Chapter 25: Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Disease

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 25 regarding heart function, heart failure, and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease

The leading cause of death in the United States; a chronic and progressive condition.

Heart failure

A clinical syndrome resulting from cardiac disorders that impair the ventricle's ability to fill or eject blood.

Ejection fraction

The percentage of blood that is ejected from a filled ventricle during contraction.

SA node

The natural pacemaker of the heart that initiates the electrical impulse for heartbeats.

Myocardial disease

Conditions affecting the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.

Peripheral congestion

Fluid buildup in the body's tissues due to right-sided heart failure.

Pulmonary congestion

Fluid buildup in the lungs due to left-sided heart failure.

Diuretics

Medications that help reduce fluid volume in the body, commonly used in heart failure.

ACE inhibitors

A class of medications that play a pivotal role in managing heart failure.

Cardiogenic shock

A life-threatening condition where inadequate cardiac output leads to tissue perfusion issues.

Cardiac tamponade

Restriction of heart function due to fluid in the pericardial sac, affecting cardiac output.

Pericardial effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.

Oliguria

A condition of low urine output, often seen in heart failure patients.

Hypoxemia

Low levels of oxygen in the blood.

End of life considerations

Aspects to consider for patients with chronic heart failure, including palliative care.

Thromboembolism

A blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and can lead to blockages.

Reversible heart failure

Heart failure cases that can improve with early treatment and lifestyle changes.

S3 gallop

An additional heart sound that may indicate heart failure.