Cardiology Overview

A set of 50 flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to cardiology, focusing on heart valves, diagnostic tests, and heart function.

Aortic

The main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Valves

Structures in the heart that regulate blood flow between the chambers.

Mitral Valve

The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart.

Pulmonic Valve

The valve that directs blood from the right ventricle to the lungs.

Aortic Valve

The valve that controls blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle.

Echocardiogram (Echo)

The gold standard test for assessing heart valve function using ultrasound.

Valve Disorders

Medical conditions that affect the function of heart valves.

Rheumatic Fever

An inflammatory disease that can affect the heart and is often a result of untreated strep throat.

Congenital Defects

Heart conditions present at birth that can affect valve function.

Arteriosclerosis

The thickening and hardening of arteries that can impact heart valves.

Mitral Valve Prolapse

A condition where the mitral valve doesn't close properly, often asymptomatic.

AV Valves

A term referring to mitral and tricuspid valves.

S1 and S2

The first and second heart sounds, indicating valve closure.

Dysrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat that can be caused by various heart conditions.

Stenosis

A narrowing of a valve that restricts blood flow.

Regurgitation

A condition where a valve doesn't close properly, causing backflow of blood.

Preload

The amount of blood in the ventricles before contraction.

Afterload

The resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood ejected from the heart with each heartbeat.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Ejection Fraction

The percentage of blood pumped out of the ventricles with each heartbeat.

Collateral Circulation

Alternative pathways of blood flow that develop to compensate for blocked arteries.

Pericardium

The double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium that can cause chest pain.

Pericardial Effusion

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity.

Cardiac Tamponade

A life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardium that compresses the heart.

Constrictive Pericarditis

Thickening of the pericardium that restricts heart expansion.

Friction Rub

A scratchy sound heard during heart auscultation indicating pericarditis.

Idiopathic

Related to a condition with no known cause.

Scar Tissue

Fibrous tissue that can form after surgery or injury.

Pericardectomy

Surgical procedure to remove the thickened pericardium.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Pulsus Paradoxus

A drop in blood pressure during inhalation.

Heart Failure

A chronic condition in which the heart lacks the ability to pump sufficient blood.

Atrial Fibrillation

An irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to blood clots.

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements that indicate the state of a patient's essential functions.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections.

Blood Clots

Solid masses of blood that can obstruct blood flow, often leading to serious conditions.

Oxygen Supply

The availability of oxygen to tissues, essential for metabolism and function.

Surgical Techniques

Methods used to perform operations on the heart.

Heart Valves Roles

Ensure unidirectional blood flow through the heart.

Risk Factors

Conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing heart diseases.

β-blockers

A class of medications that reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Hypertension

High blood pressure that can lead to various heart conditions.

Ventricular Thinning

Thinning of the heart muscle that can impair heart function.