Heart Flashcards by Emma Brzezinski

muscular cone-shaped organ the size of a fist, located behind the sternum (breastbone) and between the lungs. The pumping action of the heart circulates blood throughout the body. The heart consists of two smaller upper chambers, the right atrium and the left atrium (pl. atria), and two larger lower chambers, the right ventricle and the left ventricle (pl. ventricles). The right atrium receives blood returning from the body through the veins and contracts to fill the right ventricle, which then pumps blood to the lungs. The left atrium receives blood from the lungs and contracts to fill the left ventricle, which then contracts to pump blood from the heart through the arteries to body tissues. The atrial septum separates the atria and the ventricular septum separates the ventricles. (Fig. 10.2)

heart

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consist of the tricuspid and mitral valves, which lie between the right atrium and the right ventricle and the left atrium and left ventricle, respectively. Valves of the heart keep blood flowing in one direction.

atrioventricular valves

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pulmonary and aortic valves located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery and between the left ventricle and the aorta, respectively.

semilunar valves

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two-layer sac surrounding the heart, consisting of an external fibrous and an internal serous layer. The internal serous layer is then divided into two parts: the outer layer, called the parietal pericardium, and the inner layer, called the epicardium. Between these is the pericardial space, which contains fluid produced by the serous layer that facilitates movement of the heart.

pericardium

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outer lining covering the heart; also part of the pericardium (see above)

epicardium

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middle, thick, muscular layer of the heart

myocardium

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inner lining of the heart

endocardium

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tubelike structures that carry blood throughout the body

blood vessel

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blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. All arteries, with the exception of the pulmonary artery, carry oxygen and other nutrients from the heart to the body cells. The pulmonary artery, in contrast, carries carbon dioxide and other waste products from the heart to the lungs.

arteries

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smallest arteries

arterioles

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largest artery in the body, which originates at the left ventricle, briefly ascends as the arch of the aorta, then descends through the thorax and abdomen

aorta

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blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. All veins, with the exception of the pulmonary veins, carry blood containing carbon dioxide and other waste products. The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.

veins

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smallest veins

venules

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largest veins in the body. The inferior vena cava carries blood to the heart from body parts below the diaphragm, and the superior vena cava returns the blood to the heart from the upper part of the body.

venae cavae

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microscopic blood vessels that connect arterioles with venules. Materials are passed between the blood and tissue through the capillary walls.

capillaries

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fluid circulated through the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins; composed of plasma and formed elements, such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes (platelets)

blood

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clear, straw-colored, liquid portion of blood in which cells are suspended. Plasma is approximately 90% water. The other 10% is composed of solutes (dissolved substances), which include proteins, electrolytes, and vitamins. Plasma comprises approximately 55% of the total blood volume.

plasma

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clear, watery fluid portion of the blood that remains after a clot has formed

serum

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production of new blood cells takes place in bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside some bones

cells (formed elements)

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red blood cells that carry oxygen

erythrocytes

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white blood cells that combat infection and respond to inflammation. There are five types of white blood cells. (Fig. 10.5)

leukocytes

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one of the formed elements in the blood that is responsible for aiding in the clotting process (also called platelets)

thrombocytes

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transparent, colorless, tissue fluid; contains lymphocytes and monocytes and flows in a one-way direction toward the heart

lymph

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transport lymph from body tissues into the right and left subclavian veins, which then empty into the superior vena cava. The lymphatic vessels begin as capillaries spread throughout the body then merge into larger tubes that eventually become ducts in the chest. They provide a one-way flow for lymph, which enters through veins into the circulatory system.

lymphatic vessels

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small, spherical bodies composed of lymphoid tissue. They may be singular or grouped together along the path of the lymph vessels. The nodes filter lymph to keep substances such as bacteria and other foreign agents from entering the blood. They also contain lymphocytes.

lymph nodes

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located in the left side of the abdominal cavity between the stomach and the diaphragm. In adulthood, the spleen is the largest lymphatic organ in the body. Blood, rather than lymph, flows through the spleen. Blood is cleansed of microorganisms in the spleen. The spleen stores blood and destroys worn out red blood cells.

spleen

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one of the primary lymphatic organs, it is located anterior to the ascending aorta and posterior to the sternum between the lungs. It plays an important role in the development of the body’s immune system, particularly from infancy to puberty. Around puberty the thymus gland shrinks so that most of the gland is connective tissue.

