Flashcards In This Set (64):
Abdominal Aneurysm | A localized dilation or bulging of an abdominal artery caused by a weakened vessel wall. It may be asymptomatic but can cause abdominal or back pain and carries a risk of life threatening rupture.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | A dilation of the abdominal portion of the aorta, most commonly due to atherosclerosis. It may present as a pulsating abdominal mass and can rupture, leading to severe hypotension and shock.
Afterload | The resistance the left ventricle must overcome to pump blood during systole. Increased afterload, such as in hypertension, makes the heart work harder and can lead to heart failure.
Angina | Chest pain caused by myocardial ischemia from decreased oxygen supply to the heart. It is often described as pressure or squeezing and may radiate to the arm, jaw, or back.
Angiotensin II | A powerful vasoconstrictor hormone in the renin angiotensin aldosterone system that increases blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone release.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) | An enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. It is targeted by ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure and reduce workload on the heart.
Ankle Edema | Swelling of the ankles caused by fluid accumulation in the interstitial tissues. It is commonly seen in heart failure, venous insufficiency, or fluid overload.
Aortic Aneurysms | Abnormal dilation of the aorta that can occur in the thoracic or abdominal region. It may be silent but poses a high risk for rupture and internal bleeding.
Aortic Insufficiency | Also called aortic regurgitation. A condition in which the aortic valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow back into the left ventricle during diastole.
Aortic Stenosis | Narrowing of the aortic valve opening that obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. It causes chest pain, syncope, and dyspnea due to reduced cardiac output.
Aortic Valve Disorders | Conditions affecting the aortic valve, including stenosis and regurgitation. These disorders impair blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta and can lead to chest pain, syncope, dyspnea, and heart failure.
Arteriovenous Fistula | A surgically created connection between an artery and vein, usually in the arm, for hemodialysis access. It provides strong blood flow and is preferred over other access types.
Arteriovenous Graft | A synthetic tube used to connect an artery and vein for hemodialysis access. It is used when veins are not suitable for a fistula and has a higher risk of infection and clotting.
Aschoff Bodies | Inflammatory lesions found in the heart muscle of clients with rheumatic fever. They indicate myocardial involvement and are characteristic of rheumatic heart disease.
Atherectomy | A minimally invasive procedure that removes plaque from an artery to restore blood flow. It is used to treat peripheral or coronary artery disease.
Atrial Fibrillation | An irregular, rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria that causes ineffective atrial contraction. It increases the risk of stroke due to blood clot formation.
Atrioventricular (AV) Node | A group of specialized cells in the heart that delays electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles. It allows time for ventricular filling before contraction.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) | A hormone released by the ventricles in response to stretching from fluid overload. Elevated levels are used to help diagnose and monitor heart failure.
Bioprosthetic Valves | Heart valve replacements made from animal tissue. They reduce the need for long term anticoagulation but have a limited lifespan compared to mechanical valves.
Blood Clots | Solid masses formed from blood components within a vessel. They can obstruct blood flow and may lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
Buerger’s Disease | Also called thromboangiitis obliterans. An inflammatory disease of small and medium arteries and veins, strongly associated with tobacco use, leading to reduced blood flow and tissue ischemia.
Bundle Of His | A specialized conduction pathway that transmits electrical impulses from the AV node to the ventricles, enabling coordinated ventricular contraction.
Cardiac Catheterization | An invasive diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the heart through a blood vessel to assess coronary arteries, heart chambers, and function.
Cardiac Diet | A diet designed to promote heart health by limiting saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars while encouraging fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Cardiac Disease | A broad term describing conditions that affect the heart’s structure or function, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and valvular disorders.
Cardiac Dysrhythmias | Abnormal heart rhythms caused by disturbances in the electrical conduction system. They may result in palpitations, dizziness, syncope, or decreased cardiac output.
Cardiac Markers | Substances released into the blood when heart muscle is damaged, such as troponin and CK MB. Elevated levels help diagnose myocardial infarction.
Cardiac Output | The amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute. It is calculated as heart rate multiplied by stroke volume and reflects the heart’s effectiveness.
Cardiac Rehabilitation | A supervised program of exercise, education, and lifestyle modification designed to improve cardiovascular health after a cardiac event or surgery.
Cardiac Rhythm | The pattern of electrical activity of the heart as seen on an electrocardiogram. It reflects the rate and regularity of heartbeats.
Cardiomyopathy | A disease of the heart muscle that causes it to become enlarged, thickened, or stiff. It reduces the heart’s ability to pump effectively and can lead to heart failure or dysrhythmias.
Cardiovascular System | The body system consisting of the heart and blood vessels that circulates blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients and remove waste products.
Carditis | Inflammation of the heart layers, which may involve the endocardium, myocardium, or pericardium. It is commonly associated with rheumatic fever.
Carotid Artery | Major arteries in the neck that supply oxygenated blood to the brain. Narrowing can increase the risk of stroke.
Carotid Sinus Massage | A maneuver that stimulates the vagus nerve by applying gentle pressure to the carotid artery. It can slow certain rapid heart rhythms.
Collateral Circulation | Development of alternative blood vessels to bypass blocked arteries. It helps maintain blood flow to tissues when primary vessels are narrowed.
Commissurotomy | A surgical procedure that separates fused valve leaflets to improve blood flow. It is often used to treat mitral valve stenosis.
Coronary Arteries | Blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. Blockage can lead to angina or myocardial infarction.
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) | A diagnostic test that measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries using CT imaging. Higher scores indicate increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Coronary Artery Disease | A condition caused by atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. It reduces blood flow to the heart and may cause angina or myocardial infarction.
Coronary Artery Stents | Small mesh tubes inserted into narrowed coronary arteries to keep them open after angioplasty. They improve blood flow and reduce the risk of re narrowing.
Creatine Kinase | An enzyme found in heart and skeletal muscle that rises in the blood after muscle damage. It was previously used to help diagnose myocardial infarction.
Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis | Inflammation and clot formation in a deep vein, usually in the leg. It causes pain, swelling, and increases risk of pulmonary embolism.
Diastolic Failure | Also called heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The ventricles are stiff and do not relax properly, leading to impaired filling and fluid buildup.
Doppler Blood Flow Analysis | A noninvasive test that uses ultrasound waves to evaluate blood flow through vessels. It helps detect blockages or clots.
Echocardiography | An ultrasound test that visualizes heart structures and function. It assesses valves, chamber size, and ejection fraction.
Electrocardiography | A test that records the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes on the skin. It detects dysrhythmias, ischemia, and infarction.
Embolic Stroke | A stroke caused by a clot that travels from another part of the body and blocks a cerebral artery. It results in sudden neurologic deficits.
Embolism | Obstruction of a blood vessel by a clot or other material that travels through the bloodstream. It can impair blood flow to vital organs.
Endocarditis | Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart, usually involving the valves. It is often caused by bacterial infection and may produce a new heart murmur.
Exertional Angina | Chest pain that occurs predictably with physical activity or stress due to increased oxygen demand of the heart. It is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.
External Arteriovenous Shunt | A dialysis access device that connects an artery and vein outside the body. It has a high risk of infection and clotting and is used short term.
Femoral Thrombophlebitis | Inflammation and clot formation in the femoral vein of the thigh. It causes leg pain and swelling and increases risk of pulmonary embolism.
Heart | A muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It has four chambers and functions through coordinated electrical and mechanical activity.
Heart Failure | A chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It leads to symptoms such as dyspnea, edema, and fatigue.
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) | A type of heart failure in which the left ventricle has normal ejection fraction but impaired relaxation. It results in fluid congestion despite preserved pumping strength.
Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) | A type of heart failure in which the left ventricle has reduced pumping ability and decreased ejection fraction. It leads to inadequate cardiac output and fluid overload.
Heartburn | A burning sensation in the chest caused by gastric acid reflux into the esophagus. It is not related to cardiac ischemia but may mimic angina.
High-Sensitivity Troponin (hsTnT) | A sensitive blood test that detects very low levels of troponin in the blood. It helps identify early or minor myocardial injury.
Highly Sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) | A blood test that measures inflammation in the body. Elevated levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Holter Monitoring | A portable device worn for 24 to 48 hours to continuously record heart rhythm. It helps detect intermittent dysrhythmias.
Hyperlipidemia | Elevated levels of lipids in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It increases the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.
Hypertension | Persistently elevated blood pressure that increases workload on the heart and risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
Hypervolemia | Excess fluid volume in the body that leads to edema, weight gain, and increased blood pressure. It is commonly seen in heart or kidney failure.