Cardiovascular Flashcards
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
The ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth: this allows a portion of oxygenated blood from the left
heart to flow back to the lungs by flowing from the aorta, which has a higher pressure, to the pulmonary
artery.
Coarctation of the Aorta
Ductus arteriosus closes normally but creates narrowing at aorta decreasing blood flow to lower limbs
Atrial Septal Defect
Most common septal defect. An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall (septum) between the
two upper chambers of the heart (atria). Blood flows back into right atrium and returns to lungs instead
of systemic circulation
Ventricular Septal Defect
An abnormal opening (hole) in the heart that forms between the heart’s lower pumping chambers
(ventricles). This allows oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix
Tetralogy of Fallot
A combination of four separate heart defects: ventricular septal defect
pulmonary valve stenosis
right ventricular hypertrophy
overriding aorta.
cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and to the rest of the body
Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a result of rheumatic fever.
The disease will inflame the valves.
The body’s
response to inflammation is to send platelets for repair. Due to the inflammation, the platelets and
fibrin are deposited and eventually small nodules (vegetations) are formed on the margins of the valve
cusps. The valves are thickened and can result in a stenotic valve.
Valve Stenosis
Stenosis is the term for a valve that is narrowed and doesn’t open properly. The flaps of a valve may
thicken, stiffen or fuse together. As a result, the valve cannot fully open.
Valve Incompetency/Insufficiency
Occurs when the leaflets do not close completely, letting blood leak backward across the valve. This
backward flow is referred to as “regurgitant flow.”
Endocarditis
An infection of the heart’s inner lining, usually involving the heart valves. Endocarditis usually occurs
when germs from elsewhere in the body travel through the blood and attach to damaged areas of the
heart. People with damaged or artificial heart valves or other heart conditions are most at risk
Congestive Heart Failure
Occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. Certain conditions, such as
narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) or high blood pressure, gradually leave your
heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump efficiently
Pulmonary Edema
A condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. Pulmonary edema is usually caused by a heart condition,
most commonly congestive heart failure (CHF). May require an increase in technique
Atherosclerosis
The build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls causing obstruction of
blood flow. Plaques may rupture causing acute occlusion of the artery by clot.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary artery disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. This condition is usually
caused by atherosclerosis
Myocardial Infarction
commonly known as a heart attack; occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart,
causing damage to the heart muscle.
Aneurysm
A ballooning and weakened area in an artery. Aneurysms often occur in the aorta, brain, back of the
knee, intestine, or spleen. A ruptured aneurysm can result in internal bleeding, stroke, and can
sometimes be fatal
Dissecting Aneurysm
An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta tears. Blood surges
through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect)
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
Formation of blood clots in a vein. Common in lower extremities, primary cause of pulmonary
embolism.
Pulmonary Embolism
A condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot. Many times, a
pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel from the legs or, rarely, other parts of the body
(deep vein thrombosis)