thymus gland

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angi/o

vessels/blood vessels

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aort/o

aorta

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arteri/o

artery

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atri/o

atrium

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cardi/o

heart

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cyt/o

cell

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hem/o; hemat/o

blood

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lymph/o

lymph; lymph tissue

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lymphaden/o

lymph node

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my/o

muscle

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myel/o

bone marrow

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phleb/o

veins

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plasm/o

plasma

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splen/o

spleen

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thym/o

thymus gland

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valvul/o

valve

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ven/o

veins

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ventricul/o

ventricle

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ather/o

yellowish, fatty plaque

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ech/o

sound

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electr/o

electricity

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embol/o

plug

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erythr/o

red

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immun/o

immune system

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isch/o

deficiency

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leuk/o

white

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thromb/o

blood clot

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brady-

slow

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endo-

within

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pan-

all, total

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peri-

surrounding (outer)

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poly-

many

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tachy-

fast

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-apheresis

removal

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-centesis

surgical puncture to aspirate fluid

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-ectomy

surgical removal

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-emia

in the blood-

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genic

producing, originating

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-ism

state of

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-lysis

loosening, dissolution, separating

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-osis

abnormal condition

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-penia

abnormal reduction in number

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-rrhage

excessive flow

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-rrhaphy

suturing, repairing

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-sclerosis

hardening

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-stasis

control, stop, standing

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-stenosis

constriction or narrowing

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tumor composed of blood vessels

angioma

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narrowing of a blood vessel

angiostenosis

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narrowing, pertaining to aorta (narrowing of the aortic valve) (Fig. 10.8)

aortic stenosis

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hardening of the arteries

arteriosclerosis

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hardening of fatty plaque (deposited on the arterial wall)

atherosclerosis

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condition of a slow heart (rate less than 60 beats per minute) (Note: The i in cardi/o has been dropped)

bradycardia

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enlargement of the heart

cardiomegaly

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disease of the heart muscle

cardiomyopathy

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inflammation of the inner (lining) of the heart (particularly heart valves)

endocarditis

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deficiency in blood (flow); (caused by constriction or obstruction of a blood vessel)

ischemia

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inflammation of the muscle of the heart

myocarditis

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inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart

pericarditis

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inflammation of a vein

phlebitis

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inflammation of many (sites in the) arteries (Note: The i in arteri/o has been dropped)

polyarteritis

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condition of a rapid heart (rate of more than 100 beats per min) (Note: The i in cardi/o has been dropped)

tachycardia

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inflammation of a vein associated with a blood clot

thrombophlebitis

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inflammation of a valve (of the heart)

valvulitis

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surgical repair of a blood vessel

angioplasty

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excision of fatty plaque (from a blocked artery using a specialized catheter and a rotary cutter)

atheretctomy

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excision of a plug (embolus or clot, usually with a balloon catheter, inflating the balloon beyond the clot, then pulling the balloon back to the incision and bringing the plug with it)

embolectomy

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excision within the artery (excision of plaque from the arterial wall). (Note: the o from endo- is dropped for easier pronunciation)

endaterectomy

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surgical puncture to aspirate fluid from the sac surrounding the heart (usually to relieve cardiac tamponade and/or for diagnostic investigation) (Fig. 10.9)

pericardiocentesis

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excision of a vein

phlebectomy

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surgical repair of a valve (cardiac or venous)

valvuloplasty

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radiographic imaging of blood vessels (the procedure is named for the vessel to be studied, e.g., femoral angiography or coronary angiography) (Table 10.1)

angiography

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visual examination (of the inside) of a blood vessel

angioscopy

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radiographic image of the aorta (after an injection of contrast media)

aortogram

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radiographic image of an artery (after an injection of contrast media)

arteriogram

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radiographic image of a vein (after an injection of contrast media)

venogram

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radiographic imaging of blood vessels (the procedure is named for the vessel to be studied, e.g., femoral angiography or coronary angiography) (Table 10.1)

angiography

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visual examination (of the inside) of a blood vessel

angioscopy

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radiographic image of the aorta (after an injection of contrast media)

aortogram

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radiographic image of an artery (after an injection of contrast media)

arteriogram

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radiographic image of a vein (after an injection of contrast media)

venogram

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record of the heart (structure and motion) using sound (waves); (used to detect valvular disease and evaluate heart function)

echocardiogram

record of the electrical activity of the heart

electrocardiogram

process of recording the electrical activity of the heart

electrocardiography

pertaining to the atrium and ventricle

atrioventricular

originating in the heart

cardiogenic

pertaining to within the vein

intravenous

sudden symptoms of insufficient blood supply to the heart indicating unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction. Rapid assessment is necessary to determine the diagnosis and treatment and to minimize heart damage.

