Cardiovascular Disorder Flashcards
A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, usually an artery, caused by weakness of the vessel wall; may eventually burst
Aneurysm
A feeling of constriction around the heart or pain that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder, usually brought on by exertion; caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart
Angina pectoris
Any abnormality in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat (literally “without rhythm”; note doubled r). Also called dysrhythmia.
Arrhythymia
The development of fatty, fibrous patches (plaques) in the lining of arteries, causing narrowing of the lumen and hardening of the vessel wall. The most common form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Root ather/o means “porridge” or “gruel.”
Atherosclerosis
slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute
Bradycardia
Sudden damage to the brain resulting from reduction of blood flow. Causes include atherosclerosis, embolism, thrombosis, or hemor- rhage from a ruptured aneurysm; commonly called stroke.
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
Enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes caused by growth of the soft tissue around the nails (see Fig. 7-10). Seen in a variety of diseases in which there is poor peripheral circulation.
Clubbing
Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen
Cyanosis
Thrombophlebitis involving the deep veins
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Profuse sweating
Diaphoresis
An aneurysm in which blood enters the arterial wall and separates the layers. Usually involves the aorta
Dissecting aneurysm
Disorder in serum lipid levels, which is an important factor in devel- opment of atherosclerosis. Includes hyperlipidemia (high lipids), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides).
Dyslipidemia
Difficult or labored breathing
Dyspnea
Swelling of body tissues caused by the presence of excess fluid.
Causes include cardiovascular disturbances, kidney failure, inflam- mation, and malnutrition.
Edema
Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or other matter carried in the circulation
Embolism