Cardiovascular System Flashcards
Med Terms
Bradycardia
abnormally slow heart rate
Tachycardia
abnormally rapid heart rate
Fibrillation
rapid, random, ineffective heart contractions
Arrhythmia
abnormal heart rhythm
Asystole
without heart contractions or activity (flat line on EKG)
Syncope
temporary suspension of circulation and breathing, i.e. fainting
Heart Murmur
abnormal heart sound
Vasoconstriction
constricting a blood vessel
Vasodilator
widening a blood vessel
Hypertension
increased blood pressure
Hypotension
decreased blood pressure
Echocardiology
evaluating heart structures using an ultrasound
Cardiac tamponade
compression of the heart due to fluid or blood collection in the pericardial sac
Cardiomegaly
heart enlargement
Cardiomyopathy
disease of the heart muscle
Ascites
fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity secondary to heart failure or other diseases
Dirofilariasis
heartworm infection
Embolism
blockage of a vessel by a foreign object
Endocarditis
.inflammation of the endocardium
Hemangioma
benign tumor comprised of newly formed blood vessels
Hematoma
collection of blood
Hypercapnia
above normal levels of carbon dioxide
Hypocapnia
below normal levels of carbon dioxide
Hypoxia
below normal levels of oxygen
Myocarditis
inflammation of the myocardium
Mitral valve insuffciency
inability of the bicuspid valve to perform a proper level
Patent ductus arteriousus
persistence of the fetal communication between the pulmonary artery and aorta. Signs include a continuous murmur and heart failure
pericarditis
inflammation of the pericardium
Pulmonary stenosis
narrowing of the opening and valvular area between the pulmonary artery and right ventricle
Thrombus
blood clot attached to the interior wall of an artery or vein
Ventricular septal defect
opening in the wall dividing the left and right ventricles that may allow blood to shunt from the right (deoxygenated) to the left (oxygenated) ventricle
Defibrillation
use of electric shock to restore a normal sinus rhythm