acute coronary syndrome

ballooning of a weakened portion of an arterial wall (Fig. 10.10)

anuerysm

chest pain, which may radiate to the left arm and jaw, that occurs when there is an insufficient supply of blood to the heart muscle

angina pectoris

any disturbance or abnormality in the heart’s normal rhythmic pattern

arrhythmia

sudden cessation of cardiac output and effective circulation, which requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

cardiac arrest

acute compression of the heart caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity

cardiac tamponade

condition that reduces the flow of blood through the coronary arteries to the myocardium that may progress to depriving the heart tissue of sufficient oxygen and nutrients to function normally; most often caused by coronary atherosclerosis. CAD is a common cause of heart failure and myocardial infarction.

coronary artery disease

enlargement of the heart’s right ventricle due to pulmonary disease

cor pulmonale

condition of thrombus (blood clot) in a deep vein of the body. Most often occurs in the lower extremities. A clot, or part of a clot, can break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

deep vein thrombosis

rapid, quivering, uncoordinated contractions of the atria or ventricles causing cardiac arrhythmia

fibrillation

condition in which there is an inability of the heart to pump enough blood through the body to supply the tissues and organs with nutrients and oxygen (also called congestive heart failure [CHF])

heart failure

disorder of the heart caused by persistent high blood pressure; it may be associated with hypertrophy (abnormal thickening of the heart muscle) or dilation of the chambers of the heart (due to thinning and stretching of the heart muscle)

hypertensive heart disease

condition of pain, tension and weakness in a limb that starts when walking is begun, increases until walking is no longer possible, and then completely resolves when the patient is at rest. It is caused by reversible muscle ischemia that occurs with peripheral artery disease.

intermitten claudication

narrowing of the mitral valve from scarring, usually caused by episodes of rheumatic fever

mitral valve stenosis

death (necrosis) of a portion of the myocardium caused by lack of oxygen resulting from an interrupted blood supply (also called heart attack)

myocardial infarction

disease of the arteries in the arms and legs, resulting in narrowing or complete obstruction of the artery. This is caused most commonly by atherosclerosis, but occasionally by inflammatory diseases, emboli, or thrombus formation. The most common symptom of peripheral artery disease is intermittent claudication. (also called peripheral vascular disease [PVD])

peripheral artery disease

damage to the heart muscle or heart valves caused by one or more episodes of rheumatic fever

rheumatic heart disease

distended or tortuous veins usually found in the lower extremities (Fig.10.12)

varicose veins

battery-powered apparatus implanted under the skin with leads placed on the heart or in the chamber of the heart used to treat an abnormal heart rhythm, usually one that is too slow, secondary to an abnormal sinus node

artificial cardiac pacemaker

device implanted in the body that continuously monitors the heart rhythm. If life-threatening arrhythmias occur, the device delivers an electric shock to convert the arrhythmia back to a normal rhythm.

automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator

procedure in which abnormal cells that trigger abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are destroyed by using a device that heats or freezes the cells (Fig. 10.13)

catheter ablation

surgical technique to bring a new blood supply to heart muscle by detouring around blocked arteries

coronary artery bypass graft

supportive scaffold device placed in the coronary artery; used to prevent closure of the artery after angioplasty or atherectomy; used to treat an artery occluded by plaque

coronary stent

surgery to establish an alternate route from femoral artery to popliteal artery to bypass an obstruction

femoropopliteal bypass

procedure in which a balloon is advanced into a coronary artery to the area where plaque has formed. When the balloon is inflated, the vessel wall expands, allowing blood to flow more freely. (also called balloon angioplasty)

percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

injection of a medication either intravenously or intra-arterially to dissolve blood clots. It is often used in emergency departments for acute myocardial infarction.

