Cardiovascular System Flashcards
cardiovascular
pertaining to the heart and blood vessels
cardi/o
heart
vascul
blood vessels
heart
hollow, muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity, between the lungs
pericardium
double-walled membraneous sac that encloses the heart
epicardium
external layer of the heart and the inner layer of the pericardium
myocardium
middle and thickest of the heart’s 3 layers-
consists of specialized cardiac muscle tissue that is capable of the constant contraction and relaxation that created the pumping movement needed to maintain the flow of blood
endocardium
consists of epithelial tissue, is the inner lining of the heart
coronary arteries
supply oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium
atria
2 upper chambers of heart, divided by interatrial septum
are the receiving chambers and all blood enters heart thru these chambers
ventricles
2 lowest chambers of heart, divided by interventricular septum
pump blood throughout body, wall are thicker than atria
tricuspid valve
controls the opening between right atrium and right ventricle
pulmonary semilunar valve
between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery
mitral valve
located between the left atrium and left ventricle
aortic semilunar valve
located between the left ventricle and the aorta
pulmonary circulation
flow of blood only between heart and lungs
pulmonary arteries
carry deoxygenated blood out of the right ventricle and into the lungs
only place in body where deoxygenated blood is carried by arteries instead of veins
pulmonary veins
cary the oxygenated blood from the lungs in to the left atrium
only place in body where oxygenated blood is carried by veins instead of arteries
systemic circulation
blood flow to all parts of body except lungs
heartbeat
ability to pump blood effectively thru body
sinoatrial node
establishes the basic rhythm and rate of heartbeat
located in posterior wall of RA
SA node starts each wave of muscle contraction of heart
atrioventricular node
transmits the electrical impulses from SA node to the bundle of His
bundle of His
group of fibers carry an electrical impulse to ensure the sequence of the heart contractions
Purkinje fibers
specialized conductive fibers located w/iin walls of ventricles that relay the electrical impulses to the cells of the ventricles causing them to contract
arteries
large blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to all regions of the body
aorta
largest blood vessel in body - begins from left ventricle and forms the main trunk of the arterial system
carotid arteries
major arteries that carry blood upward to the head
arterioles
smaller, thinner branches of arteries that deliver blood to the capillaries - as it enters one end of the capillary bed, it is here that the rate of flow of arterial blood slows
capillaries
smallest blood vessels-only one epithelial cell in thickness- form networks of beds to deliver oxygen and nutrients to cell of tissues
slows blood flow more to allow plasma to enter tissues which allows the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste
veins
form a low pressure collecting system to return oxygen poor blood to heart
have valves that enable blood flow only toward heart
venules
smallest veins that join to form larger veins
venae cavae
2 largest veins in body - return blood into the heart
-superior and inferior vena cava
pulse
rhythmic pressure against the walls of an artery caused by the contraction of the heart.
blood pressure
measure meant of the amount of systolic and diastolic pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries
systolic pressure
occurs when the ventricles contract- the highest pressure against the walls of an artery
diastolic pressure
when ventricles are relaxed - lowest pressure against the walls of an artery
plasma
straw-colored fluid that contains nutrients, hormones and waste products
serum
plasma fluid after the blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed
fibrinogen and prothrombin
clotting proteins in plasma
erythrocytes
mature red blood cells produced by the red bone marrow - primary role is to transport oxygen to the tissues.
