The Cardiovascular System Flashcards
heart; receives blood from the veins and pumps blood into the arteries
card/o, cardi/o
blood vessels; transport blood to and from all areas of the body
angi/o, vas/o
arteries; transport blood away from the heart to all parts of the body
arteri/o
capillaries; permit the exchange of nutrients and waste products between the blood and the cells
capill/o
veins; return blood away from all body parts to the heart
phleb/o, ven/o
blood; brings oxygen and nutrients to the cells and carries away waste
hem/o, hemat/o
pertaining to the heart and blood vessels
cardiovascular
hollow, muscular organ located in the thoracic cavity between the lungs
heart
lower tip of the heart
apex
(pericardial sac) double-walled membranous sac that encloses the heart
pericardium
pertaining to membrane, which is a thin layer of pliable tissue that covers or encloses a body part
membranous
fibrous sac that surrounds and protects the heart
parietal pericardium
found between the two layers of the pericardium, where it acts as a lubricant to prevent friction as the heart beats
pericardial fluid
inner layer of the pericardium that also forms the outer layer of the heart (epicardium)
visceral pericardium
external layer of the heart and the inner layer of the pericardium
epicardium
the middle and thickest layer of the heart’s three layers
myocardium
consists of specialized cardiac muscle tissue that is capable of constant contraction and relaxation that creates the pumping movement necessary to maintain the flow of blood throughout the body
myocardial muscle
consists of epithelial tissue, is the inner lining of the heart; comes into direct contact with the blood as it pumps
endocardium
supply oxygen-rich blood to the myocardium
coronary arteries
two upper chambers of the heart, divided by the interatrial septum; receive blood
atria
two lower chambers of the heart, divided by the intraventricular septum
ventricles
controls the opening between the right atrium and the right ventricle; 3 cusps, points
tricuspid valve
located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
pulmonary semilunar valve
(bicuspid valve) located between the left atrium and the left ventricle; means shaped like a bishop’s mitre (hat)
mitral valve
located between the left ventricle and the aorta
aortic semilunar valve
meaning half-moon
semilunar
oxygen rich or containing an adequate supply of oxygen
oxygenated
oxygen poor or not yet containing an adequate supply of oxygen
deoxygenated
flow of blood only between the heart and lungs
pulmonary circulation
carry deoxygenated blood out of the right ventricle and into the lungs; the only place in the body where deoxygenated blood is carried by arteries instead of veins
pulmonary arteries
carry oxygenated blood from the lungs into the left atrium of the heart; the only place where veins carry oxygenated blood
pulmonary veins
includes the flow of blood to all parts of the body except the lungs
systemic circulation
the ability to pump blood effectively throughout the body; the contraction and relaxation (beating) of the heart must occur in exactly the correct sequence
heartbeat
(SA node) located in the posterior wall of the right atrium near the entrance of the superior vena cava; known as the natural pacemaker; electrical impulses from the SA node start each wave of muscle contraction in the heart
sinoatrial node
(AV node) located on the floor of the right atrium near the interatrial septum
atrioventricular node
(HISS) group of fibers located within the interventricular septum; carry electrical impulses to ensure the sequence of the heart contractions
bundle of His
specialized conductive fibers located within the walls of the ventricles; relay the electrical impulses to the cells of the ventricles which causes the ventricles to contract; forces blood out of the heart and into the aorta and pulmonary arteries
Purkinje fibers
refers to the normal beating of the heart
sinus rhythm
due to the stimulation (contraction) of the aorta
P wave
shows the stimulation (contraction) of the ventricles; the atria relax as the ventricles contract
QRS complex
the recovery (relaxation) of the ventricles
T wave
large blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to all regions of the body
arteries
within an artery or pertaining to the inner portion of the artery
endarterial
bright red in color because it is oxygen rich; the pumping action of the heart causes blood to spurt out when an artery is cut
arterial blood
the largest blood vessel in the body; begins from the left ventricle of the heart and forms the main trunk of the arterial system
aorta
the major arteries that carry blood upward to the head
carotid arteries
located on each side of the neck
common carotid artery
brings oxygen-rich blood to the brain
internal carotid artery
brings blood to the face
external carotid artery
the smaller, thinner branches of the arteries that deliver blood to the capillaries
arterioles
only one epithelial cell in thickness, are the smallest blood vessels in the body
capillaries
form a low-pressure collecting system to return oxygen-poor blood to the heart
veins
smallest veins that join to form the larger veins
venules
relating to, or contained in, the veins
venous
veins located near the body surface
superficial veins
veins located within the tissues and away from the body surface
deep veins
two largest veins in the body; the veins that return blood to the heart
venae cavae
transports blood from the upper portion of the body to the heart
superior vena cava
transports blood from the lower portion of the body to the heart
inferior vena cava
the rhythmic pressure against the walls of an artery caused by the contraction of the heart
pulse
the measurement of the amount of systolic and diastolic pressure exerted against the walls of the arteries
blood pressure
contraction of the heart
systole
pertaining to the contraction phase
systolic
occurs when the ventricles are relaxed, is the lowest pressure against the walls of the arteries
diastolic pressure
relaxation of the heart
diastole
pertaining to this relaxation phase
diastolic
straw-colored fluid that contains nutrients, hormones, and waste products; 91% water, 9% proteins
plasma
plasma fluid after the blood cells and the clotting proteins have been removed
serum
clotting proteins found in plasma
fibrinogen / prothrombin
red blood cells (RBCs), mature red blood cells produced by the red bone marrow, primary role is to transport oxygen to the tissues
erythrocytes
erythr/o
red
-cytes
cells
oxygen-carrying blood protein pigment of the erythrocytes
hemoglobin
-globin
protein
white blood cells (WBCs), blood cells involved in defending the body against the body against infective organisms and foreign substances
leukocytes
leuk/o
white
most common type of WBC, formed in red bone marrow; thorough phagocytosis, they play a major role in the immune system’s defense against pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses
neutrophils
the process of destroying pathogens by surrounding and swallowing them
phagocytosis
least common type of WBC; responsible for causing symptoms of allergies
basophils
formed in red bone marrow and them migrate to tissues throughout the body; destroy parasitic organisms and play a major role in allergic reactions
eosinophils
formed in red blood cells, lymph nodes, and in the spleen; identify foreign substances and germs
(bacteria or viruses) in the body and produce antibodies that specifically target them
lymphocytes
formed in red bone marrow, lymph nodes, and in the spleen; through phagocytosis, they provide immunological defenses against many infectious organisms
monocytes
(platelets) smallest formed elements of the blood; play an important role in the clotting of the blood
thrombocytes
thromb/o
clot
classified according to the presence or absence of certain antigens; typically followed by Rh factor (such as A- or O+)
blood types
any substance that the body regards as being foreign
antigen
defines the presence or absence of the Rh antigen on red blood cells
Rh factor
gases that are normally dissolved in the liquid portion of the blood; oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen (N2)
blood gases
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the heart
cardiologist
a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities, diseases, and disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues
hematologist
physician who specializes in the diagnosis, medical treatment, and surgical treatment of disorders of the blood vessels
vascular surgeon
structural abnormalities caused by the failure of the heart to develop normally before birth
congenital heart disease
(CAD) also known as heart disease (CHD) and ischemic heart disease is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle; creates an insufficient supply of oxygen that may lead to angina (pain), myocardial infarction, or death
coronary artery disease
characterized by unrelenting angina pain and a severely limited lifestyle
end-stage CAD
hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries
atherosclerosis
ather/o
plaque or fatty substance
a deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall; characteristic of atherosclerosis
atheroma
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
ischemia
to hold back
isch
suffix that means condition of the blood
-emia
lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle
cardiac ischemia
(angina pectoralis) a condition in which severe episodes of chest pain occur due to an inadequate blood flow to the myocardium
angina
occurs during exertion (exercise) and resolved with rest
stable angina
may occur either during exertion or rest and is a precursor to myocardial infarction
unstable angina
(heart attack) the occlusion of the one or many coronary arteries caused by plaque buildup
myocardial infarction
total blockage
occlusion
a sudden insufficiency of blood
infarction
a localized area of dead tissue (necrosis) caused by a lack of blood
infarct
(congenital heart failure, CHF) occurs most commonly in the elderly, often after the heart has been weakened or damaged by other health issues; caused by congestion
