Cardiovascular System Function, Data Collection, and Therapeutic Measures

Vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular anatomy, physiological processes, assessment techniques, diagnostic tests, and therapeutic interventions based on Chapter 21.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle in $1\,\text{minute}$, calculated as stroke volume multiplied by heart rate.

Anterior Heart Structure

An external view of the heart showing major vessels including the aorta, superior and inferior vena cava, pulmonary arteries and veins, and coronary arteries.

Frontal Internal Heart Structure

A coronal cross-section of the heart showing the four chambers, valves (tricuspid, mitral, pulmonary semilunar, aortic semilunar), interventricular septum, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles.

Cardiac Layers

The three structural layers of the heart wall: epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium.

Blood Flow Pathway

The sequential pathway of blood through the heart: vena cava -> right atrium -> tricuspid valve -> right ventricle -> pulmonic valve -> pulmonary artery -> lungs -> pulmonary veins -> left atrium -> mitral valve -> left ventricle -> aortic valve -> aorta.

Cardiac Conduction System

The electrical pathway of the heart consisting of the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node, bundle of His, right and left bundle branches, and Purkinje fibers.

Epinephrine

A hormone that increases heart rate, force of contraction, cardiac output, and systolic blood pressure.

Aldosterone

A hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance in the body.

Normal Blood Pressure

Blood pressure with a systolic reading of less than $120\,\text{mm Hg}$ and a diastolic reading of less than $80\,\text{mm Hg}$.

Aging Cardiovascular System Changes

Age-related cardiovascular alterations including less effective conduction cells, atherosclerosis, resting blood pressure increases, decreased heart rate, and incompetent vein valves.

WHAT'S UP?

A systematic symptom assessment guide used during health history data collection for the cardiovascular system.

Clubbing

An assessment finding of the fingertips characterized by an angle of $160^\circ$ in early stages and greater than $180^\circ$ in severe stages.

Heart Sounds S1 and S2

Normal cardiac auscultation sounds corresponding to valve closures during the cardiac cycle, aligned with specific points on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Cardiac Biomarkers

Laboratory blood tests such as troponin and CK-MB used to detect heart damage.

Arterial Stiffness Index

A noninvasive test using a blood pressure cuff and computer map of brachial blood pressure waveforms to identify atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A noninvasive diagnostic test that records cardiac electrical activity using $12$, $15$, or $18$ leads.

Echocardiogram (ECHO)

A noninvasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to record the motion of heart structures, valves, and heart size, shape, and position.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

A diagnostic ultrasound procedure where a probe is inserted down the esophagus while the throat is anesthetized to obtain clear heart images and screen for blood clots.

Exercise Stress Test

A diagnostic study evaluating cardiac response to exercise and increased oxygen demands, or peripheral vascular response to walking.

Cardiac Catheterization

An invasive cardiac diagnostic procedure performed in a specialized lab to evaluate heart vessels and pressure.

Point of Maximum Impulse (PMI)

The specific location on the chest wall where cardiac pulsation is best felt during palpation.

Antiembolism Devices

Therapeutic equipment used to prevent clot formation, including antiembolism stockings (TED hose), medical graduated compression stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression.