Cardiovascular system Flashcards
Apical impulse
Known as the point of Maximal Impulse (PMI) located about the 5th intercostal space at the left mid-clavicular line
Blood pressure
The pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic
Blood Viscosity
the ability or inability of blood to flow easily
bradycardia
slowness of the heart beat, as evidenced by slowing of the pulse rate to less than 60 beats per minute
bruits
swooshing sounds heard over major blood vessels; indicates a partially blocked or over extended artery causing blood to swirl rather than flow
Cardiac output
volume of blood pumped from the left ventricle per minute. Average 3.5 liters to 8 in a healthy adult.
Diastole
The phase of the cardiac cycle in which the heart relaxes between contractions, specifically the relaxation.
diastolic pressure
the least amount of pressure exerted on arterial walls which occurs when the heart is at rest between ventricle contractions. It is the denominator or lower number of the blood pressure fraction.
Hypertension
Persistently high blood pressure with systolic readings of greater than 140 mmHg and diastolic readings over 90 mmHg.
Pre hypertension
blood pressure readings with a systolic pressure between 120 mmHg and 139 mmHg and diastolic pressure between 80 and 90 mmHg.
Hypotension
a consistently low blood pressure below the normal limits
korotkoff sounds
sounds heard during auscultation of blood pressure. Series of sounds that correspond to changes in blood flow through an artery as pressure is released.
Orthostatic hypotension
Low blood pressure associated with weakness or fainting when one rises to an erect position
peripheral resistance
restraint to blood flow created by arteriole walls in partial state of contraction
precordium
the region over the heart and lower thorax
pulse
the beat of the heart as felt through the walls of the arteries such as the carotid artery, brachial artery, radial artery, ulnar artery, femoral artery, popiteal artery, posterior tibial and dorsalis artery. or auscultated at the apex of the heart
pulse rate
the number of pulsations felt over a peripheral artery or over the apex of the heart in one minute
pulse rhythm
the pattern of pulsations and pauses. Normal sinus rhythm is regular
stroke volume
the quantity of blood volume forced out of the left ventricle with each contraction
systole
the contraction or period of contraction of the heart especially of the ventricles during which blood is forced into the aorta and pulmonary artery
systolic pressure
the highest pressure exerted on the arterial walls during the contraction phase of the ventricles. It is numerator or upper number in the blood pressure fraction
tachycardia
abnormally rapid heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute
