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EKG Cert > Flash Cards > Flashcards

Flash Cards

1
Q

aberrant ventricular conduction–

Aberrant - departing from accepted standard

A

A delayed depolarization of the right and left ventricles represented as a wide QRS complex.

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2
Q

ablation–

A

Surgical scarring or destroying the heart tissue that triggers or sustains an abnormal heart rhythm.

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3
Q

accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR)–

A

A ventricular arrhythmia with a rate between 40 and 120 beats per minute.

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4
Q

acidosis–

A

A condition characterized by excessive acid in the body fluids or tissues.

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5
Q

ACLS

A

Advanced Cardiac Life Support. A set of algorithms for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies.

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6
Q

action potential

A

Change of electrical intensity within the heart to generate a heartbeat and maintain circulation.

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7
Q

acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

A

Suspected or confirmed presence of acute myocardial ischemia or infarction. Classified as unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI.

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8
Q

acute myocardial infarction

A

The condition that is caused by a shortage of blood flow to the heart muscle and causing tissue damage. Usually as the result of a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries or branches.

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9
Q

acute pericarditis

A

Inflammation around the sac surrounding the heart/pericardium.

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10
Q

alkalosis

A

An excessive alkaline condition of the body fluids or tissues that results in weakness or cramps.

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11
Q

anatomical landmarks

A

Biologically meaningful loci that can be unambiguously defined and repeatedly located with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

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12
Q

angina pectoris

A

Severe pain in the chest, often spreading to the shoulders, arms, and neck, caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart.

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13
Q

angina

A

A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.

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14
Q

angle of Louis

A

A palpable angle between the manubrium and body of the sternum.

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15
Q

antecubital space (AC)

A

A triangular cavity of the elbow that contains a tendon of the biceps, the median nerve, and the brachial artery. The inside of the elbow.

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16
Q

anterior infarction

A

Necrosis located at the anterior or lateral portion of the left ventricle.

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17
Q

anterior STEMI

A

A ST-elevation myocardial infarction that occurs on the front wall of the heart and the most serious.

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18
Q

arrhythmia

A

any deviation or irregularity of normal sinus rhythm or rate change of the heartbeat.

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19
Q

artifact

A

Electrocardiographic alterations, not related to cardiac electrical activity. Distortion of the baseline and waves due to motion, shaking, or other rhythmic movement.

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20
Q

asystole

A

The most serious and irreversible form of cardiac arrest with total cessation of electrical activity of the heart causing no contraction or blood circulation.

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21
Q

atria

A

Each of the two upper cavities of the heart from which blood is passed to the ventricles.

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22
Q

atrial bigeminy

A

A PAC appears after each sinus beat within an arrythmia.

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23
Q

atrial couplet

A

Two consecutive PACs within an arrythmia.

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24
Q

atrial fibrillation

A

An irregular, rapid heart that causes palpitations, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

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25
Q

atrial flutter

A

The atria of the heart beat too rapidly that creates atrial contractions that are faster than the ventricular contractions.

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26
Q

atrial runs

A

Three or more PACs within an arrythmia.

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27
Q

atrial tachycardia

A

An arrhythmia where the electrical impulse originates from an ectopic pacemaker and creates a rapid heart rate.

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28
Q

atrioventricular (AV) bypass tract

A

Remnants of the AV conduction pathway during embryological development caused by failure of the fibrous separation between the atria and ventricles.

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29
Q

atrioventricular (AV) dissociation

A

Occurs when separate pacemakers are pacing portions of the heart independently at different rates.

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30
Q

atrioventricular (AV) heart block

A

A type of heart block that occurs when the electrical impulse travels from the atria to the ventricles.

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31
Q

atrioventricular (AV) junction

A

The area of junction between the AV node and the bundle of His.

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32
Q

atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT)

A

An abnormally fast arrhythmia that originates in the AV node and creates a reentry pathway.

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33
Q

atrioventricular (AV) node

A

Part of the electrical conduction system of the heart that coordinates the passage of blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

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34
Q

atrioventricular (AV) reentrant tachycardia (AVRT)

A

An abnormally fast arrhythmia that originates above the ventricles, in the atria or AV node and creates a reentry pathway.

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35
Q

atrium (plural: atria)

A

The upper chambers of the heart that empties blood into the ventricles.

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36
Q

augmented unipolar leads

A

EKG limb leads that measure the voltage in any one direction.

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37
Q

automaticity

A

Capable of spontaneous depolarization of an action potential.

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38
Q

beta blockers

A

A group of medications used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, lowers the heart rate, and blood pressure. Also referred to asbeta-adrenergic blockers.

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39
Q

bigeminy

A

A cardiac rhythm in which each normal beat is followed by an abnormal one.

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40
Q

biphasic waveform

A

A waveform that is either partially positive or partially negative.

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41
Q

biventricular pacemaker

A

A pacemaker that helps the ventricles more normally by keeping the right and left ventricles pumping together by sending small electrical impulses through the pacemaker leads.

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42
Q

blocked PAC

A

The PAC is blocked if it reaches the AV node during refraction which does not produce a QRS complex on an EKG.

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43
Q

brady-asystolic

A

A ventricular rhythm with a rate below 60 beats per minute (bradycardia), including periods of absent heart rhythm (asystole), or both.

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44
Q

bundle branches

A

Ventricular extension of the bundle of His that transmits an action potential from the bundle of His to the Purkinje fibers.

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45
Q

bundle of His

A

Bundle of cardiac muscle fibers that transmits electrical impulses.

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46
Q

calcium channel blockers

A

A group of medications that blocks the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and arteries creating conduction delays and QRS widening.

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47
Q

cardiac arrest

A

A sudden cessation of function of the heart.

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48
Q

cardiac catheterization

A

The insertion of a catheter into a chamber or vessel in the heart. This is done both for diagnostic and interventional purposes.

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49
Q

cardiac enlargement

A

Dilation of cardiac chambers or hypertrophy of heart muscle fibers.

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50
Q

cardiac tamponade

A

A syndrome caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space that reduces ventricular filling.

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51
Q

cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

A

An emergency life-saving procedure performed during the cessation of breathing and the conduction of a heartbeat. CPR provides rescue breathing and chest compressions that usually occurs after an electric shock, heart attack, or drowning.

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52
Q

cardioversion

A

A medical procedure that restores a normal rhythm in certain arrhythmias.

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53
Q

catecholamines

A

A neurohormone produced by the adrenal glands.

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54
Q

chronic constrictive pericarditis

A

Long-term inflammation of the pericardium, a sac that surrounds the heart and causing scarring, thickening, and muscle tightening.

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55
Q

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A

A lung disease characterized by chronic obstruction of airflow that interferes with normal breathing and is not curable. COPD includes bronchitis and emphysema.

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56
Q

circumflex coronary artery

A

Branch of the left coronary artery that supplies portions of the heart with oxygenated blood.

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57
Q

coarse AF (atrial fibrillation)

A

Atrial fibrillation that will produce high amplitude f waves that resemble atrial flutter.

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58
Q

commotio cordis

A

Sudden cardiac arrest in healthy patients who receive nonpenetrating chest trauma that triggers VF, which can occur during sports, motor vehicle, or motorcycle accidents.

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59
Q

conduction

A

The transmission of electrical impulses between surrounding structures.

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60
Q

conductivity

A

The ability to transmit electrical impulses between surrounding structures.

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61
Q

congestive heart failure (CHF)

A

A chronic and progressive condition that affects the pumping ability of the heart. Fluid buildup around the heart causes ineffective pumping.

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62
Q

contractility

A

The ability of the heart muscle to contract.

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63
Q

contraction

A

The process of a muscle becoming shorter and tighter; the result of action potentials to tighten atrial and ventricular muscles.

