Cardiovascular System Flashcards
It is a muscular organ that is essential for life because it pumps blood through the body.
Heart
What are the 3 important parts of cardovascular system?
Heart, blood, and blood vessels
The heart of a healthy adult, at rest, pumps approximately how many liters of blood per minute?
5 liters (L) or 5000 mL
For most people, the heart continues to pump at approximately that rate for more than how many years?
Approximate life span of human.
75 years
What blood vessel carry oxygenated blood?
Arteries (red sa picture)
What blood vessel carry deoxygenated blood?
Veins (blue sa picture)
What are the 2 Types of circulation?
Pulmonary circulation and Systemic circulation
A type of circulation that moves deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs to be oxygenated and then returns oxygenated blood to the heart.
[Circulation involving the LUNGS]
Pulmonary circulation
A type of circulation carries oxygenated blood from the heart to all body tissues, then returns deoxygenated blood to the heart.
[Blood circulation]
Systemic circulation
What are the Functions of the Heart?
- Generates blood pressure
- Routes blood
- Ensures one-way blood flow
- Regulates blood supply
What is the direction of blood in Arteries?
Away from the heart
What is the direction of blood in veins?
Going back to the heart
HEART CHARACTERISTICS
What is the Size of the Heart?
- Size of a fist
- Weighs less than 1 lb (pound)
- Length: 12 cm
- Width: 8-9 cm
HEART CHARACTERISTICS
What is the location of the Heart?
Between lungs and thoracic cavity
HEART CHARACTERISTICS
What is the Orientation of the heart?
Apex (bottom) towards left side
What is the location of the Apical pulse?
At the Apex of the Heart.
5th intercostal space at the midclavicular line
What is the normal resting heart rate?
60-100 Bpm
It is a double-layered sac that anchors and protects heart.
Pericardium
It is the membrane around heart’s cavity.
Parietal pericardium
It is the membrane surrounding the heart’s surface or heart.
Visceral pericardium
It is the space around the heart.
Percardial cavity
What is the fluid surrounding the heart that is inside the pericardial cavity?
Percardial fluid / serous
Note: It is 20-50 ml
What is the purpose of the pericardial fluid?
To prevent friction
It is an inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This membrane has two layers with a small amount of fluid in between to reduce friction as the heart beats.
Pericarditis
What are the 4 chambers of the heart?
- Right Atrium (RA)
- Right Ventricle (RV)
- Left Atrium (LA)
- Left Ventricle (LV)
RA | LA
RV | LV
It the Superior chambers (above) that is a small, thin walled holding chambers. It contract minimally to push blood into ventricles.
The atria (singular: atrium)
It is the thin wall of tissue that separates the right and left atria of the heart.
Interatrial septum
- In fetuses, the interatrial septum has a small opening called the ______ that allows blood to bypass the lungs (since oxygen comes from the mother’s placenta).
- After birth, this opening typically closes as the lungs begin to function, becoming the fossa ovalis in the adult heart.
- If it doesn’t close properly, it can result in a patent foramen ovale (PFO), a condition that can lead to certain circulatory issues.
Foramen ovale
It is the Inferior chambers (below). It is a thick, strong walled pumping chambers. It contract forcefully to propel blood out of heart.
Ventricles
It is the thick, muscular wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart.
Interventricular septum
- A hole in the interventricular septum allows oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to mix with oxygen-rich blood in the left ventricle.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Which ventricle is more thick and muscular?
Left ventricle
Note: This is because is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood to the entire body through the systemic circulation.
These are heart valves that separate the atria from the ventricles, ensuring that blood flows in the correct direction during the cardiac cycle.
Atrioventricular (AV) Valves
What are the 2 Atrioventricular Heart Valves?
Tricuspid valve and Bicuspid valve
It is the AV Valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
It has three cusps (or flaps), hence the name “______”
Tricuspid valve
It is the AV Valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle.
It has two cusps (or flaps), hence the name “____”
Bicuspid valve or mitral valve
Each ventricle contains cone-shaped, muscular pillars. These are located on the walls of the right and left ventricles.
Papillary muscles
The papillary muscles are attached to a thin, strong, fibrous cords, sometimes called “heartstrings,” that connect it to the cusps (flaps) of the AV valves.
This holds the valves.
Chordae tendineae
Note: The papillary muscles are helping each other to open and close the valves so that the blood will not backflow.
This is the valves that have three half moon shaped cusps, and are valves between the pulmonary trunk and aorta.
Semilunar valves
What are the 2 Semilunar valves?
- Pulmonary semilunar valve
- Aortic semilunar valve
This is the Type of Semilunar Valves, that is located between the Right Ventricle (RV) and Pulmonary trunk.
Pulmonary semilunar valve
Function: Opens to allow deoxygenated blood to flow from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery, sending it to the lungs for oxygenation. Closes to prevent backflow into the right ventricle when it relaxes.
This is the Type of Semilunar Valves, that is located between the Left Ventricle and Aorta.
Aortic semilunar valve
Function: Opens to allow oxygenated blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta, delivering it to the rest of the body. Closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the left ventricle when it relaxes.
It is positioned above the heart, draining into the top part of the right atrium.
It collects deoxygenated blood from the upper part of the body, including the head, neck, arms, and upper chest.
Superior Vena Cava
It runs along the body’s lower abdomen and drains into the bottom part of the right atrium.
It returns deoxygenated blood from the lower part of the body, including the legs, abdomen, and lower chest.
Inferior Vena Cava
What are the three main arteries that branch off the top of the aortic arch?
- Brachiocephalic artery
- Left common carotid artery
- Left subclavian artery
What is the Flow of the Blood?
- Superior and inferior Vena cava
- Right Atrium
- Tricuspid Valve
- Right ventricle
- Pulmonary semilunar valve
- Pulmonary trunk
- Pulmonary Arteries
- Lungs
- Pulmonary veins
- Left Atrium
- Bicuspid valve
- Left Ventricle
- Aortic semilunar valve
- Aorta
- Body
These are the network of blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle (myocardium) itself.
It originates from base of aorta (above aortic semilunar valve).
Coronary arteries
The coronary arteries branch off from the aorta, just above the aortic valve, and consist of two primary arteries. What are these?
- Left Coronary artery
- Right coronary artery
It has 3 branches that supply blood to anterior heart wall and primarily the left ventricle.
Left Coronary Artery
It originates on the right side of the aorta And supply blood to right ventricle.
RIght coronary artery
- It drains blood from the cardiac muscle.
- Parallel to the coronary arteries.
- Most drain blood into the coronary sinus.
- From the coronary sinus into the right atrium.
Cardiac veins
It carries deoxygenated blood and it only circulates on the heart itself.
We have right and left Coronary artery, what artery is very important that when it is damaged, the pumping action of the heart could be limited?
Left Coronary Artery
Note: When the right coronary artery is damaged, it will not be a great loss unlike the left coronary artery which is the most thick and the one that distributes oxygenated blood throughout the body.
It is a medical imaging test used to examine blood vessels, including the arteries and veins. It’s commonly performed to detect blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels that can affect blood flow.
Angiogram
It is often called the “widowmaker” artery because a blockage in this artery can result in a massive heart attack (myocardial infarction) affecting the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. Such a blockage can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Anterior interventricular artery
The Left Coronary artery has 3 main branches. What are these?
- Left atrium circumflex artery
- Left marginal artery
- Anterior interventricular artery
What are the 3 Main Cardiac vein?
- Small cardiac vein
- Coronary sinus
- Great cardiac vein
It serves as the main collection point for deoxygenated blood from the myocardium.
Coronary sinus
It drains deoxygenated blood primarily from the left atrium and left ventricle, eventually emptying into the coronary sinus.
Great cardiac vein
It primarily drains blood from the right atrium and portions of the right ventricle and joins the coronary sinus before reaching the right atrium.
Small cardiac vein
What are the 3 layers of the Heart wall?
- Epicardium
- Myocardium
- Endocardium
This is the outermost layer of the heart wall. It is composed of a thin layer of connective tissue and fat, which helps protect the heart.
