CHAP 20 Flashcards
Acute coronary syndrome ACS
a blanket term used to represent any symptoms related to the lack of oxygen
Acute myocardial infarction AMI
The condition in which a portion of the myocardium dies as a result of oxygen starvation; often called a heart attack by laypersons
Angina pectoris
Pain in the chest, which occurs when blood supply to the heart is reduced and portion of the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen
Aneurysm
The dilation, or ballooning, of a weakened section of the wall of the artery
Bradycardia
when the heart rate is slow ; below 60 beats per minute
cardiovascular system
the heart and blood vessels
Congestive heart failure CHF
the failure of the heart to pump efficiently, leading to excessive blood or fluids in the lungs, the body, or both
Coronary artery disease CAD
disease that affects the arteries of the heart
Dyspnea
Shortness of breath; labored or difficulty breathing
Dysrhythmia
a disturbance in heart rate and rhythm
Edema
Swelling resulting from build-up of fluid in the tissues
Embolism
blockage of a vessel by a clot or foreign object brought to the site by blood current
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
Pulmonary edema
Accumulation of fluid in the lungs
Pulseless electrical activity PEA
A condition in which the heart’s electrical rhythm remains relatively normal, yet the mechanical pumping activity fails to follow the electrical activity, causing cardiac arrest
Sudden death
A cardiac arrest that occurs within 2 hours of the onset of symptoms; the patient may have no prior symptoms of coronary artery disease
Thrombus
A clot formed of blood and plaque attached to the inner wall of an artery or vein
Ventricular fibrillation VF
a condition in which the heart’s electrical impulses are disorganized, preventing the heart muscle from contracting normally
Ventricular tachycardia V-Tach
A condition in which the heart beat is quite rapid; if rapid enough, it will not allow the hearts chambers to fill with enough blood between beats to produce blood flow sufficient to meet the body’s needs
Asystole
A condition in which the heart has ceased generation electrical impulses
