Vocabulary (Chapter 5) Flashcards
Blocks the action of the enzyme that causes the blood vessels to contract, resulting in hypertension.
ACE inhibitor
A lower than normal number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the blood.
anemia
A localized weak spot or balloon-like enlargement of the wall of an artery.
aneurysm
A condition of episodes of severe chest pain due to inadequate blood flow to the myocardium.
angina
The technique of mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel.
angioplasty
Medication that slows blood coagulation and prevents new clots from forming.
anticoagulant
A condition characterized by the absence of all formed blood elements caused by the failure of blood cell production in the bone marrow.
aplastic anemia
The loss of the normal rhythm of the heartbeat.
arrhythmia
Surgical removal of plaque buildup from the interior lining of an artery.
atherectomy
A deposit of plaque on or within the arterial wall.
atheroma
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to a buildup of cholesterol plaque on the interior walls of the arteries.
atherosclerosis
When the normal rhythmic contraction of the atria are replaced by rapid, irregular twitching of the muscular heart wall.
atrial fibrillation
Electronic equipment that automatically samples the heart’s electrical rhythms and when necessary, externally shocks the heart to restore a normal cardiac rhythm.
automated external defibrillator
A medication that reduces the workload of the heart by slowing the rate of the heartbeat.
beta-blocker
Any pathologic condition of the cellular elements of the blood.
blood dyscrasia
An abnormally slow resting heart rate, usually applied to a heartbeat rate of less than 60 beats per minute.
bradycardia
An event in which the heart abruptly stops beating or develops an arrhythmia that prevents it from pumping blood effectively.
cardiac arrest
A diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or an artery and is guided into the heart.
cardiac catheterization
The term used to describe all diseases of the heart muscle.
cardiomyopathy
Surgical removal of the lining of a portion of a clogged carotid artery leading to the brain.
carotid endarterectomy
A fatty substance that travels through the blood and is found in all parts of the body.
cholesterol
A condition in which venous circulation is inadequate due to partial vein blockage or leakage of venous valves.
chronic venous insufficiency
Damage to the heart muscle caused by a thrombus blocking a coronary artery.
coronary thrombosis
The use of electrical shock to restore the heart’s normal rhythm; also known as cardioversion.
defibrillation