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64
Q

coronary artery disease (CAD)

A

Hardening and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

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65
Q

coupling interval

A

The interval between QRS of the preceding normal beat.

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66
Q

current of injury

A

Abnormal current flowing and creating ST segment deviations as a result of injury/ischemia to the heart during an MI.

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67
Q

deflection

A

The positive or negative waveform that represents the heart’s electrical activity on an EKG.

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68
Q

Delta wave

A

A slurred upstroke in the QRS complex and associated with a short PR interval.

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69
Q

depolarization

A

The activation of an action potential to contract heart muscles.

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70
Q

digitalis glycosides

A

A group of medications used to treat congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia and helps the heart beat more forcefully.

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71
Q

digoxin (Lanoxin)

A

A cardiac glycoside used as cardiac stimulant in treating cardiac conditions and arrhythmias.

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72
Q

dilation

A

The action of becoming wider or larger

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73
Q

early repolarization (ER) pattern

A

Elevation of the QRS-ST junction (J point) with late J point notching.

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74
Q

Ebstein’s anomaly

A

A tricuspid valve malformation.

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75
Q

echocardiogram

A

A test produced by ultrasound waves to create a visual display and determine the action of the heart.

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76
Q

ectopic beats

A

An irregular heartbeat.

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77
Q

ectopic focus

A

The structural cardiac origin causing an irregular heartbeat.

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78
Q

ectopic rhythm

A

An irregular heart rhythm as the result of a premature heartbeat.

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79
Q

Einthoven’s triangle

A

An imaginary triangle with the heart at the center, formed by the axes of the bipolar limb leads.

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80
Q

electrical alternans

A

A beat-to-beat shift in the QRS axis as a result of the heart swinging in the excess fluid.

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81
Q

electrocardiogram (EKG)

A

The measure and record of the heartbeat produced by electrocardiography.

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82
Q

emphysema

A

A condition where the alveoli of the lungs are damaged and enlarged causing shortness of breath. Usually falls under the umbrella term COPD.

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83
Q

endocardium

A

The membrane that lines the inside chambers of the heart.

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84
Q

epicardium

A

The membrane that creates the outer surface of the heart.

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85
Q

escape rhythm

A

An irregular or blocked rhythm created by a secondary pacemaker when the SA node fails to create impulses.

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86
Q

failure to capture

A

The ventricles fail to respond to pacemaker or ICD impulses and the pacing spike is not followed by a QRS complex.

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87
Q

failure to pace

A

Occurs when the pacemaker or ICD does not generate an electrical impulse and appears as a missing pacing spike on an EKG.

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88
Q

failure to sense

A

Occurs when the pacemaker of ICD does not recognize myocardial depolarization and appears as pacing spikes that occur earlier or closely following the QRS complex on an EKG.

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89
Q

fascicular block

A

A block that involves the anterior or posterior fascicle bundle branch characterized by QRS prolongation and QRS axis deviation.

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90
Q

fine AF (atrial fibrillation)

A

Atrial fibrillation that creates very rapid and almost isoelectric fibrillatory waves that are sometimes confused as atrial systole.

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91
Q

first degree AV block

A

An atrioventricular block characterized with a PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds without disruption of atrial or ventricular conduction.

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92
Q

fixed coupling

A

An approximately equal interval between each PVC.

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93
Q

focal atrial tachycardia

A

An arrhythmia characterized as a rapid regular rhythm from an area in the atria.

94
Q

heart rate variability (HRV)

A

Variation of time between heartbeats measured in a beat-to-beat interval.

95
Q

heart rhythm

A

The waveform of all three heartbeats is identical at the origin.

96
Q

high-degree (advanced) AV block

A

A type of AV heart block that appears with multiple (two or more) consecutive nonconducted P waves.

97
Q

high-lateral STEMI

A

ST-elevation myocardial infarction localized to leads I and aVL.

98
Q

His-Purkinje network

A

Responsible for the electrical transmission from the AV node to the muscular cells to produce ventricular contraction.

