Complex Perfusion Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary related to cardiac anatomy, physiology, and pathology, designed to aid in the understanding and retention of key concepts in complex perfusion.

Cardiac Output

The volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Preload

The initial stretching of the cardiac myocytes prior to contraction.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.

Afterload

The pressure against which the heart must work to eject blood during systole.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle contracts.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat when the heart muscle relaxes.

Ejection Fraction (EF)

Measurement of the percentage of blood leaving the heart each time it contracts; normal EF is 60-75%.

Hemodynamics

The study of blood flow and pressure in the circulatory system.

Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

A measurement of the pressure in the thoracic vena cava near the right atrium.

Pulmonary Artery Pressure (PAP)

The pressure in the pulmonary artery, critical for assessing right heart function.

Alteplase (tPA)

A thrombolytic medication used to dissolve blood clots.

Mitral Valve Stenosis

A narrowing of the mitral valve opening, leading to decreased blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)

A life-threatening condition characterized by the formation of localized necrotic areas within the myocardium.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

A condition caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, leading to decreased blood flow to the heart.

Infective Endocarditis

An infection that affects the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.

Cardiac Tamponade

Compression of the heart due to accumulated fluid in the pericardial space, leading to decreased cardiac output.

Dysrhythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms that can occur as a complication of myocardial infarction.

Aneurysms

Dilation of an artery due to weakening of the artery wall.