Heart & Vascular Terminology Flashcards
1
Q
Ablation
A
Elimination or removal
2
Q
Aneurysm
A
A sac-like protrusion from a blood vessel or the heart, resulting from a weakening of the vessel wall or heart muscle.
3
Q
Angina
A
Chest pain that occurs when diseased blood vessels restrict blood flow to the heart.
4
Q
Angiography
A
An X-ray technique in which dye is injected into the chambers of your heart or the arteries that lead to your heart (the coronary arteries)
5
Q
Angioplasty
A
A nonsurgical technique for treating diseased arteries by temporarily inflating a tiny balloon inside an artery
6
Q
Anti-arrhythmic
A
Medicines used to treat patients who have irregular heart rhythms.
7
Q
Anticoagulant
A
Any medicine that keeps blood from clotting; a blood thinner
8
Q
Anti-hypertensive
A
Any medicine or other therapy that lowers blood pressure.
9
Q
Antiplatelet Therapy
A
Medicines that stop blood cells (called platelets) from sticking together and forming a blood clot.
10
Q
Arrhythmia (Dysrhythmia)
A
Abnormal heartbeat
11
Q
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD)
A
A type of cardiomyopathy with no known cause
Causes ventricular arrhythmias
12
Q
Arteriography
A
A test that is combined with cardiac catheterization to visualize an artery or the arterial system after injection of a contrast dye
13
Q
Arteritis
A
Inflammation of the arteries
14
Q
Arteriosclerosis
A
A disease process, commonly called “hardening of the arteries”, which includes a variety of conditions that cause artery walls to thicken and lose elasticity
15
Q
Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)
A
A medicine used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots
16
Q
Atherectomy
A
A nonsurgical technique for treating diseased arteries with a rotating device that cuts or shaves away material that is blocking or narrowing an artery.
17
Q
Atherosclerosis
A
A disease process that leads to the buildup of a waxy substance, called plaque, inside blood vessels
18
Q
Atrial Flutter
A
A type of arrhythmia in which the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat very fast, causing the walls of the lower chambers (the ventricles) to beat inefficiently as well
19
Q
Atrial Tachycardia
A
A type of arrhythmia that begins in the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) and causes a very fast heart rate of 160 to 200 bpm
20
Q
Atrioventricular Block
A
An interruption or disturbance of the electrical signal between the heart’s upper two chambers (the atria) and lower two chambers (the ventricles).
21
Q
Atrioventricular (AV) Node
A
A group of cells in the heart located between the upper two chambers (the atria) and the lower two chambers (the ventricles) that regulates the electrical current that passes through it to the ventricles
22
Q
Bacterial Endocarditis
A
A bacterial infection of the lining of the heart’s chambers (called the endocardium) or of the heart’s valves
23
Q
Balloon Catheter (Used in angioplasty or valvuloplasty)
A
A long tube-like device with a small balloon on the end that can be threaded through an artery
24
Q
Balloon Valvuloplasty (Repair heart valve)
A
- A balloon-tipped catheter is threaded through an artery and into the heart.
- The balloon is inflated to open and separate any narrowed or stiffened flaps (called leaflets) of a valve.
25
Beta-blocker
An antihypertensive medicine that limits the activity of epinephrine (hormone that increases BP)
26
Blood clot
- A jelly-like mass of blood tissue formed by clotting factors in the blood.
- Clots stop the flow of blood from an injury.
- Clots can also form inside an artery when the artery's walls are damaged by atherosclerotic buildup, possibly causing a heart attack or stroke.
27
Blood Pressure
The force or pressure exerted by the heart in pumping blood; the pressure of blood in the arteries.
28
Bruit
A sound made in the blood vessels resulting from turbulence, perhaps because of a buildup of plaque or damage to the vessels
29
Bundle Branch Block (Cause arrhythmia)
A condition in which parts of the heart's conduction system are defective and unable to conduct the electrical signal normally, causing an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
30
Bypass
Surgery that can improve blood flow to the heart (or other organs and tissues) by providing a new route, or "bypass" around a section of clogged or diseased artery
31
Calcium Channel Blocker (AKA Calcium Blocker)
A medicine that lowers blood pressure by regulating calcium-related electrical activity in the heart.
32
Cardiac Arrest
The stopping of the heartbeat, usually because of interference with the electrical signal (often associated with **coronary heart disease**).
33
Cardiac Cathetertization
A procedure that involves inserting a fine, hollow tube (catheter) into an artery, usually in the groin area, and passing the tube into the heart.
34
Cardiac Enzymes
- Complex substances capable of speeding up certain biochemical processes in the heart muscle.
- **Abnormal levels = Heart attack**
35
Cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscle that leads to generalized deterioration of the muscle and its pumping ability
36
Cardiomegaly
Enlarged heart
37
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
An emergency measure that can maintain a person's breathing and heartbeat.
38
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
A general term referring to conditions affecting the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular system).
39
Cardioversion
A technique of applying an electrical shock to the chest to convert an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm
40
Claudication
A tiredness or pain in the arms and legs caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the muscles, usually due to narrowed arteries or peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
41
Commissurotomy
A procedure used to widen the opening of a heart valve that has been narrowed by scar tissue
42
Congenital Heart Defects
Malformation of the heart or of its major blood vessels present at birth.
43
Congestive Heart Failure
A condition in which the heart cannot pump all the blood returning to it, leading to a backup of blood in the vessels and an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues, including the lungs.
44
Coronary Artery Anomaly (CAA)
A congenital defect in one or more of the coronary arteries of the heart
45
Coronary Artery Bypass (CAB)
- Surgical rerouting of blood around a diseased vessel that supplies blood to the heart.
- Done by grafting either a piece of vein from the leg or a piece of the artery from under the breastbone.
46
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- A narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
- The condition results from a buildup of plaque and greatly increases the risk of a heart attack.
47
Coronary Heart Disease
Disease of the heart caused by a buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries that can **lead to angina pectoris or heart attack**
48
Coronary Occlusion
An obstruction of one of the coronary arteries that hinders blood flow to the heart muscle.
49
Cryoablation
The removal of tissue using an instrument called a cold probe
50
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep vein in the calf
51
Defibrillator
A device that helps restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering an electric shock.
52
Diabetes (DM)
- A disease in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin.
- Insulin is needed to convert sugar and starch into the energy used in daily life.
53
Dissecting Aneurysm
A condition in which the layers of an artery separate or are torn, causing blood to flow between the layers
54
Diuretic
A drug that lowers blood pressure by causing fluid loss.
55
Doppler Ultrasound
A technology that uses sound waves to assess blood flow within the heart and blood vessels and to identify leaking valves
56
Echocardiography
A method of studying the heart's structure and function by analyzing sound waves bounced off the heart and recorded by an electronic sensor placed on the chest.
57
Edema
Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in body tissues
58
Ejection Fraction (Normal = >50%)
A measurement of the rate at which blood is pumped out of a filled ventricle.
59
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
A test in which several electronic sensors are placed on the body to monitor electrical activity associated with the heartbeat.
60
Endarterectomy
Surgical removal of plaque deposits or blood clots in an artery
61
Endocarditis
A bacterial infection of the heart's inner lining (endothelium).
62
Exercise Stress Test
A common test to help doctors assess blood flow through coronary arteries in response to exercise, usually walking, at varied speeds and for various lengths of time on a treadmill.
63
Fibrillation
- Rapid, uncoordinated contractions of individual heart muscle fibers.
- The heart chamber involved can't contract all at once and pumps blood ineffectively, if at all.
64
First-degree Heart Block
Occurs when an electrical impulse from the heart's upper chambers (the atria) is slowed as it moves through the atria and atrioventricular (AV) node.
65
Heart Murmur
An abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow.
66
Heart murmur may indicate:
- Blood is flowing through a damaged or overworked heart valve
- There may be a hole in one of the heart's walls,
- There is a narrowing in one of the heart's vessels
67
Holter Monitor
A portable device for recording heartbeats over a period of 24 hours or more.
68
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
An overgrown heart muscle that creates a bulge into the ventricle and impedes blood flow.
69
Hypokinesia (AKA Hypokinesis)
- Decreased muscle movement.
- Refers to decreased heart wall motion during each heartbeat.
- **It is associated with cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or heart attack**
70
Incompetent Valve (AKA Insufficiency)
a valve that is not working properly, causing it to leak blood back in the wrong direction.
71
Infective Endocarditis
An infection of the heart valves and the innermost lining of the heart (the endocardium), caused by bacteria in the bloodstream
72
Internal Mammary Artery
A durable artery in the chest wall often used as a bypass graft in coronary artery bypass surgery
73
Ischemic Heart Disease (AKA Coronary Artery/Heart Disease)
applied to heart problems caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries, thereby causing a decreased blood supply to the heart.
74
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)
- A mechanical device that can be placed outside the body or implanted inside the body.
- Does not replace the heart—it "assists" or "helps" it pump oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body.
75
Maze Surgery (Treat chronic atrial fibrillation)
A type of heart surgery that is used to treat chronic atrial fibrillation by creating a surgical "maze" of new electrical pathways to let electrical impulses travel easily through the heart.
76
Mitral Stenosis
A narrowing of the mitral valve, which controls blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to its lower left chamber
77
Mitral Valve Prolapse (associated with progressive mitral regurgitation)
A condition that occurs when the leaflets of the mitral valve between the left atrium and left ventricle bulge into the atrium and permit backflow of blood.
78
Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Failure of the mitral valve to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the heart's upper left chamber (the left atrium) instead of moving forward into the lower left chamber (the left ventricle).
79
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
The damage or death of an area of the heart muscle (myocardium) resulting from a blocked blood supply to the area. The affected tissue dies, injuring the heart.