Epicardium
It is the thick, middle layer composed of cardiac muscle.
Myocardium
It is the smooth, inner surface of the heart wall.
Endocardium
It is about electrical impulses that controls the rate of the heart.
Conduction System
What follows after the electricity or depolarization?
Contraction
This is the muscle stimulation.
There will be contraction of the atria and ventricles
Is electricity and contraction the same?
No
Note: It follows
The conduction system of the heart includes these 5. What are these?
- Sinoatrial node (SA node)
- Atrioventricular node (AV node)
- Atrioventricular bundle (AV bundle)
- Right and Left bundle branches
- Purkinje fiber
It is located in the Right Atrium. This is where action potential (electrical impulses) originates.
It functions as pacemaker and has a rate of 60 - 100 bpm.
There is large number of Calcium channels.
Sinoatrial node (SA node)
It is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate — generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults.
Bradycardia
It is located in the lower portion of the right atrium.
It captures the electrical impulse from the Sinoatrial node (SA node). “Second in command”.
It’s rate is 40 - 60 bpm
Atrioventricular node (AV node)
Note: Atrial contraction happens after this
It is also known as the “Bundle of His”. It is a straight line and acts as connection of AV node to bundle branches.
Atrioventricular bundle
Atrioventricular bundle is divided into two. What are these?
Left and right bundle branches
It is at the tip of the ventricles.
It rapidly distribute the electrical impulse to the ventricles, ensuring a quick and coordinated ventricular contraction.
It’s rate is 20-40 bpm.
Purkinje fibers
Note: ventricular contraction follows after this
It records electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beats.
It uses electrodes (12 Lead). This can diagnose cardiac abnormalities.
Contains different waves.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
What are the Parts of an ECG Wave?
- P wave
- QRS complex
- T wave
It is the depolarization of atria followed by Atrial contraction.
P wave
It is the depolarization of ventricles followed by Ventricular contraction.
Contains Q, R, S waves
QRS complex
It is the repolarization of ventricles.
Repolarization means relaxation.
T wave
Note: There is no contraction here
It is seen as a series of wide, abnormal QRS complexes, with no clear P waves, as the heart’s ventricles take over the rhythm without the usual signals from the SA or AV nodes.
Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
Note: It is a condition where the ventricles of the heart beat rapidly, usually at a rate of over 100 beats per minute, often with irregular rhythm.
It is the sequence of events that occur during one heartbeat. It involves two main phases: diastole (relaxation and filling of the heart chambers) and systole (contraction and pumping of blood).
Cardiac cycle
Is Cardiac Cycle the contraction and relaxation of the heart?
Yes or No?
No
The right term should be systole and diastole.
Note: The other muscles of our body also contracts and relaxes so it is not right to call cardiac cycle that way.
It is Cardiac contraction.
Systole
It is the cardiac relaxation.
Diastole
It is the contraction of atria.
Atrial systole
It is the contraction of ventricles.
Ventricular systole
It is the relaxation of atria.
Atrial diastole
It is the relaxation of ventricles.
Ventricular diastole
In BP of 120/80, what do you call the numerator and denominator?
Systolic blood pressure/ Diastolic blood pressure
Ventricular systole (LV) / Ventricular diastole (blood volume)
When dehydrated, the ventricular diastole might be low (60)
Heart sounds are produced due to the ______ of heart valves.
closure
It is used to hear the sound of the heart.
Stethoscope
The sounds heard when measuring blood pressure are known as _______.
These sounds are produced by the turbulent flow of blood in the brachial artery as pressure in the cuff is released.
Korotkoff sounds
The ______ heart sound makes a ‘lubb’ sound.
first heart sound or S1
The ______ heart sound makes a ‘dupp’ sound.
second heart sound or S2
The first heart sound is due to the closure of what valve?
Atrioventricular valves
These are the Tricuspid and Bicuspid valves
The second heart sound is due to the closure of what valve?
Semilunar valves
These are the pulmonary semilunar valves and aortic semilunar valves
It is a low-frequency sound that occurs shortly after the S2 heart sound (the “dub” in the “lub-dub” sequence).
