Cardiovascular System Disorders Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to cardiovascular system disorders.

Heart

Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

Diastole

Relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle.

Systole

Contraction phase of the cardiac cycle.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood ejected by the heart in one minute.

Stroke Volume (SV)

The amount of blood pumped out of each ventricle with each contraction.

Atherosclerosis

Presence of atheromas in large arteries, consisting of lipids and calcium.

Hypertension

Consistently high blood pressure, defined as usually above 140/90 mm Hg.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain due to reduced oxygen to the heart muscle.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Heart attack caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Pacemaker

Sinoatrial node that initiates the heart's rhythm.

Bradycardia

Abnormally slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute.

Tachycardia

Abnormally fast heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute.

Endocardium

Inner lining of the heart chambers.

Myocardium

Muscle tissue of the heart.

Pulmonary Circulation

Flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Collateral Circulation

Alternative blood flow pathways that develop when normal pathways are blocked.

Vasodilators

Medications that increase blood vessel diameter to decrease blood pressure.

Aneurysm

Localized dilation and weakening of an artery wall.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet body needs.

Valve Disease

Incompetence of one or more heart valves, causing regurgitation or stenosis.