Chapter 17 - Cardiovascular Emergencies Flashcards
acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
a group of signs and symptoms resulting from any of a variety of conditions that can affect the heart in which the coronary arteries are narrowed or occluded by fat deposits, clots, or spasm.
aorta
the major artery from the heart.
arteriole
the smallest branch of an artery, which at its distal end leads into a capillary.
artery
blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
atria
the two upper chambers of the heart. Pl. of atrium.
automaticity
the ability of cells within the cardiac conduction system to generate a cardiac impulse on their own
blood pressure
the force exerted by the blood on the interior walls of the blood vessels
capillary
tiny blood vessel that connects an arteriole to a venule
cardiac compromise
reduced heart function caused by any of a variety of conditions, diseases, or injuries affecting the heart
cardiac conduction system
the specialized contractile and conductive tissue of the heart that generates electrical impulses and cases the heart to beat. Also called the coronary conduction system.
circulatory system
system composed of the heart and blood vessels that brings oxygen and nutrients to and takes wastes away from body cells. Also called the cardiovascular system.
coronary arteries
blood vessels that supply the heart with blood
heart
the muscular organ that contracts to force blood into circulation through the body.
nitroglycerin
medication that dilates the blood vessels, increasing blood flow through the coronary arteries and decreasing the workload of the heart; often prescribed for patients with a history of chest pain.
perfusion
the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to the cells of all organ systems, which results from the constant adequate circulation of blood through the capillaries.
