Module 5 Cardio Flashcards
Define Arteriosclerosis
Hardening and loss of elasticity of the arterial wall with narrowing of the lumen
Define Angina
Recurrent, intermittent brief episodes of substernal chest pain, usually triggered by a physical or emotional stress that increases the demand by the heart for oxygen.
Define Myocardial Infarction and when does it occur?
AKA Heart Attack; The death of myocardial tissue due to ischemia (deficiency of blood). Occurs when a coronary artery is completely obstructed. Most common cause is atherosclerosis usually w/thrombus attached.
Define Atherosclerosis
Arterial changes defined by the presence of atheromas .Atheromas are plaques that form on arterial walls consisting of lipids, cells, fibrin and cell debris.
Define Arrythmia
Abnormal heart rhythm. May result from damage
Define Ventricular Tachycardia
Interruption in the cardiac cycle where the ventricles are pumping in an organized fashion but tare pumping so fast that there is no time for the ventricles to fill.
Define Ventricular Fibrillation
The muscle fibers of the atria are conducting random impulses and are contracting in a disorganized fashion independently of one another. Blood can pool in the atria leading to high risk of thrombus formation.
What is Congestive Heart Failure
Damage to the heart muscle leading in decreased cardiac output. Causes BP to drop and blood to back up.
What is Peripheral Vascular Disease
Refers to any abnormality of the arteries or veins outside of the heart.
Define Hypertension
High blood pressure; Develops when BP is consistently 140/90.
Define AAA
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm; An aneurysm is a localized dilatation and weakness of an arterial wall. When this weakened area is exposed to high pressures it is prone to rupture.
Define Hypovolemic Shock
Results from decreased blood or plasma volume. There is not enough volume in the circulatory system to perfuse the organs no matter how much vasoconstriction occurs.
Define Cardiogenic shock
The hearts pumping capability is decreased. It cannot pump enough blood to maintain perfusion.
Define Neurogenic shock
Neurological abnormalities cause systemic vasodilation and loss of the sympathetic response. This results in BP being too low to perfuse tissues with normal BV.
Define Septic Shock
Vasodilation occurs due to systemic massive inflammatory response due to infection. Can be caused by tissue destruction or the release of endotoxins from pathogenic organisms. BP cannot be miantained at a high enough level to perfuse organs.
Define Anaphylactic Shock
A systemic immune response causing massive release of histamine into general circulation leading to systemic vasodilation and increased capillary permeability. Volume moves out of the intravascular space and into the interstitial space. There is insufficient volume and insufficient pressure to maintain the tissue perfusion.
Define Systolic Pressure
Exerted when blood is ejected from ventricles
Define Diastolic Pressure
Sustained pressure when ventricles relax
What are Murmurs?
Caused by incompetent valves
What can you diagnose using an ECG?
Dysrhythmias, MI, infection
What does an Echocardiography do?
Creates images of heart valve movement and blood blood
What happens during left-sided CHF?
Decreased cardiac output, pulmonary congestion
What happens during right-sided CHF?
Decreased cardiac output, systemic congestion, and edema of legs and abdomen
What are the causes of left-sided CHF?
Infarction of left ventricle, aortic valve stenosis, hypertension, and hyperthyroidism.
What are the causes of right-sided CHF?
Infarction of right ventricle, pulmonary valve stenosis, pulmonary disease.
What are some signs/symptoms of CHF
Fatigue, weakness, dyspnea, tachycardia, daytime oliguria.
What is a Troponin blood test?
Used to measure the levels of the blood protein troponin. These proteins are released when the cardiac muscle has been damaged. High levels are an indication of heart attack.
What is Cardiac Catheterization?
Passing a catheter through an appropriate blood vessel, usually a large vein in the leg, into the ventricle-may be utilized to visualize the inside of the heart, measure pressures, and assess valve and heart function.
What is an Angiography?
Used to visualize blood flow in the coronary arteries. Can diagnose obstructions which can then be treated using thrombolytic agents or laser therapy to break down clots.
What is Sick Sinus Syndrome?
Alternating bradycardia and tachycardia - often requires a pacemaker.
What is an Angioplasty?
Repair of a blood vessel
What is Rheumatic Fever?
An acute systemic inflammatory condition that appears to result from an abnormal immune reaction occurring a few weeks after an untreated infection. The inflammation involves the heart and other parts such as joints and skin. Long term effects include rheumatic heart disease.