80
Myocardial Ischemia
Occurs when a part of the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen.
81
Myocarditis
A rare condition in which the heart muscle becomes inflamed as a result of infection, toxic drug poisoning, or diseases like rheumatic fever, diphtheria, or tuberculosis.
82
Myxomatous Degeneration
A connective tissue disorder that causes the heart valve tissue to weaken and lose elasticity
83
Nitroglycerin
A medicine that helps relax and dilate arteries; often used to treat cardiac chest pain (angina).
84
NSTEMI
Non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction
85
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)
An occasional rapid heart rate (150-250 beats per minute) that is caused by events triggered in areas above the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles).
86
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) AKA -Transcatheter Intervention
- Any of the noninvasive procedures usually performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
- Example: Angioplasty
87
Pericarditis
- Inflammation of the outer membrane surrounding the heart.
- When pericarditis occurs, the amount of fluid between the two layers of the pericardium increases.
- This increased fluid presses on the heart and restricts its pumping action.
88
Pericardiocentesis
A diagnostic procedure that uses a needle to withdraw fluid from the sac or membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium).
89
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
A disorder that causes an increased heart rate when a person stands upright.
90
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
An early or extra heartbeat that happens when the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles) contract too soon, out of sequence with the normal heartbeat
91
Pulmonary Embolism
A condition in which a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body travels to the lungs
92
Rheumatic Heart Disease
A disease of the heart (mainly affecting the heart valves) caused by rheumatic fever.
93
Right Ventricular Assist Device (RVAD)
- A mechanical device that can be placed outside the body or implanted inside the body.
- Does not replace the heart—it "assists" or "helps" it pump oxygen-poor blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.
94
Saccular Aneurysm
A round aneurysm that bulges out from an artery; involves only part of the circumference (outside wall) of the artery
95
Second-degree Heart Block
Impulses traveling through the heart's upper chambers (the atria) are delayed in the area between the upper and lower chambers (the AV node) and fail to make the ventricles beat at the right moment.
96
Sick Sinus Syndrome
The failure of the sinus node to regulate the heart's rhythm
97
Silent Ischemia
Episodes of cardiac ischemia that are NOT accompanied by chest pain
98
Sinus (SA) Node
- The "natural" pacemaker of the heart.
- The node is a group of specialized cells in the top of the right atrium which produces the electrical impulses that travel down to eventually reach the ventricular muscle, causing the heart to contract
99
STEMI (ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction)
A STEMI produces a characteristic elevation in the ST segment on an electrocardiogram
100
Streptokinase
A clot-dissolving medicine used to treat heart attack patients
101
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
A regular rapid heart rate (150-250 beats per minute) that is caused by events triggered in areas above the heart’s lower chambers (the ventricles)
102
Systolic Blood Pressure
- The highest blood pressure measured in the arteries.
| - It occurs when the heart contracts with each heartbeat.
103
Tamponade (Cardiac Tamponade)
A condition in which the heart is compressed or constricted because of a large amount of fluid or blood in the space between the heart muscle and the sac that surrounds the heart (the pericardium).
104
Thallium-201 Stress Test
- An x-ray study that follows the path of radioactive potassium carried by the blood into heart muscle.
- Damaged or dead muscle can be defined, as can the extent of narrowing in an artery.
105
Third-degree Heart Block (Stokes-Adams Disease)
- Impulses from the heart's upper chambers (the atria) are completely blocked from reaching the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles).
- To make up for this, the ventricles use their own "backup" pacemaker with its slower rate.
106
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
A clot-dissolving medicine that is used to treat heart attack and stroke patients
107
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) / Replacement (TAVR)
- A minimally invasive procedure to repair a damaged or diseased aortic valve.
- A catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and threaded to the heart.
A balloon at the end of the catheter, with a replacement valve folded around it, delivers the new valve to take the place of the old.
108
Transesophageal Echocardiography
- A diagnostic test that analyzes sound waves bounced off the heart.
- The sound waves are sent through a tube-like device inserted in the mouth and passed down the esophagus, which ends near the heart.
109
Valve Replacement
An operation to replace a heart valve that is either blocking normal blood flow or causing blood to leak backward into the heart (regurgitation).
110
Valvuloplasty
Reshaping of a heart valve with surgical or catheter techniques
111
Vasodilators
Any medicine that dilates (widens) the arteries
112
Vasopressors
Any medicine that elevates blood pressure
113
Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)
A mechanical pump that helps the ventricles pump blood, easing the workload of the heart in patients with heart failure.
114
Ventricular Fibrillation
- A condition in which the ventricles contract in a rapid, unsynchronized fashion.
- When fibrillation occurs, the ventricles cannot pump blood throughout the body
115
Ventricular Tachycardia
An arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) in the ventricle characterized by a very fast heartbeat
116
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
- A condition in which an extra electrical pathway connects the atria (two upper chambers) and the ventricles (two lower chambers).
- **It may cause a rapid heartbeat**
