Chapter 5 Word List - Cardiology Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering Chapter 5 cardiology terms. Each card provides a-term and its definition.

Cardiomyopathy

A disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow heart rate, typically fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults.

Angioplasty

A procedure to widen narrowed or blocked arteries, usually with a balloon catheter and often with stent placement.

Defibrillation

A procedure using an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in life-threatening arrhythmias.

Diuretic

A drug that increases urine production to remove excess fluid from the body.

Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding, including vascular constriction, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.

Hemoglobin

The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues.

Embolism

Blockage of a blood vessel by an embolus, such as a clot, air bubble, or fat globule.

Atherectomy

A procedure to remove atherosclerotic plaque from an artery, often with a catheter-mounted device.

Sepsis

A life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ dysfunction.

Endocarditis

Infection of the inner lining of the heart, including the heart valves and chambers.

Arrhythmia

Any irregular or abnormal heart rhythm.

Anticoagulant

A drug that prevents blood clotting (e.g., heparin, warfarin).

Anemia

A condition with too few red blood cells or hemoglobin, causing fatigue and weakness.

Thrombolytic

A drug that dissolves clots, used in conditions like heart attack or stroke.

Angina

Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms within a vessel or the heart.

Tachycardia

An abnormal fast heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein, often in the legs, causing pain and swelling.