Cardiovascular and Endocrine System Review

These flashcards cover important vocabulary and definitions related to cardiac and endocrine system concepts.

Cardiac glycosides

A class of drugs, such as digitalis, used to improve heart performance by decreasing preload.

Vasodilator drugs

Medications like nitroprusside that help to decrease pressure in the heart.

Inotropic agents

Drugs such as digoxin that may be used to enhance cardiac contractility.

Congestive heart failure (CHF)

A condition in which the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup and symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.

Mitral valve stenosis

A condition characterized by narrowing of the mitral valve, causing specific heart murmurs.

Hypovolemic shock

A state resulting from severe blood loss or dehydration leading to inadequate perfusion of tissues.

Acute pericarditis

An inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart.

Cardiac tamponade

A serious condition that occurs when excess fluid accumulation makes it difficult for the heart to fill.

Troponin

A serum biomarker that is highly specific for myocardial tissue and indicates myocardial injury.

Stable angina

Chest pain that occurs predictably with exertion and resolves with rest.

Infective endocarditis

An infection of the heart valves often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

Myocardial infarction

Commonly referred to as a heart attack, it occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.

Dawn phenomenon

A common phenomenon in diabetes where blood glucose levels rise in the early morning due to hormonal changes.

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.

Addison's disease

A disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce sufficient steroid hormones.

Cushing syndrome

A hormonal disorder caused by high levels of cortisol, often characterized by truncal obesity and hypertension.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

A severe complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar and ketone production.

Gestational diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery.