Pediatric Cardiovascular

Flashcards covering key concepts in pediatric cardiovascular care, including fetal development, congenital heart defects, diagnostic techniques, and management of cardiovascular conditions.

Fetal Development

The process by which a fetus develops, involving nutrient exchange through the placenta and the formation of various cardiovascular structures.

Ductus Arteriosus

A fetal blood vessel that allows most of the blood from the right ventricle to bypass the lungs and flow into the descending aorta.

Foramen Ovale

An opening in the fetal heart that allows blood to flow from the right atrium to the left atrium, bypassing the pulmonary circulation.

Fetal Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin in newborns that has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, facilitating oxygen transport during fetal development.

Congenital Heart Disease

A group of heart defects present at birth that can affect normal blood flow through the heart.

Acyanotic Defect

A congenital heart defect that does not result in cyanosis (bluish discoloration) and typically allows blood to flow from the left side of the heart to the right.

Cyanotic Defect

A congenital heart defect that results in a mixing of oxygen-rich and poor blood, leading to cyanosis.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart's structure and function.

Cardiac Catheterization

A procedure used to examine the heart and blood vessels using a thin tube (catheter) inserted into a blood vessel.

Endocarditis

An infection of the heart valves or inner lining of the heart, often resulting from bacterial invasion.

Kawasaki Disease

A condition that causes inflammation of blood vessels and can lead to heart complications, particularly in children.

Tachycardia

An abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as greater than 100 beats per minute in children.

Heart Failure

A condition in which the heart is unable to pump effectively, failing to meet the body's circulatory and metabolic needs.

Pulmonary Stenosis

Narrowing of the pulmonary valve or artery that can impede blood flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Aortic Stenosis

Narrowing of the outflow from the left ventricle, leading to obstructed blood flow and potential heart failure.

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

An abnormal opening between the ventricles, allowing blood to flow from the left to the right ventricle.

Transposition of the Great Arteries

A congenital defect where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, causing deoxygenated blood to circulate to the body.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A condition where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, allowing blood to flow from the aorta to the pulmonary artery.