chapter 5 the cardiovascular system Flashcards
ACE Inhibitor
(angiotensin-converting enzyme)
a medication that blocks the action of the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension. When this enzyme is blocked, the blood vessels can dilate (enlarge), reducing blood pressure.
anemia
a lower-than-normal number of erythrocytes in the blood causing fatigue and shortness of breath.
aneurysm
a localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement of the wall of an artery.
angina
a condition in which severe episodes of chest pain occur due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium.
angioplasty
the technique of mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed
blood vessel
anticoagulant
a medication that slows coagulation and prevents new clots from forming.
aplastic anemia
a type of anemia characterized by an absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow
arrhythmia
the loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat.
atherectomy
the surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior of an artery
atherosclerosis
a hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries
atrial fibrillation
also known as A-fib, is the most common type of tachycardia. It occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid, uncontrolled twitching of the muscular heart wall.
automated external defibrillator (AED)
a tool designed for use by nonprofessionals in emergency situations when defibrillation is required. This piece of equipment automatically samples the electrical rhythms of the heart and, if necessary, externally shocks the heart to restore a normal cardiac
rhythm.
beta-blocker
reduces the workload of the heart by slowing the rate of the heartbeat. They are commonly
prescribed to lower blood pressure, relieve angina, or
treat heart failure.
bradycardia
an abnormally slow resting heart rate
cardiac arrest
an event in which the heart abruptly stops beating or develops an arrhythmia that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.
cardiac catheterization
is a diagnostic and treatment procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart. A contrast dye injected through the catheter during angiography
shows any disruptions in blood flow, and angioplasty can then be performed via the catheter.
cardiomyopathy
the term used to describe all diseases of the heart muscle
carotid endarterectomy
the surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain.
cholesterol
a fatty substance that travels through the blood and is found in all parts of the body.
chronic venous insufficiency
a condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or to the leakage of venous valves.
coronary artery disease
atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle. This creates an insufficient supply of oxygen that can cause angina, a myocardial infarction, or death.
coronary thrombosis
damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery
defibrillation
the emergency use of electrical shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm
diuretic
administered to stimulate the kidneys to increase the secretion of urine to rid the body of excess sodium and water.