99
Q

holter monitor

A

A type of ambulatory elecgtrocardiography device used for cardiac monitoring for at least 24 hours.

100
Q

hypercalcemia

A

A higher than normal calcium blood serum level. A normal calcium serum level is 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.

101
Q

hyperkalemia

A

A higher than normal potassium blood serum level. A normal potassium serum level is 3.6 to 5.3 mmol/L.

102
Q

hypermagnesemia

A

A higher than normal magnesium blood serum level. A normal magnesium serum level is 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL.

103
Q

hyperthyroidism

A

Overactivity of the thyroid gland that results in rapid heart rate and increased rate of metabolism. The severe form is referred to asGraves’ disease.

104
Q

hypertrophy

A

Increase of muscle cells or fibers.

105
Q

hypocalcemia

A

A lower than normal calcium blood serum level. A normal calcium serum level is 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL.

106
Q

hypokalemia

A

A lower than normal potassium blood serum level. A normal potassium serum level is 3.6 to 5.3 mmol/L.

107
Q

hypomagnesemia

A

A lower than normal magnesium blood serum level. A normal magnesium serum level is 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL.

108
Q

hypothermia

A

The condition of having abnormal and dangerously low body temperature, often defined as lower than 95°F.

109
Q

hypothyroidism

A

Abnormally low activity of the thyroid gland that results in a slow heart rate and decreased rate of metabolism. The severe form of hypothyroidism is referred to asmyxedema.

110
Q

implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD)

A

An electric device used to terminate fatal ventricular arrhythmias and give a patient a life-saving shock or defibrillatory shocks.

111
Q

inferior infarction

A

Necrosis located at the inferior portion of the left ventricle.

112
Q

inferior STEMI

A

A ST-elevation myocardial infarction that occurs at the bottom wall of the heart.

113
Q

infranodal block

A

A block that originates within the bundle of His bundle branches that are often display a wide QRS complex with a slower ventricular rate of less than 40 beats per minute.

114
Q

intercostal space

A

The spaces between ribs. There are 11 on each side of the body, and they are numbered according to the rib which is the superior border of the space.

115
Q

interpolated

A

A PVC that appears precisely between two regular beats.

116
Q

intraventricular conduction delay

A

A widened QRS appearance unrelated to either left or right bundle branch block.

117
Q

ischemia

A

Inadequate blood supply to the heart.

118
Q

isoelectric waveform

A

A waveform that is neither positive or negative and rests on the baseline.

119
Q

isorhythmic (atrioventricular) AV dissociation

A

The independent and equal beating of atrial and ventricular pacemakers in the absence of retrograde conduction from ventricular depolarization to the atria.

120
Q

J point

A

The point where the QRS complex ends and the ST segment begins.

121
Q

left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD)

A

Branch of the left coronary artery.

122
Q

left atrial abnormality (LAA)

A

The presence of atrial hypertrophy, dilation, or both, which produces left atrial enlargement.

123
Q

left bundle branch block (LBBB)

A

An abnormality that affects cardiac conduction to the heart’s left ventricle.

124
Q

left main coronary artery (LCA)

A

An artery that arises from the aorta and supplies blood to the left side of the heart.

125
Q

left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)

A

An enlargement and hypertrophy of the left ventricle.

126
Q

limb leads

A

A unipolar ECG lead that is placed in a limb.

127
Q

long QT syndrome

A

A subclassification of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia arrhythmias with characteristic QT interval prolongation.

128
Q

manifest bypass

A

A pathway that can conduct the electrical system in both ways, from the atria to the ventricles and reversed.

129
Q

midaxillary line

A

The imaginary line through the axilla (armpit) parallel to the long axis of the body.

130
Q

midclavicular line

A

An imaginary line parallel to the long axis of the body and passing through the midpoint of the clvaicle on the ventral surface of the body.

131
Q

mitral valve

A

The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart.

