Lesson 3 Reading (Chapter 5: The Cardiovascular System) Flashcards
Heart
Receives blood from the veins and pumps blood into the arteries.
Blood Vessels
Transport blood to and from all areas of the body.
Arteries
Transport blood away from the heart to all parts of the body
Arteri/o
Artery
Capillaries
Permit the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and the cells.
Veins
Returns blood from the body parts to the heart.
Blood
Brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away waste.
Angi/o
Blood or lymph vessels
Aort/o
Aorta
Arteri/o
Artery
Ather/o
Plaque, fatty substance
Brady-
Slow
Capill/o
Capillary
Cardi/o
Heart
End/o
Withing
Hem/o, Hemat/o
Blood
Peri-
Surrounding
Phleb/o
Vein
-sclerosis
Abnormal hardening
Tachy-
Fast, rapid
Thromb/o
Clot
Vas/o
Blood Vessel
Ven/o
Vein
ACE inhibitor
(angiotensin-converting enzyme) blocks the action of the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension.
Anemia
A disorder characterized by a lower-than-normal number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the blood.
Aneurysm
A localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement of the wall of an artery. The rupture of an aneurysm can be fatal because of the rapid loss of blood.
Angina
Also known as angina pectoris, is a condition in which severe episodes of chest pain occur due to an inadequate blood flow to the myocardium.
Angioplasty
The technique of mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel.
Anticoagulant
Slows clotting and prevents new clots from forming.
Aorta
The largest blood vessel in the body.
Aortic stenosis
Also known as aortic valve stenosis, is a buildup of calcium and fat deposits in the aortic valve, a condition most prevalent in adults over age 65.
Arrhythmia
The loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat.
Atherectomy
The surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior of an artery.
Atherosclerosis
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries.
Atrial fibrillation
Also known as A-fib, is the most common type of tachycardia. It occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid, uncontrolled twitching of the muscular heart wall. This causes an irregular and quivering action of the atria. Some of the increased electrical impulses reach the ventricles, and this makes them contract more rapidly and less efficiently than normal, producing an irregular rate of 80–180 BPM or more.
Automated external defibrillator
(AED) is designed for use by nonprofessionals in emergency situations when defibrillation is required.
Beta-blocker
Reduces the workload of the heart by blocking the release of stress hormones, thus slowing the rate of the heartbeat.
Bradycardia
An abnormally slow resting heart rate. Usually applied to a heartbeat rate of less than 60 beats per minute (BPM). This condition can occur when the passage of electricity from top to bottom of the heart is partially or totally blocked.
Capillaries
Only one epithelial cell in thickness, are the smallest blood vessels in the body.
Cardiac arrest
An event in which the heart abruptly stops beating or develops an arrhythmia that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.
Cardiac catheterization
A diagnostic and treatment procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart.
Cardiomyopathy
The term used to describe all diseases of the heart muscle.
Carotid endarterectomy
The surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain.
Cholesterol
A fatty substance that travels through the blood and is found in all parts of the body.
Chronic venous insufficiency
(CVI), also known as venous insufficiency, is a condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or to the leakage of venous valves.
Coronary artery disease
(CAD), also known as coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic heart disease, is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle.
Coronary thrombosis
Damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery.
Defibrillation
The emergency use of electrical shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm.
Diastole
The period of relaxation that follows as the chambers refill with blood. This is also referred to as the diastolic phase.
Diuretic
An antihypertensive medication administered to increase urine output to rid the body of excess sodium and water.
Electrocardiogram
(EKG or ECG) is a record of the electrical activity of the myocardium.
Electrophysiologist
A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of heart arrhythmias.
Embolism
The sudden blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus.
Embolus
A foreign object, such as a blood clot, a quantity of air or gas, or a bit of tissue or tumor, that is circulating in the blood.
Endocarditis
An inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.
Erythrocytes
Also known as red blood cells (RBCs), are mature red blood cells.
Heart murmur
An abnormal blowing or clicking sound heard when listening to the heart or a neighboring large blood vessel.
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying blood protein pigment of the erythrocytes.
Hypertension
(HTN), commonly known as high blood pressure, is the elevation of arterial blood pressure to a level that is likely to cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
Hypoperfusion
A deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part.
Ischemia
A condition in which there is an insufficient supply of oxygen in the tissues due to restricted blood flow to a part of the body.
Long QT syndrome
(LQTS) is an inherited or medically acquired heart rhythm disorder that can cause fast, chaotic, and potentially dangerous arrhythmias.
Mitral valve prolapse
(MVP) is the abnormal protrusion of a mitral valve that results in the inability of the valve to close completely.
Myocardial infarction
(MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is the occlusion (blockage) of one or more coronary arteries cause by plaque buildup.
Orthostatic hypotension
Also known as postural hypotension, is low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up and remains lower than normal as long as the patient remains standing.
Pericardium
Also known as the pericardial sac, is the double-walled membranous sac that encloses the heart.
Peripheral artery disease
(PAD), also known as peripheral arterial occlusive disease, is an example of a peripheral vascular disease that is caused by atherosclerosis.
Phlebitis
The inflammation of a vein. It is also known as thrombophlebitis, because the walls of the vein are often infiltrated and a thrombus formed. This condition usually occurs in a superficial vein.
Raynaud’s disease
A peripheral arterial occlusive disease in which intermittent attacks are triggered by cold temperatures or stress.
Sinoatrial node
(SA) node is located in the posterior wall of the right atrium near the entrance of the superior vena cava.
Systole
The period of contraction that the ventricles undergo while pumping blood into the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This is also referred to as the systolic phase.
Tachycardia
An abnormally rapid resting heart rate. Usually applied to a heartbeat rate of greater than 100 BPM.
Telemetry nurse
Specializes in the use of technology within a hospital unit to track vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rhythms, and oxygen levels.
Temporal arteritis
Sometimes called giant cell arteritis, is caused by inflammation of the temporal arteries supplying blood to the head and brain.
Thallium stress test
(TST) is a nuclear imaging test performed by injecting a small amount of thallium into the bloodstream to evaluate how well blood flows through the coronary arteries of the heart muscle during exercise.
Thrombolytic
Also known as a clot-busting drug, dissolves or causes a thrombus to break up.
Thrombosis
The abnormal condition of having a thrombus.
Thrombotic occlusion
The blocking of an artery by a thrombus.
Thrombus
A blood clot attached to the interior wall of an artery or vein. The plural form is thrombi.
Varicose veins
Abnormally swollen veins that usually occur in the superficial veins of the legs. This condition occurs when the valves in these veins do not function properly, so blood pools in the veins, causing them to enlarge.
Venous thromboembolism
(VTE) is a blood clot that originates in a vein.
Ventricular fibrillation
Also known as V-fib, consists of rapid, irregular, and useless contractions of the ventricles. Instead of pumping strongly, the heart muscle quivers ineffectively. This condition is the cause of many sudden cardiac deaths.
Ventricular tachycardia
Also known as V-tach, is a very rapid heartbeat that begins within the ventricles.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels
Apex
The lower tip of the heart.
Membranous
Pertaining to membrane, which is a thin layer of pliable tissue that covers or encloses a body part.
Parietal pericardium
A fibrous sac that surrounds and protects the heart.
Pericardial fluid
Found between these two layers, where it acts as a lubricant to prevent friction as the heart beats.
Visceral pericardium
The inner layer of the pericardium that also forms the outer layer of the heart. When referred to as the outer layer of the heart, it is known as the epicardium
Epicardium
The external layer of the heart and the inner layer of the pericardium.
Myocardium
The middle and thickest of the heart’s three layers (my/o means muscle. Also known as myocardial muscle, this consists of specialized cardiac muscle tissue that is capable of the constant contraction and relaxation that creates the pumping movement necessary to maintain the flow of blood throughout the body.
Endocardium
Consists of epithelial tissue, is the inner lining of the heart. This is the surface that comes into direct contact with the blood as it is being pumped through the heart.
Coronary arteries
Supply oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium.
Atria
The two upper chambers of the heart, which are divided by the interatrial septum. They are the receiving chambers, and all blood enters the heart through these chambers. The singular form of atria is atrium.
Ventricles
The two lower chambers of the heart, which are divided by the interventricular septum. The walls of the ventricles are thicker than those of the atria because the ventricles must pump blood throughout the entire body.
Tricuspid valve
Controls the opening between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
Pulmonary valve
Located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
Mitral valve or Bicuspid valve
Located between the left atrium and left ventricle
Aortic valve
Located between the left ventricle and the aorta.
Pulmonary circulation
The flow of blood only between the heart and lungs.
Pulmonary arteries
Carry deoxygenated blood out of the right ventricle and into the lungs. This is the only place in the body where deoxygenated blood is carried by arteries instead of veins.
Pulmonary veins
Carry the oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium of the heart. This is the only place in the body where veins carry oxygenated blood.
Systemic circulation
The flow of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs.
Blood
The fluid tissue in the body. It is composed of 55% liquid plasma and 45% formed elements (red and white blood cells, and platelets).
Plasma
Aa straw-colored fluid that contains nutrients, hormones, and waste products. Plasma is 92% water. The remaining 8% consists mainly of proteins, including the clotting proteins.
Serum
The clear, pale yellow plasma fluid that remains after the blood cells and the clotting proteins have been removed.
Fibrinogen
The clotting proteins found in plasma.
Erythrocytes
Also known as red blood cells (RBCs), are mature red blood cells.
Leukocytes
Also known as white blood cells (WBCs), are the blood cells involved in defending the body against many infective organisms and foreign substances.
Platelets
Also called thrombocytes, are the smallest formed elements of the blood. They play an important role in the clotting of blood.
Cardiologist
A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the heart.
Vascular surgeon
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of disorders of the blood vessels such as peripheral artery disease and varicose veins.
Congenital heart defects
Structural abnormalities caused by the failure of the heart to develop normally before birth and are the most common type of birth defect.
Lumen
The opening within vessels through witch the blood flows.
Vascular remodeling
Refers to the changes caused by plaque, which can protrude inward or outward. Inward remodeling reduces the vessel size, and outward remodeling enlarges it. Although outward remodeling does not narrow the lumen, it can lead to a rupture.
Stable angina
Occurs during exertion and resolves with rest.
Unstable angina
May occur either during exertion or rest and is a precursor to a myocardial infarction.
Infarction
A sudden insufficiency of blood.
Infarct
A localized area of dead tissue caused by a lack of blood.
Congestive heart failure
(CHF) causes fluid to back up, which results in edema (swelling).
Left-sided heart falure
Defined as systolic failure or diastolic failure depending on whether the pumping or relaxing action of the heart is affected.
Right-sided heart falure
Often the result of left-sided heart failure, causes fluid buildup throughout the rest of the body. This occurs because the right side of the heart is unable to efficiently pump blood throughout the rest of the body. Due to the pressure of gravity, this edema, or swelling, is first noticeable in the feet and legs. As this swelling worsens, it can also affect the liver, gastrointestinal tract, or arms.
Cardiomegaly
The abnormal enlargement of the heart that is frequently associated with heart failure as the heart enlarges in an effort to compensate for its decreased pumping ability.
Carditis
Inflammation of the heart.
Infective endocarditis or bacterial endocarditis
An inflammation of the lining or valves of the heart caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. One cause of this condition is bleeding during dental surgery, because it allows bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream.
Pericarditis
An inflammation of the pericardium. This inflammation causes an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac, and this excess fluid restricts the movement of the heart, reducing the ability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
Myocarditis
An inflammation of the myocardium (heart muscle) that develops as a rare complication of a viral infection.
Cardiomyopathy
The term used to describe all diseases of the heart muscle.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to become enlarged and to pump less strongly. The progression of this condition is usually slow and only presents with symptoms when quite advanced.
Dilation
The expansion of a hollow structure.
Heart murmur
An abnormal blowing or clicking sound heard when listening the heart or a neighboring large blood vessel. Heart murmurs are most often caused by defective heart valves, but they do not usually require surgery unless they affect the patient’s quality of life.
Mitral valve prolapse
The abnormal protrusion of a mitral valve that results in the inability of the valve to close completely.
Prolapse
The falling or dropping down of an organ or internal part.
Valvular stenosis
A condition in which there is a narrowing, stiffening, thickening, or blockage of one or more valves of the heart.
Heart valve disease
Known as valvular heart disease, is a degenerative disorder that prevents heart valves from opening and closing properly, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.
Aortic stenosis
Also known as aortic valve stenosis, is a buildup of calcium and fat deposits in the aortic valve, a condition most prevalent in adults over age 65. This causes a narrowing that prevents the valve from opening fully.
Mitral valve regurgitation
Also called insufficiency or incompetency, occurs when the mitral valve does not close tightly, thus allowing blood to leak back through the opening.
Arrhythmia
The loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. This can be a minor, temporary episode, or it can be a fatal event.
Supraventricular tachycardia
Also known as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, is an episode that begins and ends abruptly during which there are very rapid and regular heartbeats that originate at or above the atrioventricular (AV) node.
Ventricular tachycardia
Also known as V-tach, is a very rapid heartbeat that begins within the ventricles. This condition is potentially fatal because the heart is beating so rapidly that it is unable to adequately pump blood through the body. For some patients, this condition can be controlled with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Asystole
Also known as a flat line, is the complete lack of electrical activity in the heart. The resulting lack of heart contractions, with no blood pumping from the heart and no blood flow through the body, is one of the conditions required for a medical practitioner to certify death.
Heart block
A congenital or acquired arrhythmia caused by the electrical signal moving through the heart being partially or completely blocked from reaching the ventricles.
Palpitation
A pounding or racing heartbeat with or without irregularity in rhythm. This condition is associated with certain heart disorders; however, it can also occur due to imbalance of thyroid hormone, stress, anxiety, exercise, or medications.
Vasculitis
The inflammation of a blood vessel.
Temporal arteritis
Sometimes called giant cell arteritis, is caused by inflammation of the temporal arteries supplying blood to the head and brain. Symptoms include headaches, double vision, and jaw pain. Temporal arteritis can cause unilateral or bilateral blindness, and more rarely, a stroke.
Hemangioma
A benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels.
Perfusion
The circulation of blood through an organ or tissues.
Arteriosclerosis
Also known as hardening of the arteries, is any of a group of diseases characterized by thickening and the loss of elasticity of arterial walls.
Carotid artery stenosis
Also known as arteriostenosis, is the abnormal narrowing of the carotid artery supplying blood to the brain, increasing the chance of blood clots that could cause an ischemic stroke
