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Acute arterial occlusion
A sudden blockage of an artery, often caused by a thrombus or embolus, leading to reduced blood flow and possible tissue damage.
Arteries and arterioles
Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body; arterioles are smaller branches that regulate blood flow into capillaries.
Ascites
The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often due to liver disease, heart failure, or cancer.
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
A hormone secreted by the atria of the heart in response to stretching, regulating blood pressure by promoting sodium and water excretion.
Atrioventricular (AV) valves
The heart valves (tricuspid and mitral) that separate the atria from the ventricles, preventing backflow of blood.
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
A hormone released by the ventricles in response to stretching, used as a diagnostic marker for heart failure.
Capillaries
The smallest blood vessels where gas, nutrient, and waste exchange occur between blood and tissues.
Cardiac tamponade
A life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart's ability to pump blood.
Cardiogenic shock
A severe form of heart failure where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to organ failure.
Cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscle affecting its ability to pump blood effectively; types include dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
A condition where veins fail to return blood efficiently to the heart, causing swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.
Collateral circulation
Development of new blood vessels to bypass blocked arteries, providing an alternate route for blood flow.
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
A condition where the heart fails to pump effectively; left-sided causes pulmonary congestion; right-sided leads to systemic congestion.
Crackles
Abnormal lung sounds (rales) heard on auscultation, often due to fluid in the lungs caused by CHF or pneumonia.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Blood clot formation in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism.
Dependent edema
Swelling in areas of the body positioned lower than the heart, commonly seen in legs and feet due to fluid retention.
Diastolic heart failure
A condition where the heart’s ventricles become stiff and cannot relax properly, leading to inadequate filling.
Endocardium
The inner lining of the heart chambers, which helps prevent clot formation and infections.
Endothelium
The thin layer of cells lining blood vessels, crucial for vascular health and function.
Eschar
A thick, dry, black or brown crust that forms over a wound, often seen in severe burns or chronic ulcers.
Heart murmur
An abnormal sound during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow due to valve disorders or congenital defects.
Hepatomegaly
An enlarged liver, often due to heart failure, liver disease, or infections.
Immobility
The inability to move freely, which increases the risk of blood clots, pressure ulcers, and cardiovascular complications.
Infective endocarditis
A bacterial or fungal infection of the heart valves or endocardium, which can lead to severe complications.
Intermittent claudication
Pain in the legs during activity due to poor circulation, commonly associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Myocardium
The muscular layer of the heart responsible for contraction and pumping blood.
Orthopnea
Difficulty breathing while lying flat, commonly seen in patients with heart failure.
Paresthesias
Abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, or burning, often caused by nerve damage or poor circulation.
Pericardial effusion
The accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, which can lead to cardiac tamponade if excessive.
Pericardium
The protective double-layered membrane surrounding the heart, reducing friction during heartbeats.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
A condition where atherosclerosis narrows arteries in the legs, reducing blood flow and causing pain.
Peripheral edema
Swelling in the extremities, often caused by heart failure, venous insufficiency, or kidney disease.
Prophylaxis
Preventive treatment to reduce the risk of disease, such as taking anticoagulants to prevent DVT.
Pulmonary edema
Fluid accumulation in the lungs, making breathing difficult and commonly caused by left-sided heart failure.
Semilunar valves
The aortic and pulmonary valves, which prevent backflow of blood into the heart.
Systolic heart failure
A condition where the heart’s ability to contract is impaired, reducing blood pumped.
Valvular incompetence
A condition where heart valves do not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward.
Valvular stenosis
Narrowing of heart valves, restricting blood flow and increasing the heart's workload.
Vegetative lesions
Growths of infectious material on heart valves, commonly associated with infective endocarditis.
Veins and venules
Blood vessels that carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart; venules are smaller branches.
Venous stasis
Sluggish blood flow in veins, increasing the risk of clot formation and ulcers.
Venous stasis ulcers
Chronic, non-healing wounds caused by poor circulation in the veins, often seen in the lower legs.
Virchow’s triad
The three factors that contribute to thrombosis: venous stasis, endothelial injury, and hypercoagulability.