thrombolytic therapy

process of digital radiographic imaging of the blood vessels that “subtracts” or removes structures not being studied (see Table 10.1)

digital subtraction angiography

study that uses high-frequency sound waves for detection of blood flow within the vessels; used to assess intermittent claudication, deep vein thrombosis, and other blood flow abnormalities

doppler ultrasound

nuclear medicine test used to diagnose coronary artery disease and assess revascularization after coronary artery bypass surgery. Sestamibi, a radioactive isotope, is taken up by normal myocardial cells, but not in ischemia or infarction. These areas are identified as “cold” spots on the images produced.

sestamibi test

nuclear medicine test that collects a series of images (projections) as a Gamma camera rotates around the patient. These projections are then used by a computer to generate three dimensional pictures; it also helps show the function of organs, such as coronary artery flow or active and inactive areas of the brain.

single photon emission computed tomography

ultrasound test that examines cardiac function and structure by using an ultrasound probe placed in the esophagus, which provides more direct views of the heart structures

transesophageal echocardiogram

diagnostic procedure performed by passing a catheter into the heart from a blood vessel in the groin or arm to examine the condition of the heart and surrounding blood vessels; used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease

cardiac catheterization

study that evaluates cardiac function during physical stress by riding a bike or walking on a treadmill. Electrocardiography is the most common method, but echocardiography and nuclear medicine scanning (diagnostic imaging tests) can also be used to measure cardiac function while exercising.

excess stress test

pressure exerted by the blood against the blood vessel walls. A blood pressure measurement written as systolic pressure (120) and diastolic pressure (80) is commonly recorded as 120/80 (blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury [mm Hg]).

blood pressure

contraction of the heart, which can be felt with a fingertip. The pulse is most commonly felt over the radial artery (in the wrist); however, the pulsations can be felt over a number of sites, including the femoral (groin) and carotid (neck) arteries

pulse

device used for measuring blood pressure

sphygomomanometer

blood test to measure the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood, which when elevated, indicates inflammation in the body. It is sometimes used in assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

C-reactive protein

blood test used to measure the level of creatine phosphokinase, an enzyme of heart and skeletal muscle released into the blood after muscle injury or necrosis. The test is useful in evaluating patients with acute myocardial infarction.

creatine phsophokinase

blood test used to measure the amount and type of lipids (fat-like substances) in a sample of blood. This test is used to evaluate one of the risks of cardiovascular disease, and to monitor therapy for patients taking lipid-lowering medications. (Table 10.2)

lipid profile

blood test that measures troponin, a heart muscle enzyme. Troponins are released into the blood approximately 3 hours after necrosis of the heart muscle and may remain elevated from 7 to 10 days. The test is useful in the diagnosis of a myocardial infarction.

troponin

sound heard over an artery during auscultation resulting from vibration in the vessel wall caused by turbulent blood flow. Bruits are frequently caused by abnormal narrowing of an artery.

bruit

excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood; associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease

hypercholestrolemia

excessive amount of any type of fats (lipoproteins, triglycerides, and cholesterol) in the blood; associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease

hyeprlipidemia

blood pressure that is above normal (greater than 130/80 mm Hg in adults under the age of 60)

hypertension

excessive amount of triglycerides in the blood; associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease

hypertriglyeridemia

blood pressure that is below normal (less than 90/60 mm Hg in adults under the age of 60)

hypotension

unusual sound heard during auscultation of the heart caused by turbulent blood flow. It may be “innocent” (not indicating disease), or it may reflect disease or malformation, such as an abnormal heart valve.

murmur

closing or blockage of a blood vessel or hollow organ

occlusion

emergency procedure consisting of external cardiac compressions; may be accompanied by artificial ventilation

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

application of an electric shock to the myocardium through the chest wall to restore normal cardiac rhythm (Fig. 10.14)

defibrillation

agent that narrows the diameter of the blood vessels

vasoconstrictor

agent that expands the diameter of the blood vessels

vasodilator

state of a plug (blood clot or foreign material, such as air or fat, lodged inside a blood vessel)

emoblism

plug (blood clot or foreign material, such as air or fat, that enters the bloodstream and moves until it lodges at another point in the circulation)

embolus

abnormal reduction of red (blood) cells (also called anemia)

erythrocytopenia

tumor of blood (collection of blood that has leaked out of a broken vessel into the surrounding tissue)

hematoma

excessive flow of blood (bleeding internally or externally)

hemorrhage

abnormal reduction of white (blood) cells (also called leukopenia)

leukocytopenia

tumors of the bone marrow (a blood malignancy that most often occurs after age65. Signs and symptoms may include bone pain, infections, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue.)

