7. Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. It typically causes sharp chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory agents like NSAIDs.
- 10. A localized weakness and bulging in the wall of a blood vessel. A rupture can cause catastrophic internal bleeding. Treatment depends on size and location and may involve monitoring or surgical repair.
- 11. A chaotic, quivering, and uncoordinated contraction of heart muscle. Causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that increases the risk of stroke; treatment focuses on controlling heart rate/rhythm and using anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
- 13. A systemic vasculitis primarily affecting children, characterized by three phases: acute, subacute, and convalescent. It can cause dangerous coronary artery aneurysms. Treatment includes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin.
- 14. An abnormal concentration of lipids (fats) like cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Treatment involves lifestyle modifications and often statin medications.
Down
- 1. An inflammatory disease of the small and medium-sized blood vessels in the arms and legs, strongly associated with tobacco use. It can lead to clot formation and tissue damage (gangrene). Complete cessation of smoking is the most critical part of treatment.
- 2. A chronic disease caused by the buildup of cholesterol-laden plaques inside the arteries. This "hardening of the arteries" restricts blood flow and can lead to heart attack or stroke. Treatment includes lifestyle changes and statin medications.
- 3. The abnormal narrowing of a passage in the body. In cardiology, it typically refers to a heart valve that cannot open fully, obstructing blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder; severe cases require valve repair or replacement.
- 6. A stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken-heart syndrome," that causes a sudden but temporary weakening of the left ventricle. It mimics a heart attack but occurs without blocked coronary arteries; treatment is supportive with medications like beta-blockers until the heart recovers.
- 8. A phenomenon causing episodes of vasospasm in the arterioles of the fingers and toes, usually triggered by cold or stress. This leads to distinct color changes (white, blue, then red). Treatment involves avoiding triggers and sometimes vasodilator medications.
- 9. A congenital narrowing of the aorta, which obstructs blood flow. This leads to high blood pressure in the upper body and poor perfusion, hypotension, and acidosis in the lower body. Treatment typically requires surgical repair or balloon angioplasty.
- 10. Chest pain or discomfort caused by myocardial ischemia—when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen. It is a primary symptom of coronary artery disease and is often treated with nitroglycerin.
- 12. A group of diseases affecting the heart muscle (myocardium). These conditions impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively by causing it to become enlarged (dilated), thickened (hypertrophic), or rigid (restrictive);treatment aims to manage symptoms with medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers.