CH 20: Cardiac Emergencies Flashcards
acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
a blanket term used to represent any symptoms related to lack of oxygen (ischemia) in the heart muscle. Also called cardiac compromise.
acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
the condition in which a portion of the myocardium dies as a result of occlusion; often called a heart attack by laypersons.
aneurysm
the dilation, or ballooning, of a weakened section of the wall of an artery.
angina pectoris
pain in the chest occurring when blood supply to the heart is reduced and a portion of the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen.
bradycardia
when the heart rate is slow, usually less than 60 beats per minute.
cardiac compromise
a term that refers to when the heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen (acute coronary syndrome)
cardiovascular system
the heart and the blood vessels
coronary artery disease (CAD)
diseases that affect the arteries of the heart
dyspnea
shortness of breath; labored or difficult breathing
dysrhythmia
a disturbance in heart rate and rhythm
embolism
blockage of a vessel by a clot or foreign material brought to the site by the blood current
heart failure (HF)
the failure of the heart to pump efficiently, leading to excessive blood or fluids in the lungs, the body, or both; formerly known as congestive heart failure (CHF)
nitroglycerin
a medication that dilates the blood vessels
occlusion
blockage, as of an artery, by fatty deposits
pedal edema
accumulation of fluid in the feet or ankles
