Chap 11, Cardiovascular System Flashcards
aorta
Largest artery in the body.
arteriole
Small artery.
artery
Largest type of blood vessel; carries blood away from the heart to all parts of the body. Notice that artery and away begin with an “a.”
atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His)
Specialized muscle fibers connecting the atria with the ventricles and transmitting electrical impulses between them. His is pronounced “hiss.”
atrioventricular node (AV node)
Specialized tissue in the wall between the atria. Electrical impulses pass from the pacemaker (SA node) through the AV node and the atrioventricular bundle or bundle of His toward the ventricles.
atrium (plural: atria)
One of two upper chambers of the heart
capillary
Smallest blood vessel. Materials pass to and from the bloodstream through the thin capillary walls.
carbon dioxide
Gas (waste) released by body cells, transported via veins to the heart, and then to the lungs for exhalation.
deoxygenated blood
Blood that is oxygen-poor.
diastole
Relaxation phase of the heartbeat.
electrocardiogram, EKG or ECG
Record of the electricity flowing through the heart. The electricity is represented by waves or deflections called P, QRS, or T.
endocardium
Inner lining of the heart.
endothelium
Innermost lining of blood vessels.
mitral valve
Valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle; bicuspid valve.
murmur
abnormal swishing sound caused by improper closure of the heart valves.
myocardium
Muscular, middle layer of the heart.
normal sinus rhythm
Heart rhythm originating in the sinoatrial node with a rate in patients at rest of 60 to 100 beats per minute.
oxygen
Gas that enters the blood through the lungs and travels to the heart to be pumped via arteries to all body cells.
sinoatrial node, or SA node (pacemaker)
Pacemaker of the heart. Specialized nervous tissue in the right atrium that begins the heartbeat. An artificial cardiac pacemaker is an electronic apparatus implanted in the chest to stimulate heart muscle that is weak and not functioning.
pericardium
Double-layered membrane surrounding the heart.
pulmonary artery
Artery carrying deoxygenated (oxygen-poor blood) from the heart to the lungs.
pulmonary circulation
Flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.
pulmonary valve
valve positioned between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
pulmonary vein
One of two pairs of vessels carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
pulse
Beat of the heart as felt through the walls of the arteries.
septum (plural: septa)
Partition or wall dividing a cavity; such as between the
1) right and left atria (interatrial septum), and
2) right and left ventricles (interventricular septum).
apex of the heart
Lower tip of the heart.
sphygmomanometer
Instrument to measure blood pressure.
systemic circulation
Flow of blood from body tissue to the heart and then from the heart back to body tissues.
systole
Contraction phase of the heartbeat.
tricuspid valve
Located between the right atrium and the right ventricle; it has three (tri-) leaflets, or cusps.
valve
Structure in veins or in the heart that temporarily closes an opening so that blood flows in only one direction.
vein
Thin-walled vessel that carries blood from body tissues and lungs back to the heart. Veins contain valves to prevent backflow of blood.
vena cava (plural: venae cavae)
Largest vein in the body. The superior and inferior venae cavae return blood to the right atrium of the heart.
ventricle
One of two lower chambers of the heart.
venule
Small vein.
angi/o
vessel
angiogram
x-ray record of a blood vessel
angioplasty
surgical repair of a blood vessel
aort/o
aorta
vessel (blood)
angi/o (use with -ectomy, genesis, -gram, -graphy, -oma, -plasty, -spasm)
vas/o (use with -constriction, -dilation, -motor)
vascul/o (use with -ar, -itis)
aortic stenosis
narrowing of the aorta
arter/o, arteri/o
artery
arteriosclerosis
hardening of an artery with collection of fatty plaque
arterial anastomosis
surgical connection between two arteries
arteriography
x-ray recording of arteries; contrast is injected.
endarterectomy
surgical removal of plaque from the inner layer of an artery.
ather/o
yellowish plaque, fatty substance
atheroma
Mass of fatty plaque that collects in an artery. The suffix -oma means mass or collection.
Atheromas are collections of plaque that protrude into the lumen (opening) of an artery, weakening the muscle lining.
atherosclerosis
Form of arteriosclerosis in which fatty plaque deposits in the interior lining of an artery.
The major form of arteriosclerosis in which deposits of yellow plaque (atheromas) containing cholesterol and lipids are found within the lining of the artery.
atherectomy
Removal of plaque (lipids & clots) that accumulate in the lining of an artery.
atri/o
atrium, upper heart chamber
atrial
Pert. to an atrium (upper chamber of the heart)
atrioventricular
Pert. to both atrium and ventricle
brachi/o
arm
brachial artery
Artery that carries blood to the arm
cardi/o
heart
cardiomegaly
Enlargement of the heart.
cardiomyopathy
Disease of the heart muscle.