132
Q

Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach)second degree (atrioventricular) AV block

A

A type of AV block that is characterized by prolongation of the PR interval and consecutive beats followed by a blocked P wave.

133
Q

Mobitz Type II second degree (atrioventricular) AV block

A

A type of AV block characterized by nonconducted P waves not preceded by PR prolongation and not followed by PR shortening.

134
Q

monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)

A

Ventricular tachycardia where the QRS complexes look-alike in a given lead.

135
Q

multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT)

A

An arrhythmia where multiple pacemakers compete with each other to pace the heart and produces a rapid heart rate.

136
Q

myocardial infarction

A

myocardial cell death caused by prolonged ischemia.

137
Q

myocarditis

A

Inflammation of the heart muscle.

138
Q

myocardium

A

The middle muscular layer of the heart.

139
Q

nodal block

A

Occur when the AV node creates a narrow QRS complex with a ventricular escape rate greater than 40 beats per minute.

140
Q

nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)

A

Ventricular tachycardia that lasts for 30 seconds or less.

141
Q

normal R wave progression

A

The normal increase in size of the R wave when viewing the chest leads and progressing from V1 to V6.

142
Q

normal sinus rhythm (NSR)

A

The regular rhythm and heart rate that originates from the SA node.

143
Q

NSTEMI (Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction)

A

Myocardial infarction that does not cause ST elevation.

144
Q

Osborn waves

A

A deflection with a hump occuring at the R-ST junction (J point).

145
Q

P pulmonale

A

A nonspecific finding of COPD and characteristic of tall, narrow P waves in leads II, III, and aVF. A component of cor pulmonale.

146
Q

P wave

A

Represents the activated depolarization of the atria.

147
Q

pacemaker syndrome

A

An occurrence where the patient feels symptomatically worse after pacemaker implantation.

148
Q

pacemakers

A

An artificial electronic device intended to correct or compensate for abnormalities of cardiac impulse generation, such as sinus node dysfunction; or conduction

149
Q

palpitations

A

A sensation that the heart is racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping a beat, often bothersome.

150
Q

paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)

A

An abnormal fast heartbeat that originate above the ventricles in the atria or AV node. Also known assupraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

151
Q

perfuse

A

To supply an organ or tissue with blood by circulating it through blood vessels.

152
Q

pericardial effusion

A

An accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity causing an increased intrapericardial pressure that can affect the function of the heart.

153
Q

pericardium

A

The membrane that surrounds the heart.

154
Q

plaque

A

A buildup of cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium, and other substances in the walls of arteries.

155
Q

polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT)

A

Ventricular tachycardia with QRS variations of shape, direction, and occasional beat to beat rate.

156
Q

potassium channel blockers

A

A group of medications that act by inhibiting potassium entering potassium channels that delays repolarization and increases the duration of an action potential.

157
Q

PR interval

A

Indicates the length of time the impulse takes to travel through the atria and the AV junction.

158
Q

precordial leads (V leads)

A

Represent the heart’s orietnation on a transverese plane, providing a three-dimensional view.

159
Q

premature atrial contraction (PAC)

A

A common arrhythmia characterized by premature atrial beats. Also referred to asatrial premature complexes (APC), atrial premature beats (APB), or premature atrial complexes.

160
Q

premature ventricular contraction (PVC)

A

A ventricular arrhythmia characterized by extra heartbeats that originate in either the left or right ventricles. Also referred to asventricular premature beats (VPB).

161
Q

prinzmetal (variant) angina (PVA)

A

Recurrent episodes of chest pain that usually occurs when a patient is at rest.

162
Q

proarrhythmic drug effects

A

A side effect of antiarrhythmic medication administration that creates a new or more frequent occurrence of pre-existing arrhythmias.

163
Q

pseudoinfarct pattern

A

Pattern that occurs when Q waves appear in the absence of MI.

164
Q

pulmonary embolism (PE)

A

A blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance that has moved from an area in the body through the bloodstream (embolism) to the lungs.