It is often described as a soft, dull, “thudding” or “galloping” sound and is best heard at the apex of the heart with the patient in a left lateral position.
S3 heart sound, also known as the third heart sound or ventricular gallop
This means that there is delay of closure to one of the semilunar valves.
It is a low-frequency sound that occurs just before the S1 heart sound (the “lub” in the “lub-dub” sequence).
It is generally considered abnormal and is associated with increased resistance to ventricular filling due to a stiff or non-compliant ventricle.
S4 heart sound, also known as the fourth heart sound or atrial gallop
This means that there is delay of closure to one of the atrioventricular valves.
It is an abnormal or unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a “whooshing” or “swishing” noise (“lub-dub” followed by “whoosh” sound).
Heart murmur
This means that the person has a hole on their heart.
Location of Heart Valves
APTM
A P
T M
Amount of volume of blood pumped per ventricle per contraction.
70 milliliters / beat.
[It actually depends on your weight]
Stroke Volume
This is the amount of blood that is pumped by your left ventricle.
This is the number of heart beats in 1 min.
80 bpm
Heart rate
Normal range: 60 - 100 bpm
What is our total blood volume?
Female = 4L
Male = 6L
Average of 5 Liters/min
It is the volume of blood pumped by a ventricle in 1 min.
It is about Perfusion. It goes to organs. If the organs are not perfused, that means that there is inadequate blood supply.
Cardiac output
What is the formula of Cardiac Output?
CO = SV x HR
SV - Stroke Volume
HR - Heart Rate
What is the problem with Cardiac Output? Increase or decrease?
Decrease cardiac output as the organs will not be supplied by blood and it causes the organs to malfunction or fail.
What organ is the priority of cardiac output or the blood supply?
- Brain
B → H → Lungs → Liver → K
Least priority: Kidney
It refers to the mechanisms contained within the heart itself that control cardiac output.
Intrinsic regulation of the Heart
Three major mechanism of intrinsic regulation of the heart.
This will affect the cardiac output.
- Preload
- Starlings Law of the Heart
- After load
It is about blood volume and hydration.
Blood filling
Example:
- The patient has low ____ , you need to give fast drip.
Preload
It is about how strong your cardiac muscle. It pertains to the ability of your heart to contract.
The greater the stretch, the greater the contraction.
Starlings Law of the Heart
From the start of our life, our heart is already contracting. As we get older, it weakens the power of the heart and it affects our cardiac output too.
It is about arterial dilation or constriction [Arterial size of diameter].
After load
Hypertension - constricted blood vessels
Hypotension - dilated blood vessels
- It is more difficult when the blood vessels are constricted.
It refers to the mechanisms external to the heart, such as either nervous or chemical regulation.
Extrinsic regulation
It occurs through the sympathetic and Parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system which influences the heart activity that are carried through the autonomic nervous system.
Nervous System control
Sympathetic = Increase cardiac output
PARASYMPATHETIC = Decrease cardiac output
It is a series of quick actions that the body takes to maintain a normal blood pressure.
Monitors blood pressure in the aorta and carotid arteries (neck).
Baroreceptor reflex
Constriction of artery causes ____ BP.
Higher or lower
Higher
Dilation of artery causes ____ BP.
Higher or lower
Lower
It involves chemical regulation of the heart.
Chemoreceptor reflex
Chemicals can affect heart rate and stroke Volume.
- CO2
- Hormones [epinephrine and norepinephrine]
- Brain
CO2 increases then the heart rate will ____.
Increase
It is a heart disease due to decrease blood supply to the heart.
Coronary arteries are narrowed for some reason.
Symptoms: Chest pain
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
It is a heart disease due to closure of one or more coronary arteries.
100% closure
Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
What are the 3 Heart Procedures?
- Angioplasty
- Stent
- Bypass
It is a heart procedure that opens blocked blood vessels.
Angioplasty
It is a heart procedure where structures are inserted to keep vessels open.
Stent
It is an open heart procedure that reroutes blood away from blocked arteries.
Bypass
What is the largest artery in the body?
AORTA
