Cardiovascular Disorders Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering cardiovascular disorders, diagnostics, classifications, and nursing management from Chapters 22-28.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the left ventricle contracts to pump oxygenated blood through the body.

Diastole

The phase of the cardiac cycle representing the relaxation of the heart.

PATCHES

An acronym for arterial data collection standing for Pulses, Appearance, Temperature, Capillary Refill, Texture, Edema, and Sensation.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure Criteria

A manifestation of postural changes indicated when upright blood pressure drops lower than $10\,m\text{m}Hg$ and heart rate increases by $10\%$ or more from the previous measurement.

Essential (Primary) Hypertension

A lifelong condition accounting for $95\%$ of all hypertension cases, driven by primary factors like aging, genetics, overweight status, sedentary lifestyle, high sodium, and alcohol intake.

Malignant Hypertension

A severe, rapidly progressive elevation in blood pressure where diastolic pressure exceeds $120\,m\text{m}Hg$, causing arteriole inflammation in the eyes.

Normal Blood Pressure

An adult blood pressure classification characterized by a systolic BP less than $120\,m\text{m}Hg$ AND a diastolic BP less than $80\,m\text{m}Hg$.

Elevated Blood Pressure

An adult blood pressure classification characterized by a systolic BP of $120\text{--}129\,m\text{m}Hg$ AND a diastolic BP less than $80\,m\text{m}Hg$.

Stage 1 Hypertension

An adult blood pressure classification characterized by a systolic BP of $130\text{--}139\,m\text{m}Hg$ OR a diastolic BP of $80\text{--}89\,m\text{m}Hg$.

Stage 2 Hypertension

An adult blood pressure classification characterized by a systolic BP of $140\,m\text{m}Hg$ or higher OR a diastolic BP of $90\,m\text{m}Hg$ or higher.

Hypertensive Crisis

An urgent blood pressure classification characterized by a systolic BP higher than $180\,m\text{m}Hg$ and/or a diastolic BP higher than $120\,m\text{m}Hg$.

Left-Sided Heart Failure

A condition caused by a weak left ventricle leading to fluid backing up into the lungs, manifested by respiratory cues, $S_3$ heart gallop, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.

Right-Sided Heart Failure (Cor Pulmonale)

A condition caused by a weak right ventricle leading to peripheral congestion and fluid pooling, manifested by ascites, dependent edema, and distended jugular veins.

Oliguria

Low urine output, which serves as a key clinical cue for heart failure.

BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)

A serum blood test used to diagnose heart failure where a higher numerical value indicates increased severity of heart failure.

Digoxin

A cardiac glycoside medication used in heart failure management to increase cardiac efficiency.

Rheumatic Carditis

An inflammatory heart condition caused by antibodies developed from group A streptococcal pharyngitis, frequently resulting in mitral valve damage.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A structural change in heart muscle characterized by enlarged, floppy ventricles.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

A structural change in heart muscle characterized by a thickened septum and enlarged muscle tissue.

Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

A structural change in heart muscle characterized by stiffened ventricle walls that impair ventricular filling.

Valvular Stenosis

A condition in which a heart valve does not open properly, obstructing forward blood flow.

Valvular Regurgitation

A condition in which a heart valve does not close properly, allowing backward leakage of blood.

Arteriosclerosis

The age-related hardening and loss of elasticity in arterial walls.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of fat, cholesterol, and lipid plaque (atheromas) in the inner wall of arterial lumens, causing reduced elasticity and ischemia.

Ischemia

A deficiency of arterial blood supply and oxygen to body tissues.

Angina

Chest pain resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart tissue, which is typically relieved when activity stops.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG)

A surgical procedure used in coronary artery disease to reroute blood flow around blocked coronary arteries.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

A condition caused by prolonged total occlusion of coronary arterial blood flow, resulting in heart tissue damage.

MONA Protocol

An acronym representing the emergency medical interventions for myocardial infarction: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin.

Troponin (Troponin I / Troponin T)

Cardiac protein markers released into the bloodstream after cardiac injury, considered the gold standard diagnostic test for myocardial infarction.

Claudication

Ischemic muscle pain and cramping occurring during exercise due to impaired arterial blood flow from plaque buildup.

5 Ps of Peripheral Artery Disease

The key neurovascular data collection findings in PAD: Pain, Pulselessness, Pallor, Polar (temperature), and Paresthesia.

Arterial Ulcers

Painful wound beds with tissue ischemia and necrosis, typically located on the toes or dorsum of the foot due to impaired peripheral arterial blood flow.

Raynaud's Disease

A condition involving intermittent temperature-sensitive arteriole spasms in small vessels, leading to chronically cold, numb, cyanotic digits and throbbing pain.

Cold Stimulation Test

A diagnostic procedure used to evaluate and confirm Raynaud's disease.

Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)

An inflammatory disease affecting small arterioles where vessels become inflamed and clot off, heavily linked to tobacco use and carrying a risk of amputation.

Aneurysm

An enlarged, dilated section of an artery resulting from arteriosclerosis, trauma, or congenital defects, presenting as a pulsating mass that must not be palpated.

Ascites

An accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (third spacing), commonly caused by right-sided heart failure.

Nitroglycerin (NTG)

A sublingual or spray vasodilator administered every 5 minutes up to 3 times to relieve chest pain.

Cardiac Catheterization Discharge Criteria

Post-procedure instructions directing patients to rest for 3 days, avoid driving/stairs for 24 hours, refrain from tub baths until healed, and apply pressure and call 911 if puncture site bleeding occurs.