multiple myeloma

abnormal reduction of all (blood) cells

pancytopenia

abnormal reduction of blood clotting cells (platelets)

thrombocytopenia

abnormal condition of a blood clot

thrombosis

blood clot (attached to the interior wall of an artery or vein)

thrombus

dissolution of (red) blood (cells)

hemolysis

increase in the number of lymphocytes

lymphocytosis

physician who studies and treats diseases of the blood

hematologist

stoppage of bleeding

hemostasis

removal of plasma (from withdrawn blood; the cells, called formed elements, are then reinfused into the donor or into another patient who needs blood cells rather than whole blood)

plasmapheresis

incision into a vein (with a needle to remove blood for testing)

phlebotomy

dissolution of a blood clot

thrombolysis

condition in which there is a reduction in the number of erythrocytes (RBCs). Anemia may be caused by blood loss, by decreased production of RBCs, or by increased destruction of RBCs. (Table 10.3)

anemia

disease in which there is an inability to form proper blood clots; examples include hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and bleeding factor deficiencies

bleeding disorder

inherited bleeding disorder most commonly caused by a deficiency of the coagulation factor VIII

hemophilia

malignant disease characterized by excessive increase in abnormal leukocytes (white blood cells) formed in the bone marrow (Table 10.4)

leukemia

systemic inflammatory response caused by pathogenic microorganisms, usually bacteria, entering the bloodstream and multiplying; life-threatening condition, which may lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. The overwhelming presence of pathogens in the blood is called septicemia.

sepsis

group of inherited red blood cell disorders (anemias) where hemoglobin is abnormally shaped and has a shorter life cycle

sickle cell disease

inherited bleeding disorder causing reduced production of healthy blood cells and hemoglobin

thalassemia

procedure to obtain a sample of the liquid portion of the bone marrow, usually from the ilium (upper hip bone) for study; used to diagnose leukemia, infections, some types of anemia, and other blood disorders

bone marrow aspiration

procedure to obtain a sample of the solid portion of bone marrow, usually from the ilium, for study; used to diagnose leukemia, infections, some types of anemia, and other blood disorders. May be performed at the same time as bone marrow aspiration.

bone marrow biopsy

blood test that measures the ability of the blood to clot by assessing intrinsic blood factors. Used to evaluate bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A and B and monitor some types of anticoagulation therapy such as heparin. Frequently ordered in conjunction with prothrombin time (PT/INR).

activated partial thromboplastine time

series of tests that measure the ability of various factors in the blood to form a clot. Usually includes PT/INR, aPTT, thrombin time, and tests for platelets and fibrinogen.

bleeding profile

laboratory test for basic blood screening that measures various aspects of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes (platelets); this automated test quickly provides a tremendous amount of information about the blood

complete blood count with differential

percentage of a blood sample that is composed of erythrocytes. It is used in the diagnosis and evaluation of anemic patients.

hematocrit

blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) in the blood

hemoglobin

blood test that measures the ability of the blood to clot by assessing extrinsic blood factors. Used to evaluate bleeding disorders such as those caused by liver disease or vitamin K deficiency, or to monitor anticoagulation therapy such as warfarin. Frequently ordered in conjunction with activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

prothrombin time

infusion of healthy bone marrow cells from a matched donor into a patient with severely diseased or damaged bone marrow; the donor cells may establish a colony of new, healthy tissue in the recipient’s bone marrow

bone marrow transplant

infusion of blood-forming cells (stem cells) to replace blood cells damaged by disease or treatments, such as chemotherapy; stem cells are collected by apheresis, a process in which blood is removed from the patient or a matched donor and spun through a machine to harvest stem cells

peripheral blood stem cell transplant

person who operates the heart-lung machine during surgeries where the patient’s blood must be oxygenated outside of the body; perfusionists monitor and are responsible for the circulatory and respiratory function of the patient during cardiothoracic surgery

perfusionist

person who performs venipuncture for the purpose of drawing blood or injecting IV fluids

phlebotomist

agent that slows the blood clotting process

anticoagulant

any abnormal or pathologic condition of the blood

blood dyscrasia

escape of blood or other fluid from a vessel into the tissue

extravasation

procedure used to puncture a vein with a needle to remove blood, instill a medication, or start an intravenous infusion (also called phlebotomy)