hemoglobin
oxygen-carrying blood protein pigment of erythrocytes
leukocytes
white blood cells involved in defending the body against infective organisms and foreign substances
neutrophils
most common white blood cells, play a major role in immune system’s defense against pathogens
basophils
least common white blood cells, responsible for causing allergy symptoms
eosinophils
migrate thru-out body to destroy parasitic organisms and play a major role in allergic reactions
lymphocytes
formed in red bone marrow, lymph nodes and in spleen - identify foreign substances and germs in body and produce antibodies that specifically target them
monocytes
provide immunological defense against many infections organisms
thrombocytes
smallest formed formed elements of the blood AKA platelets and help clot blood
blood types
classified according to the presence of absence of certain antigens
A, AB, B, O
blood types - O type lacks A and B antigens
Rh factor
defines the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells
blood gases
gases that are normally dissolved in the liquid portion of the blood - major gasses are oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen
congenital heart defects
structural abnormalities caused by failure of heart to develop normally before birth
coronary artery disease
atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle which creates and insufficient supply of oxygen
plaque
fatty deposit found within the lumen of the artery
atheroma
deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall
ischemia
insufficient supply of oxygen in the tissues due to restricted blood flow
angina
condition in which sever episodes of chest pain occur due to an inadequate blood flow to the myocardium due to ischemia of the heart muscle and usually worsen until myocardial infarction occurs
myocardial infaction
heart attack - occlusion of one or more coronary arteries caused by plaque build up
heart failure or congestive heart failure
occurs most commonly in the elderly often after the heart has been weakened or damaged by other health issues - heart is unable to pump out all of the blood it received
cardiomegaly
abnormal enlargement of the heart that is frequently associated with heart failure as the heart enlarges in an effort to compensate for its decreased pumping ability
carditis
inflammation of the heart
endocarditis
inflammation of the inner lining of the heart
bacterial endocarditis
inflammation of the lining or valves of the heart caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream
pericarditis
inflammation of the pericardium that causes an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac and this excess fluid restricts movement of heart, reducing pumping ability
mycarditis
inflammation of the myocardium that develops as a rarely seen complication of a viral infection
cardiomyopathy
term to describe all diseases of the heart muscle
heart murmur
abnormal blowing or clicking sound heard when listening to the heart of a neighboring large blood vessels, often caused by defective heart valves
valvulitis
inflammation of heart valve
valvular prolapse
abnormal protrusion of a heart valve that results in the inability of the valve to close completely
arrhythmia
loss of normal rhythm of the heartbeat
asystole
complete lack of electrical activity in the heart, no pumping
flat line
cardiac arrest
event in which the heart stops abruptly or develops and arrhythmia
sudden cardiac death
when tx of cardiac arrest is not provided within a few minutes
heart block
congenital or acquired arrhythmia caused by the electrical signal moving through the heart being partially or completely blocked from reaching the ventricles
bradycardia
abnormally slow resting heart rate - less than 60 beats/min
tachycardia
abnormally rapid resting heart rate - greeters than 100 beats/min
supra ventricular tachycardia
episode that beings and ends abruptly during which there are very rapid regular heartbeats that originate at or above the atrioventricular node
ventricular tachycardia
very rapid heart rate that begins within the ventricles - potentially fatal
v-tach
fibrillation
fast and irregular heart beat - can be life threatening
atrial fibrillation
when normal contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid, uncontrolled twitching of the heart wall which causes an irregular and quivering action of the atria
A-fib
ventricular fibrillation
rapid irregular and useless contraction of the ventricles
V-fib
palpitation
pounding or racing heartbeat with or without irregularity in rhythm
vasculitis
inflammation of a blood vessel
polyarteritis
form of vasculitis invoking several medium and small arteries at the same time, when immune cells attack the affected arteries
temporal arteritis
form of vasculitis that can cause headaches, jaw pain, blindness and stroke - dx when a biopsy shows abnormally large cells
angiostenosis
abnormal narrowing of blood vessel
hemangioma
benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels
hypoperfusion
deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part
aneurysm
localized weak spot or balloon like enlargement of the wall of an artery- if ruptured causes rapid blood loss
chronic venous insufficiency
condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or the leakage of valves
phlebitis
inflammation of a vein
thrombosis
abnormal condition of having a thrombus (clot)
thrombus
blood clot attached to the interior wall of an artery or vein
thrombotic occlusion
blocking of an artery by a thrombus
coronary thrombosis
damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery
deep vein thrombosis
having an thrombus attached to the interior wall of a deep vein - can break off can an travel to lung and cause fatal blockage
embolism
sudden blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus
embolus
foreign object such as a blood clot, air/gas, or a bit of tissue that is circulating in the blood
peripheral vascular diseases
diseases of blood vessels that are located outside of the heart and brain
peripheral arterial disease
an example of peripheral vascular disease that is caused by atherosclerosis
Raynaud’s disease
peripheral arterial disease in which intermittent attacks are triggered by cold or stress
blood dyscrasia
any pathological condition of the cellular elements of the blood
hemochromatosis
genetic disorder in which the intestines absorb too much iron that enters blood stream, accumulates in organs and causes damage
leukopenia
decrease in the number of disease fighting white blood cells circulating in blood
polycythemia
abnormal increase in the number of red cells in the blood due to excess production in the bone marrow
sepsis
infection that results from bacteria or other infectious organisms entering the bloodstream
thrombocytopenia
abnormally small number of platelets in blood
thrombocytosis
abnormal increase in platelets in blood
cholesterol
date substance that travels thru blood and aids in the production of cell membranes, some hormones and vitamin D
hyperlipidemia
general term used to describe elevated levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood
myelodysplastic sunfrome
type of cancer when there is insufficient production of one or more types of blood cells due to bone marrow dysfunction
leukemia
type of cancer characterized by a progressive increase in the number of while blood cells found in blood forming tissues, other organs and in circulating blood
anemia
lower than mortal number of red blood cells caution fatigue and shortness of breath
aplastic anemia
absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in bone marrow
iron-decency anemia
most common form - not enough iron to help create hemoglobin and blood cannot carry oxygen effectively
megaloblastic anemia
blood disorder characterized by anemia in which red blood cells are larger than normal
pernicious anemia
caused by a lack of of the protein intrinsic factor that helps the body absorb vitamin B12
hemolytic anemia
inadequate number of circulating red blood cells due to premature destruction of red blood cells by the speen
sickle cell anemia
genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin resulting in some red blood cells assuming an abnormal sickle shape. interfere with normal blood flow, resulting in damage
thalassemia
inherited blood disorder that causes mild or sever anemia due to reduces hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells
hypertension
elevation of the arterial blood pressure to a level that is likely to cause damage to the cardiovascular system
hypotension
lower than normal arterial blood pressure
orthostatic hypotension
low blood pressure that occurs when standing up
cardiac catheterization
diagnostic and tx procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart - used to perform angiography
digital subtraction angiography
clarifies view of an angiography by subtracting bones and soft tissue
duplex ultrasound
to image structure of the blood vessels and the flow of blood through these vessels
venography
radiographic test that provides an image of specified veins after contrast dye is injected - accurate test for deep vein thrombosis
electrocardiography
recording the electrical activity of the myocardium
electrocardiogram
record of the electrical activity of the myocardium
Holter monitor
portable electrocardiograph worm by an ambulatory patient to continuously monitor the heart rates and rhythms over a 24-48 hour period
stress tests
performed to assess cardiovascular health and function during and after stress
thallium stress test
evaluates how well blood flows thru the coronary arteries of the heart muscle during exercise by injecting thallium into blood stream - if unequally taken by heart muscles, shows decrease in blood flow to part of the heart
ACE inhibitor
blocks the action of the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension
beta-blocker
reduces the workload of the heart by slowing the rate of the heartbeat
calcium channel blocker agents
cause heart and blood vessels to relax by decreasing the movement of calcium in to the cells of these structure - increases supply of blood and oxygen
antiarrhythmic
controls irregularities of the heart beat
anticoagulant
prevents new clots from forming and slows coagulation (clotting of blood)
Coumadin
brandname for warfarin - anticoagulant to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger
Heparin
anticoagulant that needs to be administered by IV or injection
digitalis
strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle, slows heart rate and helps eliminate fluid from tissue
thrombolytic
dissolves or causes a thrombus to break up
tissue plasminogen activator
a thrombolytic that is administer to some patients having a heart attack or stroke. If given soon enough, medication can dissolve the damaging blood clots
vasoconstrictor
narrows blood vessels - ex. antihistamines and decongestants
vasodilator
causes blood vessels to expand
nitroglycerin
vasodilator that is prescribed to prevent or relieve pain of angina by dilating blood vessels to the heart
angioplasty
mechanically widening of a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
small balloon is used to open a partially blocked coronary artery by flattening the plaque deposit and stretching the lumen
laser angioplasty
laser on end of catheter which used the beams of light to remove plaque deposits
restenosis
when an artery that has been opened by angioplasty loses again
atherectomy
surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior of the artery
carotid endarterectomy
surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain
coronary artery bypass graft
a piece of vein from the left or chest is implanted on the heart to replace a blocked coronary artery and to improve flow of blood
cardiac ablation
procedure that uses red-frequency energy (heat) or cryoablation (extreme cold) to scar or destroy the heart tissue triggering an abnormal heart rhythm
valvuloplasty
surgical repair of a heart valve
transcatheteraortic valve replacement
minimally invasive procedure that leaves the existing valve in place and a fully collapsible replacement valve is place via a catheter
aneurysmectomy
surgical removal of an aneurysm
aneurysmorrhaphy
surgical suturing of an aneurysm
aneurysm clipping
surgical method to isolate an aneurysm from the rest of the circulatory system by placing a small clip across its neck. the clip prevents blood from flowing into aneurysm
arteriectomy
surgical removal of part of an artery
hemostasis
to stop or control bleeding
plasmapheresis
plasma exchange - removal of whole blood from body and separation of the blood’s cellular elements. red blood cells and platelets are suspended in saline or a plasma substitute and returned.