heart failure
fluid buildup
congestion
causes an accumulation of fluid in the lungs also known as pulmonary edema
left-sided heart failure
often the result of left-sided heart failure; causes buildup in the rest of the body; noticeable because of edema in the feet and legs
right-sided heart failure
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
cardiomegaly
inflammation of the heart
carditis
an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart
endocarditis
an inflammation of the lining or valves of the heart caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream
bacterial endocarditis
inflammation of the pericardium
pericarditis
inflammation of the myocardium that develops as a rarely seen complication of a viral infection
myocarditis
the term used to described all diseases of the heart muscle
cardiomyopathy
disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart to become enlarged and to pump less strongly
dilated cardiomyopathy
the expansion of a hollow structure
dilation
an abnormal blowing or clicking sound when listening to a heart or a neighboring large blood vessel
heart murmur
inflammation of a heart valve
valvulitis
the abnormal protrusion of a heart valve that results in the inability of the valve to close completely
valvular prolapse
the falling or dropping down of an organ or internal part
prolapse
a condition in which there is narrowing, stiffening, thickening, or blockage of one or more valves of the heart
valvular stenosis
the abnormal narrowing of an opening
-stenosis
the loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat
arrhythmia
(flat line) the complete lack of electrical activity in the heart
asystole
an event in which the heart abruptly stops beating or develops an arrhythmia that prevents it from pumping blood effectively
cardiac arrest
when the treatment of cardiac arrest is not provided within a few minutes
sudden cardiac death
a congenital or acquired arrhythmia caused by the electrical signal moving through the heart being partially or completely blocked from reaching the ventricles
heart block
an abnormally slow resting heart rate (less that 60 BPM)
bradycardia
an abnormally rapid resting heart rate (more than 100 BMP)
tachycardia
(paroxysmal SVT, SVT) 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
supraventricular tachycardia
(V-tach) very rapid heartrate that begins within the ventricles
ventricular tachycardia
describes a potentially life-threatening fast and irregular heartbeat, compared to the fast but regular rhythm of tachycardia
fibrillation
(A-fib) the most common type of tachycardia, occurs when the normal rhythmic contractions of the atria are replaced by rapid, uncontrolled twitching of the muscular heart wall
atrial fibrillation
(V-fib) consists of rapid, irregular, and useless contractions of the ventricles; instead of pumping of strongly, the heart muscle quivers ineffectively; the cause of many sudden cardiac death
ventricular fibrillation
pounding or racing heartbeat with or without irregularity in heartbeat
palpitation
inflammation of a blood vessel
vasculitis
a form of vasculitis involving several medium and small arteries at the same time
polyarteritis
(giant cell arteritis) a form of vasculitis that can cause headaches, visual impairment, jaw pain, and other symptoms
temporal arteritis
abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel
angiostenosis
a benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels
hemangioma
a deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part
hypoperfusion
the flow of blood through the vessels of an organ
perfusion
a localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement on the wall of an artery
aneurysm
(hardening of the arteries) any of a group of diseases characterized by thickening and the loss of elasticity of arterial walls
arteriosclerosis
(venous insufficiency) a condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or to the leakage of venous valves; affects feet and ankles
chronic venous insufficiency
(thrombophlebitis) inflammation of a vein
phlebitis
abnormally swollen veins that usually occur in the superficial veins of the legs
varicose veins
the abnormal condition of having a thrombus (clot)
thrombosis
a blood clot attached to the interior wall of an artery or vein
thrombus
the blocking of an artery by a thrombus
thrombotic occlusion
damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery
coronary thrombosis
(DVT, deep venous thrombosis) the condition of having a thrombus attached to the interior wall of a deep vein
deep vein thrombosis
the sudden blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus
embolism
something inserted
embol
condition
-ism
foreign object that is circulating the blood
embolus
disorders of blood vessels that are located outside of the heart and brain
peripheral vascular disease
(peripheral arterial occlusive disease, PAD) peripheral arterial disease that is caused by atherosclerosis
peripheral arterial disease
a peripheral arterial occlusive disease in which intermittent attacks are triggered by cold or stress; symptoms include pallor (paleness), cyanosis (blue color), and redness of the fingers and toes
Raynaud’s disease
any pathologic condition of the cellular elements of the blood
blood dyscrasia
(iron overload disease) a genetic disorder in which the intestines absorb too much iron
hemochromatosis
a decrease in the number of disease-fighting white blood cells circulating in the blood (low white blood cell count)
leukopenia
an abnormal increase in the number of red cells in the blood due to the excess production of these cells by the bone marrow
polycythemia
(septicemia or blood poisoning) a potentially life-threatening infection that results from bacteria or other infectious organisms entering the bloodstream
sepsis
a condition in which there is an abnormally small number number of platelets circulating the blood
thrombocytopenia
an abnormal increase in the number of platelets in the circulating blood
thrombocytosis
the loss of a large amount of blood in a short time
hemorrhage
a serious and potentially fatal complication of a blood transfusion in which a severe immune response occurs because the donor and patient blood to not match
transfusion reaction
a fatty substance that travels through the blood and is found in all parts of the body
cholesterol
bad cholesterol
LDL
good cholesterol
HDL
the general term used to describe elevated levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood
hyperlipidemia
a type of cancer in which there is insufficient production of one or more types of blood cells due to dysfunction of the bone marrow
myelodysplastic syndrome
a type of cancer characterized by a progressive increase in the number of abnormal leukocytes found in the blood-forming tissues, other organs, and in the circulating blood
leukemia
the lower-than-normal number of erythrocytes (RBCs) in the blood causing fatigue and shortness of breath
anemia
characterized by an absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow
aplastic anemia
most common form of anemia; caused by blood loss, poor absorption of iron, or inadequate dietary intake of iron
iron-deficiency anemia
a blood disorder characterized by anemia in which the RBCs are larger than normal; results in a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12
megaloblastic anemia
caused by a lack of the protein intrinsic factor (IF) that helps the body absorb vitamin B12 from the gastrointestinal tract
pernicious anemia
characterized by an inadequate number of circulating RBCs due to the premature destruction of red blood cells by the spleen
hemolytic anemia
pertaining to hemolysis, the breakdown of RBCs
hemolytic
a serious genetic disorder that causes abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in tome RBCs assuming an abnormal sickle shape
sickle cell anemia
an inherited blood disorder that causes mild or severe anemia due to reduced hemoglobin and fewer RBCs than normal
thalassemia
(HTN) high blood pressure; elevation of arterial blood pressure to a level that is likely to cause damage to the cardiovascular system
hypertension
primary/idiopathic hypertension; consistently elevated blood pressure of unknown cause
essential hypertension
hypertension caused by a different medical problem
secondary hypertension
hypertension characterized by a very high blood pressure
malignant hypertension
lower-than-normal arterial blood pressure; symptoms include dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
hypotension
(postural hypotension) low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up
orthostatic hypotension
a radiographic (x-ray) study of the blood vessels after the injection of a contrast medium
angiography
a diagnostic and treatment procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart
cardiac catherization
(DSA) uses angiography with computer assistance to clarify the view by “subtracting” the soft tissue and bones from the images
digital subtracting angiography
a diagnostic procedure to image the structures of the blood vessels and the flow of blood through the vessels
Duplex ultrasound
(phlebography) a radiographic test that provides an image of specific veins after a contract dye is injected; very accurate test for detecting deep vein thrombosis
venography
noninvasive process of recording the electrical activity of the heart
electrocardiography
(EKG or ECG) a record of the electrical activity of the myocardium
electrocardiogram
portable electrocardiograph that is worn by an ambulatory patient to continuously monitor the heart rates and rhythms over a 24- to 48-hour period
Holter monitor
performed to assess and cardiovascular health and function during and after stress test; patient can be on treadmill or injected with a chemical to increase heartrate
stress test
performed to evaluate how well blood flows through the coronary arteries of the heart muscle during exercise by injecting a small amount of thallium into the bloodstream
thallium stress test
the accuracy and consistency with which the patient follows the physician’s instructions
compliance
a medication administered to lower blood pressure
antihypertensives
(angiotensin-converting enzyme) blocks the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension; reduce blood pressure
ACE inhibitor
reduces the workload of the heart by slowing the rate of the heart
beta-blocker
cause the heart and blood vessels to relax by decreasing the movement of calcium into the cells of these structures
calcium channel blocker agents
administered to stimulate the kidneys to increase the secretion of urine to rid the body of excess sodium and water
diuretic
a medication administered to control irregularities of the heartbeat
antiarrhythmic
slows coagulation and prevents new clots from forming; called “blood thinners” even though they don’t actually thin the blood
anticoagulant
process of clotting blood
coagulant
(warfarin) an anticoagulant administered to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger
Coumadin
works faster then Coumadin, but must be administered by injection or in an IV solution
Heparin
taken in small doses, may be recommended to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by reducing the ability of the blood to clot
Aspirin
used to combat hyperlipidemia by reducing the undesirable cholesterol levels in the blood
cholesterol-lowering drugs
(digoxin) strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle, slows the heart rate, and helps eliminate fluid from body tissues
digitalis
(clot-busting drug) dissolves or causes a thrombus to break up
thrombotic
a thrombolytic that is administered to patients having a heart attack
tissue plasminogen activator
causes blood vessels to narrow
vasoconstrictor
causes blood vessels to expand
vasodilator
a vasodilator that is prescribed to prevent or relieve the pain of angina by dilating the blood vessels to the heart; given sublingually (under tongue), transdermally, or orally
nitroglycerin
(CPB, heart-lung machine) a device sometimes used to maintain the circulation of blood and oxygen to the body during surgery
cardiopulmonary bypass
the technique of medically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel
angioplasty
(PTCA or balloon angioplasty) procedure in which a small balloon on the end of a catheter is used to open a partially blocked coronary artery by flattening the plaque deposit and stretching the lumen
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
involves a laser on the end of a catheter, which uses beams of light to remove the plaque deposit
laser angioplasty
a wire-mesh tube that is commonly placed after the artery has been opened
stent
describes the condition when an artery that has been opened up by angioplasty closes again
restenosis
the surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior of an artery
atherectomy
the surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain
carotid endarterectomy
(CABG, bypass surgery) a piece of vein from the leg or chest is implanted into the heart to replace a blocked coronary artery
coronary artery bypass graft
(keyhole bypass/buttonhole bypass) an alternative technique for some bypass patients; performed with the aid of a fiberoptic camera through small openings between the ribs
minimally invasive coronary artery bypass
(cardioversion) the use of electrical shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm
defibrillation
provides shock
defibrillator
(AED) designed for use by nonprofessionals in emergency situations when defibrillation is required
automated external defibrillator
used primarily as treatment for bradycardia or atrial fibrillation, although it is sometimes used to treat other heart conditions; can be attached externally or internally
artificial pacemaker
(ICD) a double-action pacemaker
1. constantly regulates the heartbeat
2. acts as an automatic defibrillator
implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
(catheter ablation) procedure that uses radio-frequency energy (heat) or cryoablation (extreme cold) to scar or destroy the heart tissue triggering an abnormal rhythm
cardiac ablation
the surgical repair of a heart valve
valvuloplasty
surgery to replace one of the heart’s four valves, usually the aortic or mitral valve
heart valve replacement
(TAVR) a minimally invasive procedure in which the existing valve is left in place
transcatheter aortic valve replacement
(CPR) an emergency procedure for life support consisting of artificial respiration and manual external cardiac compression
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
can be effective in keeping a patient suffering from cardiac arrest
compression-only resuscitation
the surgical removal of an aneurysm
aneurysectomy
(aneurysmoplasty) the surgical suturing of an aneurysm
aneurysmorrhaphy
the surgical method to isolate an aneurysm from the rest of the circulatory system by placing a small clip across its neck
aneurysm clipping
surgical removal of an artery
arteriectomy
to stop or control bleeding
hemostasis
(plasma exchange) the removal of whole blood from the body and separation of the blood’s cellular elements
plasmapheresis
