Common Medical Conditions and Common Surgeries Flashcards
Atherosclerosis
A condition in which “plaque” builds up on the walls of the blood vessels; worsened by a diet high in cholesterol
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
A condition caused by atherosclerosis that reduces blood flow through the coronary arteries (and thus oxygen delivery) to the heart muscle
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)
A term used to describe sudden reduced blood flow to one or more coronary arteries that can result in cardiac muscle death if left untreated
Angina
Chest pain caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle
Unstable Angina
A condition in which blood flow and oxygen in one or more of the coronary arteries is partially blocked causing chest pain
Myocardial Infarction (MI)
A condition in which blood flow and oxygen in one or more of the coronary arteries is suddenly completely blocked. This results in heart muscle death. (AKA – “heart attack”)
ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
A sudden blockage of a coronary artery with EKG findings significant for ST segment elevation
Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)
A sudden blockage of a coronary artery without EKG findings significant for ST segment elevation
Cardiac Dysrhythmia
An abnormality in the physiological rate or rhythm of the heart
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
An abnormal heart rhythm arising from aberrant electrical activity in the heart; originates at or above the AV node
Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib)
An irregular and often very fast heart rate originating from abnormal conduction in the atria
Ventricular Tachycardia
An abnormal heart rhythm that arises from improper electrical conduction in the ventricles
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
A condition in which the heart cannot pump blood well enough to meet the body’s needs resulting in build-up of fluid in the extremities and/or lungs
Hypertension (HTN)
High blood pressure
Hyperlipidemia
High lipid levels
Hypercholesterolemia
High cholesterol levels
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
An infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by bacteria or viruses. Also known as the common cold
Influenza
An infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. Also known as the flu
Bronchitis
An inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes
Pneumonia
An inflammation/infection of one or both lungs
Pleural Effusion
Excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity and can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs
Empyema
The presence of pus in a body cavity
Pneumothorax (PTX)
An abnormal collection of air in the pleural space which can cause all or part of the lung to collapse
Hemothorax (HTX)
An abnormal accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity.