Cardiac Physiology and Pathophysiology Review

Flashcards created based on lecture notes covering key concepts in cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.

What are the two upper chambers of the heart called?

The right atrium and left atrium.

What is defined as the pressure exerted by the circulating volume of blood on the walls of the arteries?

Blood pressure.

What is the formula for blood pressure?

BP = Heart Rate x Stroke Volume x Vascular Resistance.

What do the terms systole and diastole refer to?

Systole refers to the contraction of the ventricles, while diastole refers to the relaxation and filling of the ventricles.

What is ischemia?

A condition of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to a lack of oxygen.

What are the four hemodynamic variables that contribute to oxygen demand?

Heart rate, contractility, preload, and afterload.

Which artery supplies oxygenated blood to the myocardium?

Coronary arteries.

What are the two types of heart failure based on ejection fraction?

Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and Heart Failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

What characterizes stable angina?

Predictable chest pain that occurs with exercise and is relieved by rest.

What is the hallmark of a myocardial infarction?

Severe, crushing chest pain that typically does not get relieved by rest or medication.

What is the primary cause of a hypertensive emergency?

Acute elevation of blood pressure with signs of acute end organ damage.

What is preload?

The volume of blood in the cardiac chamber just before systole.

How does increased vascular resistance affect blood pressure?

It increases blood pressure.

What are the signs and symptoms of shock?

Low blood pressure, tachycardia, weak pulses, and altered mental status.

How can hypertension be classified?

Primary (essential) hypertension, and secondary hypertension.

What is the typical range for normal resting heart rate?

60-100 beats per minute.

What does atherosclerosis lead to?

Narrowing of blood vessels and decreased blood flow due to plaque build-up.

Define the term 'afterload'.

The resistance the ventricle must overcome to pump blood out of the heart.

What happens to myocardial oxygen demand during exercise?

Myocardial oxygen demand increases.

What is the role of natriuretic peptides in heart failure?

They promote natriuresis and diuretics effects to reduce blood volume.