One type of cardiomyopathy is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – abnormal thickening of heart muscle, usually in the left ventricle. The ventricle has to work harder to pump blood. The condition may be inherited or develop over time because of high blood pressure or aging. Often the cause is unknown (idiopathic).
bradycardia
Slow heartbeat < 60 bpm. Normal pulse is about 60 to 80 bpm. Brady- means slow.
tachycardia
Rapid hearbeat > 100 bpm. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) involves rapid beats coming from the atria (above the ventricles) and causing palpitation (abnormal sensations in the chest). Tachy means fast.
cardiogenic shock
Circulatory failure due to poor heart function.
Results from failure of the heart in its pumping action. Shock is circulatory failure associated with inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues.
cholesterol/o
cholesterol (a lipid substance)
hypercholesterolemia
High levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Statins are drugs that work by blocking a key enzyme in the production of cholesterol by the liver.
coron/o
heart
coronary arteries
Branches of the aorta bringing oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
These arteries come down over the top of the heart like a crown (corona). After blood leaves the heart via the aorta, a portion is at once led back over the surface of the heart through the coronary arteries.
cyan/o
blue
cyanosis
Abnormal condition of bluish discoloration of the skin which indicates diminished oxygen content of the blood.
myx/o
mucus
myxoma
Rare neoplasm of connective tissue found in the heart muscle.
A benign tumor derived from connective tissue, with cells embedded in soft mucoid stromal tissue. These rare tumors occur most frequently in the left atrium.
ox/o
oxygen
hypoxia
Deficiency of oxygen in tissues.
Anoxia is an extreme form of hypoxia.
pericardi/o
pericardium
pericardiocentesis
Surgical puncture to remove fluid within the pericardial space surrounding the heart.
phleb/o
vein
phlebotomy
Incision of a vein for the removal of blood.
A phlebotomist is trained in opening veins for phlebotomy.
thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of a vein & formation of a clot within the vein.
Often shortened to phlebitis. If the affected vein is deep within a muscle, the condition is deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
rrhythm/o
rhythm
arrhythmia
Without rhythm; an irregular heart beat.
Dysrhythmia is also used to describe an abnormal heart rhythm. Notice that one “r” is dropped.
sphygm/o
pulse
sphygmomanometer
Instrument to measure blood pressure.
steth/o
chest
stethoscope
Instrument for listening to sounds in the chest. A misnomer because the examination is by ear, not by eye.
Auscultation
Listening to sounds within the body, typically using a stethoscope.
thromb/o
clot
thrombolysis
Destruction of a clot.
valvul/o, valv/o
valve
valvuloplasty
Surgical repair of a valve. A balloon-tipped catheter dilates a cardiac valve.
mitral valvulitis
Inflammation of the mitral valve.
Commonly associated with rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease caused by inadequate treatment of a streptococcal infection. An autoimmune reaction occurs, leading to inflammation and damage to heart valves.
valvotomy
Incision of a valve.
vas/o
vessel
vasocontriction
Narrowing or tightening of a blood vessel.
vasodilation
Widening of a blood vessel; vasodilatation.
vascul/o
vessel
vascular
Pert. to a blood vessel.
ven/o, ven/i
vein
venous
Pert. to a vein.
A venous cutdown is a small surgical incision to permit access to a collapsed vein.
An intravenous infusion is delivery of fluids into a vein.
venipuncture
Incision of a vein to remove blood. This procedure is performed for phlebotomy or to start an intravenous infusion.
ventricul/o
ventricle, lower heart chamber
interventricular septum
Pert. to the wall between the ventricles of the heart.
arrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias). Arrhythmias are problems with the conduction or electrical system of the heart.
Examples of cardiac arrhythmias are:
- bradycardia and heart block (atrioventricular block)
- flutter
- fibrillation
bradycardia and heart block (atrioventricular block)
Failure of proper conduction of impulses from the SA node through the AV node to the atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His).
flutter
Rapid but regular contractions, usually of the atria.
Heart rhythm may reach up to 300 bpm. Atrial flutter is often symptomatic of heart disease and frequently requires treatment such as medication, electrical cardioversion, or catheter ablation.
fibrillation
Very rapid, random, inefficient, and irregular contraction of the heart (350 bpm or more per minute).
Two Types:
- atrial fibrillation (AF)
- ventricular fibrillation (VF)
atrial fibrillation
Electrical impulses move randomly throughout the atria, causing the atria to quiver instead of contracting with a normal rhythm. Common symptoms are palpitations, fatigue, and SOB, shortness of breath.
palpitations
Uncomfortable sensations in the chest related to cardiac arrhythmias, such as skipped beats.
ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Electrical impulses move randomly throughout the ventricles. This life-threatening situation may result in sudden cardiac death or cardiac arrest (sudden stoppage of heart movement) unless help is provided immediately. If treatment is immediate, VF can be interrupted with defibrillation (application of an electrical shock). Defibrillation stops electrical activity in the heart for a brief moment so that normal rhythm takes over. Medications such as digoxin, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers convert fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm.
catheter ablation
A minimally invasive treatment to treat cardiac arrhythmias. The technique, using radiofrequency energy delivered from the tip of a catheter inserted through a blood vessel and into the heart, destroys tissue that causes arrhythmias. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia (VT) may be treated with ablation when clinically indicated. This treatment may provide a permanent cure in many clinical situations.
congestive heart failure
Heart is unable to pump its required mount of blood.
Two types:
- systolic CHF
- diastolic CHF
Symptoms of CHF include:
- SOB
- exercise intolerance
- fluid retention
Pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs) and swelling or edema in the legs, feet, and ankles are common. Treatment includes lowering dietary intake of sodium and the use of diuretics to promote fluid loss.
coronary artery disease (CAD)
Disease of the arteries surrounding the heart. CAD is usually the result of atherosclerosis.
coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Cardiac surgeons perform this open heart operation to treat CAD by replacing clogged vessels.
percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
Interventional cardiologists perform this, in which catheterization with balloons and stents opens clogged coronary arteries.
endocarditis
Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. Damage to the heart valves from infection(bacterial endocarditis) produces lesions called vegetations (resembling cauliflower) that break off into the bloodstream as emboli (material that travels through the blood). Antibiotics can cure bacterial endocarditis.
mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
Improper closure of the mitral valve. This condition occurs because the mitral valve enlarges and prolapses into the left atrium during systole. The physician hears a midsystolic click on auscultation (listening with a stethoscope). Most people with MVP live normal lives, but prolapsed valves can on rare occasion become infected.
murmur
Extra sound heard between normal beats during auscultation of the heart.
bruit (BRU-e)
An abnormal blowing or swishing sound heard on auscultation of an artery or organ.
thrill
Is a vibration felt on palpation of the chest, often accompanies a murmur. Also felt on palpation (touching) the body over a blood vessel that is blocked.
pericarditis
Inflammation of the membrane (pericardium) surrounding the heart. In most instances, pericarditis results from disease elsewhere in the body (such as pulmonary infection). Bacteria and viruses cause the condition, or the etiology may be idiopathic. Malaise, fever, and chest pain occur, and auscultation with a stethoscope often reveals a pericardial friction rub (heard as a scraping or grating sound). Compression of the heart caused by collection of fluid in the pericardial cavity is cardiac tamponade (tam-po-NOD).
aneurysm
Local widening (dilation) of an arterial wall. An aneurysm is usually caused by atherosclerosis and hypertension or a congenital weakness in the vessel wall. The danger of an aneurysm is rupture and hemorrhage. Treatment depends on vessels involved.
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Blood clot (thrombus) forms in a large vein, usually in a lower limb. This condition may result in a pulmonary embolism (clot travels to the lung) if not treated effectively. Anticoagulants (blood-thinning drugs) such as heparin and warfarin (Coumadin) are used to prevent DVTs and pulmonary emboli (PEs).
hypertension (HTN)
High blood pressure.
peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Blockage of arteries carrying blood to the legs, arms, kidneys and other organs.
varicose veins
Abnormally swollen and twisted veins, usually occurring in the legs.
angina (pectoris)
Chest pain resulting from myocardial ischemia. Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion; unstable angina is chest pain that occurs more often and with less exertion.
auscultation
Listening for sounds in blood vessels or other body structures, typically using a stethoscope.
bruit
Abnormal blowing or swishing sound heard during auscultation of an artery or organ.
cardiac arrest
Sudden, unexpected stoppage of heart action, often leading to sudden cardiac death.
cardiac tamponade
Pressure on the heart caused by fluid in the pericardial space.
claudication
Pain, tension, and weakness in a leg after walking has begun, but absence of pain at rest.
embolus (plural: emboli)
Clot or other substance that travels to a distant location and suddenly blocks a blood vessel.
infarction
Area of dead tissue.
occlusion
Closure of a blood vessel due to blockage.
palpitations
Uncomfortable sensations in the chest related to cardiac arrhythmias, such as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
pericardial friction rub
Scraping or grating noise heard on auscultation of the heart; suggestive of pericarditis.
petechiae
Small, pinpoint hemorrhages.
vegetations
Clumps of platelets, clotting proteins, microorganisms, and red blood cells on diseased heart valves.
statins
Drugs used to lower cholesterol in the bloodstream.
low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
High levels of LDL are associated with atherosclerosis.
high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
High levels of HDL protect adults from atherosclerosis.
echocardiography (ECHO)
Echoes generated by high-frequency sound waves produce images of the heart that show the structure and movement of the heart.
