EKG Ch 4

A comprehensive set of flashcards focused on key terminology and concepts related to common cardiovascular diseases and disorders.

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

A condition where the arteries supplying the heart muscle become narrowed, thickened, and hardened due to plaque buildup.

Plaque

Fatty deposits that can build up in arteries, causing damage and narrowing.

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening and thickening of the artery walls due to plaque buildup.

Thrombus

A blood clot that forms at the site where it can cause blockages.

Embolus

A thrombus that has dislodged and traveled from its original site in the body.

Ischemia

A condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often resulting in oxygen deprivation.

Myocardial infarction (MI)

Commonly known as a heart attack, it occurs when blood supply to the heart is blocked.

Angina

Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often a symptom of CAD.

Unstable angina

Chest pain that occurs at rest or with little exertion, indicating worsening condition of CAD.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood the heart pumps in a given time period.

Cardiac arrest

A total loss of heart function which can lead to death within minutes.

Dyspnea

Difficulty in breathing, often a symptom of heart conditions.

Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing when lying flat.

Congestive heart failure

A condition where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup.

Valve disease

A condition where heart valves are damaged, leading to regurgitation or backflow of blood.

Mitral valve prolapse

When one or both flaps of the mitral valve do not close properly, leading to regurgitation.

Edema

Swelling caused by the buildup of fluid in body tissues.

Pulmonary edema

Fluid buildup in the lungs that interferes with gas exchange.

Peripheral edema

Swelling in the lower extremities due to fluid buildup.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins, often of the legs.

Pulmonary embolism (PE)

A condition caused by a blood clot blocking blood vessels in the lungs.

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Also known as a stroke, it occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked.

Hypertension

Chronic high blood pressure, which can be a risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases.

Systolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart muscle.

Diastolic pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Nausea

A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit, can be a symptom of heart conditions.

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating, often associated with heart issues, especially during stress or pain.

Fatigue

A state of extreme tiredness and lack of energy, commonly seen in heart disease.

Neck vein distention

Swelling of the neck veins, indicating an increase in pressure in the circulatory system.

Chest pain

Discomfort in the chest area, which can indicate various heart-related conditions.

Cardiac dysfunction

An impairment in the heart's ability to function properly.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease, such as smoking and obesity.

Treatment options

Medications or surgical procedures used to manage heart diseases.

Monitoring

Regularly assessing a patient's condition to manage and adjust treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Adjustments in daily habits aimed at improving health outcomes, especially in diseases.

Emergency response

Immediate actions taken to address acute health issues that may arise during care.

Signs of heart attack

Includes chest pain, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness.

Women and heart disease

Women may have different symptoms of heart conditions compared to men and may delay seeking treatment.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular risk

COVID-19 has been linked to increased risks of heart problems and stroke post-recovery.

Surgical valve replacement

A procedure to replace damaged heart valves to restore normal function.

Diagnosis

The process of identifying a disease through assessment and testing.

EKG technician

A healthcare professional who conducts electrocardiograms but does not diagnose diseases.

Symptoms monitoring

Observing and recording signs presented by a patient to aid in treatment decisions.