CMA - CH 24 Key Terms - Cardiac Procedures Flashcards
amplified
made larger or enlarged; the amplifier of the electrocardiograph enlarges the electrical impulse activity and the recording can be read more easily.
amplitude
amount, extent, size, abundance, or fullness.
angina pectoris
symptom of inadequate blood flow to the heart that is evidenced by pain in the chest, arm, neck, or a combination of these.
angiogram
series of x-rays of a blood vessel(s) after injection of a radiopaque substance.
arrhythmias
deviations from the normal pattern or rhythm of the heartbeat.
artifacts
the signal distortion that interferes with or obscures the interpretation of a study
augmented
to add or increase
baseline
known or initial measurement against which future measurements are compared; also, flat, horizontal line that separates the various waves of the ECG cycle.
bipolar
having two poles or processes
calibration
determination of the accuracy of an instrument by comparing the information provided with an accepted standard known to be accurate.
cardiac catheterization
passage of a catheter into the heart through an arm or leg vein and blood vessels leading into the heart. The purpose is to obtain cardiac blood samples, detect abnormalities, and determine intracardiac pressure. Contrast medium can be injected and a coronary artery angiogram can be performed.
cardiac cycle
period from the beginning of one heartbeat to the beginning of the next succeeding beat, including systole and diastole. One complete heartbeat.
cardioversion
Conversion of a pathological cardiac rhythm (arrhythmia),
countershocks
application of an electric current to the heart directly or indirectly to alter a disturbance in cardiac rhythm.
defibrillation
stopping fibrillation of the heart by use of drugs or by physical means
defibrillator
machine that delivers an electric current to alter a disturbance in cardiac rhythm.
deoxygenated
blood that is high in carbon dioxide, low in oxygen, and pumped through the heart to the lungs where the carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen.
depolarization
process of reducing to a non-polarized condition. Generation of an electrical current is enhanced. Electrical activity genjerated when the atria or ventricles contract.
diastole
one component of blood pressure measurement representing the lowest amount of pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle; the force exerted on the arterial walls during cardiac relaxation.
electrocardiogram
record of electrical activity of the heart; showing P, QRS, and T waves.
electrocardiograph
instrument for recording electrical activity of the heart.
electrocardiography
process of recording the electrical activity originating of the heart.
electrodes
AKA sensor. Used to conduct electricity from the body to the electrocardiograph.
electrolyte
substance that conducts electricity whose components are important in maintaining fluid and acid-base balance.
galvanometer
mechanism in the electrocardiograph that changes the voltage into a mechanical motion for recording purposes.
Holter monitor
portable continuous recording of cardiac activity for a 24-hour period.
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
an implantable device used for life-threatening arrhythmias. It’s purpose is to shock the heart out of the arrhythmia and into a more normal sinus rhythm.
ischemia
local and temporary lack of blood to an organ or part caused by obstruction of circulation
isoelectric
having equal electrical potentials. It is represented on the ECG as the flat horizontal line, the baseline.
lead wires
conductor attached to an electrocardiograph. Consists of limb leads and chest leads.
mounting
process of applying in sequence a portion of each of the 12 leads of the ECG recording onto commercially prepared mounting form or plain sheet of paper as part of the patient’s permanent record.
myocardial infarction
heart attack; usually caused by a blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries.
noninvasive
procedure that does not require penetrating the skin or a body opening.
normal sinus rhythm
term used to describe the heart’s rhythm when it is within the normal range.
oscilloscope
electronic device used for recording electrical activity of the heart, brain, and muscular tissues.
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
procedure that widens a narrowed or blocked coronary artery.
precordial
pertaining to the area on the anterior surface of the body overlying the heart
radiopharmaceutical
`radioactive chemicals used in testing the location, size, outline, or function of tissue, organs, vessels, or body fluids.
repolarization
re-establishment of a polarized state in a muscle after contraction.
rhythm strip
ECG recording of a single lead, usually lead II, that is used to determine the rhythm of the heartbeat. An arrhythmia can be more easily seen in a rhythm strip versus a 12-lead ECG tracing because it is run longer per provider’s request.
sensors
term used to describe a metallic coated paper tab that is applied to the patient’s body in preparation for an ECG (also known as an electrode). Sensors are placed on specific locations on the skin, then attached to the ECG with wires. The sensors conduct electricity from the patient to the ECG machine.
sinus bradycardia
A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.
sinus tachycardia
Heart rate faster than 100 BPM.
sonographer
person professionally trained and capable of performing the ultrasound examination.
stylus
heated, slender wire of the electrocardiograph that melts the wax off of the ECG paper during the recording.
syncope
fainting
systole
one component of blood pressure measurement representing the highest amount of pressure exerted during the cardiac cycle; the force exerted on the arterial walls curing cardiac contraction.
test cable
accessory device that attaches between the Holter monitor and the electrocardiograph to check for correct waveform and lack of artifacts.
thallium stress test
chemical element given intravenously and used in cardiac stress tests. The radioisotope localizes in the myocardium and a scanning device picks up the distribution of the thallium and can identify blockages in the coronary arteries. An accurate test for coronary artery disease.
tracing
graphic record, usually of an event that changes with time, as with the electrical activity of the heart.
transducer
device that converts one form of energy to another. During an ultrasound procedure, the transducer picks up echoes and converts them to electrical energy. The energy is transformed into digitalized images that can be viewed and printed. Photographs of the image can be taken.
ultrasonography
process of placing a handheld transducer against a body area to be tested. The transducer sends sound waves through the skin and the various internal organs. When echoes are formed and sent back, the transducer converts them into electrical energy. This energy is transformed into a picture on a monitor or printed on paper. Photographs can be taken and become part of the patient’s permanent record.
unipolar
having or pertaining to a one pole process.