165
Q

purkinje fibers

A

Specialized muscle fibers that transmits electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles.

166
Q

Q wave

A

The first negative deflection of the QRS complex.

167
Q

QRS complex

A

Represents the activation and depolarization of the ventricles.

168
Q

QS wave

A

A QRS complex missing the R wave.

169
Q

QT interval

A

The time at the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the T wave that represents ventricular depolarization.

170
Q

R on T phenomenon

A

A timed PVC will appear near the peak (positive) or trough (negative) of the preceding normal beat’s T wave.

171
Q

R prime waves (R’)

A

Extra positive waves in a QRS complex.

172
Q

R wave

A

The first positive deflection of the QRS complex.

173
Q

radioactive dye

A

Also called contrast dye. A substance used to increase the contrast of structures or fluids within the body in medical imaging.

174
Q

reciprocity

A

Creates electrical waves in the opposite direction between the anterior and inferior leads.

175
Q

reentrant

A

An abnormal conduction pathway that connects the atria and ventricles.

176
Q

repolarization

A

The restoration of the heart muscle to its resting state.

177
Q

respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)

A

A normal variation of sinus rhythm where the heart rate decreases with expiration and increases with inspiration.

178
Q

retrograde direction

A

Moving in a backwards or reverse direction.

179
Q

right bundle branch block (RBBB)

A

An abnormality that affects cardiac conduction to the heart’s right ventricle.

180
Q

right coronary artery

A

The artery that supplies blood to the right atrium, ventricles, and the SA node.

181
Q

right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH)

A

A condition with an abnormal enlargement of the cardiac muscle surrounding the right ventricle.

182
Q

RR interval

A

the time distance between the QRS complexes from one R point to the next R point.

183
Q

S prime waves (S’)

A

Extra negative waves in a QRS complex.

184
Q

S wave

A

The negative deflection following the R wave of the QRS complex.

185
Q

second degree (atrioventricular) AV block

A

A block that affects the electrical conduction system and atrial impulses fail to conduct to the ventricles.

186
Q

silent myocardial infarction

A

The presence of a myocardial infarction in the absence of physical symptoms such as discomfort, dyspnea, or nausea.

187
Q

silent myocardial ischemia

A

The presence of myocardial ischemia in the absence of physical symptoms such as discomfort, dyspnea, or nausea.

188
Q

sinoatrial (SA) node

A

A small specialized muscle tissue within the wall of the right atrium that acts as the pacemaker of the heart and able to spontaneously depolarize.

189
Q

sinus arrest

A

The condition where the SA node ceases to generate electrical impulses that normally stimulate the myocardium to contract and create heartbeats.

190
Q

sinus bradycardia

A

A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute produced by normal sinus rhythm.

191
Q

sinus node dysfunction

A

A condition that produces inappropriate atrial rates as a result of a dysfunction of the SA node.

192
Q

sinus rhythm

A

The sinoatrial (SA) node is pacing the electrical impulses with a normal heart rate and rhythm.

193
Q

sinus tachycardia

A

A heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute produced by normal sinus rhythm.

194
Q

skin protectant

A

A product that temporarily protects injuried or exposed skin from harmful or annoying stimuli.

195
Q

sodium channel blockers

A

A group of medications that impair the conduction of sodium ions through sodium channels and slows the rate and amplitude of initial rapid depolarization.

196
Q

ST segment

A

Represents the phase after the QRS complex to the beginning of the T wave and represents ventricular depolarization on an EKG.

197
Q

standard bipolar leads

A

EKG limb leads that measure the electrical differences between each leg.

198
Q

STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction)

A

Myocardial infarction caused by a blockage in one of the coronary arteries or its branches.

199
Q

sternal border

A

The bilateral edges of the long, flat vertical bone situated in front of the thorax. Attached to the collarbone and the first seven pairs of ribs.

200
Q

subendocardial ischemia

A

Inadequate blood supply to the heart that does not affect the full thickness.

201
Q

subendocardium

A

A layer beneath the endocardium or between the endocardium and the myocardium.

202
Q

subepicardium

A

A layer beneath the epicardium or between the epicardium and the myocardium.

203
Q

submaximal testing

A

Controlled EKG testing to diagnose coronary artery disease while the patient exercise and stopped when predetermined factors are met.

204
Q

sudden cardiac death

A

The situation where an individual that sustains an unexpected cardiac arrest and dies without resuscitation within about an hour of the development of acute symptoms.

205
Q

supraventricular arrhythmias

A

An arrhythmia that originates in the SA node, atrial myocardium, or AV node.

206
Q

sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)

A

Ventricular tachycardia that occurs longer than 30 seconds or requires direct current (DC) for stabilization.

207
Q

tachyarrhythmia

A

An arrhythmia with a rapid irregular heartbeat greater than 100 beats per minute. Also refers to tachycardia.

208
Q

third degree (atrioventricular) AV block

A

A block in which the nerve impulse generated by the SA node atrium does not propagate to the ventricles. An ectopic pacemaker takes over conduction as a result of blockage at the SA node.

209
Q

torsades de pointes (TdP)

A

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with long QT interval and a rapid, irregular QRS complex.

210
Q

transcutaneous pacing

A

Temporary pacing used when electrical abnormalities are expected to resolve in a short time, usually used in emergencies. Delivers pulses of electrical impulses through the chest that stimulates the heart to contract.

211
Q

transducer

A

A device that generates ultrasound energy and bounces this off body tissues to make echoes. These signals are sent to the computer to create a visual representation.

212
Q

transition zone

A

The point where the QRS complex changes from negative to positive around the V3 or V4 position.

213
Q

transmural ischemia

A

Inadequate blood supply to the heart that affects the entire thickness of the cardiac muscle, from the endocardium to the epicardium.

214
Q

tricuspid valve

A

The valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart.

215
Q

trigeminy

A

A three-beat rhythm in which every third beat is abnormal.

216
Q

troponin

A

A protein complex involved in cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction. Elevated troponin levels indicate heart complications. The normal troponin range is between 0 and 0.4 ng/mL.

217
Q

T-wave

A

Represents the repolarization of the ventricles on an EKG.

218
Q

unifocal

A

A single location.

219
Q

U-wave

A

Represents the finalization of ventricular repolarization.

220
Q

vagal tone

A

The activity of the vagus nerve and component of the parasympathetic nervous system that regulates relaxation.

221
Q

ventricle

A

The lower chambers of the heart that receives blood from the atria.

222
Q

ventricular aneurysms

A

A common complication after a myocardial infarction that creates a bulging in the wall or lining of a blood vessel at the base of the septum or within the aorta.

223
Q

ventricular arrhythmias

A

An arrhythmia that originates below the AV node on the ventricular side of the node.

224
Q

ventricular bigeminy

A

A sequence of one normal beat followed by one premature ventricular contraction (PVC).

225
Q

ventricular fibrillation (VF)

A

A ventricular arrhythmia that occurs when the heart beats with rapid, erratic electrical impulses

226
Q

ventricular flutter

A

A ventricular tachyarrhythmia with a rate over 250 to 350 beats per minute, characterized by a sinusoidal waveform without clear QRS and T wave definition.

227
Q

ventricular quadrigeminy

A

A sequence of three normal beats followed by one premature ventricular contraction (PVC).

228
Q

ventricular tachycardia(VT)

A

Three or more consecutive premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).

229
Q

ventricular trigeminy

A

A sequence of two normal beats followed by one premature ventricular contraction (PVC).

230
Q

ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction

A

Cardiac conduction that begins in the ventricles or the AV node and then to the atria. Also referred to asretrograde conduction.

231
Q

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

A

An extra electrical pathway in the heart that often leads to tachycardia.

EKG Cert (4 decks)

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