Ch. 5 Theraputic Terms Flashcards
defibrilator
a device that delivers an electrical stimulus in defibrillation
defibrillation
termination of ventricular fibrillation by delivering an electrical stimulus to the heart
cardioversion
restoration of a normal heartbeat by chemical or electrical means
implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
an implanted device with rate-sensing leads that monitor cardiac impulses and can issue electrical stimulus as needed
pacemaker
a device used to treat bradycardia by electrically stimulating the heart to beat faster
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor
a drug that suppresses the conversion of angiotensin in the blood; used in the treatment of hypertension
antianginal
a drug that dilates coronary arteries, restoring oxygen to the tissues and relieving the pain of angina pectoris
antiarrhythmic
a drug that counteracts cardiac arrhythmia
anticoagulant
a drug that prevents clotting of the blood; used to treat thrombophlebitis and myocardial infarction
antihypertensive
a drug that lowers blood pressure
beta-adreneric blocking agents; beta-blockers
agents that inhibit sympathetic adrenergic nerve activity, causing a slowing of heart rate and lowering of blood pressure
calcium-channel blockers
agents that inhibit the entry of calcium ions into the heart muscle, causing a slowing of heart rate
cardiotonic
a drug that increases the force of myocardial contractions in the heart; commonly used to treat congestive heart failure
diuretic
a drug that increases the secretion of urine
hypolipidemic
a drug that reduces serum fat and cholesterol
