Concept 4

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

A blood substance that picks up cholesterol and helps remove it from the body; often called "good cholesterol."

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

A broad classification of diseases of the heart and blood vessels that includes CHD, high blood pressure, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

Osteoporosis

A condition associated with low bone density and subsequent bone fragility, leading to high risk for fracture.

Stroke

A condition in which the brain, or part of the brain, receives insufficient oxygen as a result of diminished blood supply; sometimes called apoplexy or cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

Insulin Resistance

A condition that occurs when insulin becomes ineffective or less effective than necessary to regulate sugar levels in the blood.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

A core of cholesterol surrounded by protein; the core is often called "bad cholesterol."

Sedentary Death Syndrome (SeDS)

A group of symptoms associated with sedentary living, including low health-related fitness (low cardiovascular fitness and weak muscles), low bone density, and the presence of metabolic syndrome (poor metabolic fitness).

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that regulates levels of sugar in the blood.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

A lack of oxygen supply to the working muscles and tissues of the arms and legs, resulting from decreased blood flow.

Insulin Sensitivity

A person with insulin resistance (see previous definition) is said to have decreased insulin sensitivity. The body's cells are not sensitive to insulin, so they resist it and sugar levels are not regulated effectively.

Fibrin

A sticky, threadlike substance that, in combination with blood cells, forms a blood clot.

Emotional Storm

A traumatic emotional experience that is likely to affect the human organism physiologically.

Triglycerides

A type of blood fat associated with increased risk for heart disease.

Lipids

All fats and fatty substances.

Benign Tumors

An abnormal growth of tissue confined to a particular area; not considered to be cancer.

Malignant Tumors (carcinomas)

An uncontrolled and dangerous growth capable of spreading to other areas; a cancerous tumor.

Angina Pectoris

Chest or arm pain resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

Coronary Collateral Circulation

Circulation of blood to the heart muscle associated with the blood-carrying capacity of a specific vessel or development of collateral vessels (extra blood vessels).

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Diseases of the heart muscle and the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen, including heart attack.

Chronic Diseases

Diseases or illnesses associated with lifestyle or environmental factors, as opposed to infectious diseases; hypokinetic diseases are considered to be chronic diseases.

Hyperkinetic Conditions

Diseases/illnesses or health conditions caused, or contributed to, by too much physical activity.

Lipoproteins

Fat-carrying proteins in the blood.

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening of the arteries due to conditions that cause the arterial walls to become thick, hard, and nonelastic.

Hypertension

High blood pressure; excessive pressure against the walls of the arteries that can damage the heart, kidneys, and other organs of the body.

Hypokinetic Diseases or Conditions

Hypo- means "under" or "too little" and -kinetic means "movement" or "activity." Thus, hypokinetic means "too little activity." A hypokinetic disease or condition is associated with lack of physical activity or too little regular exercise. Examples include heart disease, low back pain, and Type II diabetes.

Coronary Occlusion

The blocking of the coronary blood vessels; sometimes called heart attack.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for activity by speeding up the heart rate.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that slows the heart rate.

Atherosclerosis

The deposition of materials along the arterial walls; a type of arteriosclerosis.

Congestive Heart Failure

The inability of the heart muscle to pump the blood at a life-sustaining rate.

Diastolic Blood Pressure

The lower blood pressure number, often called "resting pressure." It is the pressure in the arteries at its lowest level occurring just before the next beat of the heart.

Systolic Blood Pressure

The upper blood pressure number, often called working blood pressure. It represents the pressure in the arteries at its highest level just after the heart beats.