venipuncture

inflammation of lymph nodes

lymphadenitis

disease of lymph nodes (characterized by abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes associated with an infection or malignancy)

lymphadenopathy

inflammation of lymph vessels

lymphangitis

tumor of lymphatic tissue (malignant)

lymphoma

enlargement of the spleen

splenomegaly

tumor of the thymus gland

thymoma

excision of the spleen

splenectomy

suturing, repairing of the spleen

splenorrhaphy

excision of the thymus gland

thymectomy

radiographic imaging of lymph vessels

lymphangiography

acute infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus characterized by swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, fatigue, and fever. The disease affects mostly young people and is often transmitted by saliva.

infectious mononucleosis

swelling of tissue, usually of one arm or leg, caused by faulty lymphatic drainage

lymphedema

physician who studies and treats immune system disorders

immunologist

lymph cell (type of leukocyte found in lymph tissue that is a part of the immune system and fights infection)

lymphocyte

advanced, chronic immune system suppression caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; manifested by opportunistic infections (such as candidiasis and tuberculosis), neurologic disease (peripheral neuropathy and cognitive motor impairment), and secondary neoplasms (Kaposi sarcoma)

acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

hypersensitivity to a substance, resulting in an inflammatory immune response

allergy

exaggerated reaction to a previously encountered antigen such as bee venom, peanuts, or latex. While symptoms may initially be mild, such as hives or sneezing, anaphylaxis can quickly become severe. When it leads to a drop in blood pressure and blockage of the airway (which can lead to death within minutes), it is called anaphylactic shock.

anaphylaxis

disease caused by the body’s inability to distinguish its own cells from foreign bodies, thus producing antibodies that attack its own tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are examples of autoimmune diseases.

autoimmune disease

disorder caused by an inability to produce an adequate immune response due to a lack of functioning antibodies, lymphocytes, or both. May be inherited, acquired by an infection, or caused by treatments, such as chemotherapy. (also called immunocompromised)

immunodeficiency

illnesses caused by microorganisms that are not usually pathogenic but result in disease because of a weakened immune system

opportunistic infections

disease in which clumps of inflammatory cells form in one or more organs of the body, frequently the lungs and lymph nodes. Thought to be caused by an overreaction of the immune system to an unknown substance.

sarcoidosis

blood test that determines the amount of time it takes for red blood cells to settle at the bottom of a tube of blood. A faster than normal rate may indicate inflammation, part of the immune response. Because the test cannot identify a specific disease, it is usually combined with other, more specific tests. (also called sed rate)

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

physician who studies and treats allergic conditions

allergist

environmental substance capable of producing a hypersensitivity reaction (allergy) in the body. Common allergens are house dust, pollen, animal dander, and various foods.

allergen

protective protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of a foreign substance (antigen)

antibody

substance that triggers an immune response when introduced into the body. Examples of antigens are transplant tissue, toxins, and infectious organisms.

antigen

being resistant to specific invading pathogens

immunity

state in which in the body”s ability to fight infections or disease is reduced; may be caused by a disease process, be a treatment side effect, or induced with pharmaceuticals to prevent transplant rejection and to treat autoimmune diseases

immunosuppression

suspension of weakened or killed microorganisms administered by injection, mouth, or nasal spray, which induces immunity to prevent an infectious disease

vaccine

ACS

acute coronary syndrome

AFib

atrial fibrillation

CAD

coronary artery disease

DVT

deep vein thrombosis

heart failure

HHD

hypertensive heart disease

myocardial infarction

PAD

peripheral artery disease

HTN

hypertension

aPTT

activated partial thromboplastin time

blood pressure

CBC with diff

complete blood count with differential

CPK

creatine phosphokinase

CRP

c-reactive protein

DSA

digitial subtraction angiography

ECG/EKG

electocardiogram

ECHO

echocardiogram

ESR

erthroctye sedimentation rate

Hct

hematocrit

Hgb

hemoglobin

prothrombin time

SPECT

single photon emission computed tomography

TEE

transesophageal echocardiogram

AICD

automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator

BMT

bone marrow transplant

CABG

coronary artery bypass graft

CPR

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

PBSCT

peripheral blood stem cell transplant

PTCA

percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

atrioventricular

intravenous

CCU

coronary care unit

RBC

red blood cell

WBC

white blood cell

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