What is the function of myocardial cells?
They contract to pump blood out of the heart.
What is the normal range for resting heart rate?
60 to 100 beats per minute.
What is atrial flutter?
A rapid type of arrhythmia that originates in the atria.
What is the main purpose of the EKG?
To record the electrical activity of the heart.
What does the term 'ventricular tachycardia' refer to?
A fast heart rate originating from the ventricles.
What is the role of the atrioventricular (AV) node?
To slow electrical impulses before they enter the ventricles.
What is stroke volume?
The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.
What does inadequate cardiac output lead to?
Signs of poor perfusion, including confusion and cyanosis.
What are common triggers for arrhythmias?
Stress, caffeine, medications, and electrolyte imbalances.
What is the significance of the T wave on an EKG?
It indicates ventricular repolarization.
What is the common treatment for ventricular fibrillation?
Defibrillation and advanced cardiac life support.
What is a common cause of syncope?
Transient arrhythmias leading to decreased blood flow to the brain.
What does a holter monitor test for?
Continuous monitoring of heart rhythms over 24-48 hours.
What is the difference between AED and defibrillator?
AED is an automated external defibrillator used by laypersons, while defibrillators are operated by trained medical personnel.
What are the symptoms of atrial fibrillation?
Palpitations, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
What does an elevated heart rate during exercise indicate?
It reflects normal physiological response to increased demand for oxygen.
What lifestyle changes can help control hypertension?
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and limit salt intake.
What condition is characterized by a rapid heart rate and low blood volume?
Shock.
What is the typical first-line medication for managing hypertension?
ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers.
What does echocardiogram assess?
The structure and function of the heart.
What is cardiac output?
The volume of blood the heart pumps in one minute.
What does a high cholesterol level contribute to?
The development of atherosclerosis.
What is the role of beta-blockers in heart conditions?
They reduce heart rate and decrease blood pressure.
What can prolonged QT interval indicate?
Increased risk of torsades de pointes.
What is the primary function of anticoagulants?
To prevent blood clot formation.
What risk factors are associated with coronary artery disease?
Smoking, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
What is congestive heart failure?
A condition where the heart is unable to pump effectively.
What is the purpose of cardiac rehabilitation?
To improve cardiovascular health after heart events.
What are bradyarrhythmias?
Heart rhythms slower than 60 beats per minute.
How does the sympathetic nervous system affect heart rate?
It increases heart rate and force of contraction.
What is the relationship between dehydration and blood pressure?
Dehydration can lead to low blood pressure.
What does the term 'myocardial infarction' refer to?
A heart muscle tissue death due to lack of blood supply.
What is the role of diuretics in heart failure?
To reduce fluid overload and decrease blood pressure.
What lifestyle modification can lower the risk of heart disease?
Regular physical activity.
What is a common side effect of antiplatelet drugs?
Increased risk of bleeding.
What does a P wave on an EKG indicate?
Atrial depolarization.
ā¢ What is the primary cause of heart failure?
ā¢ It is often caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and previous heart attacks.
ā¢ What is the role of the cardiac cycle?
ā¢ The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events that occur during one heartbeat.
ā¢ What factors can increase heart rate?
ā¢ Factors include exercise, stress, caffeine, and fever.
ā¢ What is hypertension?
ā¢ Hypertension is high blood pressure that can lead to heart disease.
ā¢ What are the symptoms of heart failure?
ā¢ Symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in legs, and rapid heartbeat.
ā¢ What does an automatic external defibrillator (AED) do?
ā¢ An AED delivers an electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm.
ā¢ What are the types of heart valves?
ā¢ The main types are aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves.
ā¢ How is coronary artery disease diagnosed?
ā¢ It is diagnosed through tests like EKG, echocardiogram, or coronary angiography.
ā¢ What is myocarditis?
ā¢ Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, often due to infection.
ā¢ What is the Frank-Starling law?
ā¢ It states that the heart's stroke volume increases with increased end-diastolic volume.
ā¢ What is the significance of elevated BNP levels?
ā¢ Elevated BNP levels indicate heart failure or strain on the heart.
ā¢ What lifestyle changes can prevent heart disease?
ā¢ Healthy eating, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can help prevent heart disease.
ā¢ What do statins do?
ā¢ Statins lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
ā¢ What are common arrhythmias?
ā¢ Common arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia.
ā¢ What is a heart murmur?
ā¢ A heart murmur is an abnormal sound during the heartbeat caused by turbulent blood flow.
ā¢ What causes a heart attack?
ā¢ A heart attack is typically caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
ā¢ What is the role of platelets?
ā¢ Platelets help in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.
ā¢ How can diabetes affect heart health?
ā¢ Diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease due to blood vessel damage.
ā¢ What is a cardiac stress test?
ā¢ A stress test measures how well the heart performs under physical stress.
ā¢ What role does potassium play in heart function?
ā¢ Potassium is essential for maintaining normal heart rhythm.
ā¢ What is echocardiography?
ā¢ Echocardiography is an ultrasound test that evaluates heart function and structure.
ā¢ What are diuretics used for?
ā¢ Diuretics help reduce fluid buildup and lower blood pressure.
ā¢ What are essential fatty acids' role in heart health?
ā¢ Essential fatty acids can improve heart health by lowering triglycerides.
ā¢ What is heart transplantation?
ā¢ Heart transplantation is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased heart with a healthy one.
ā¢ What are the symptoms of a stroke?
ā¢ Symptoms include sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, and severe headache.
ā¢ How does regular exercise impact heart health?
ā¢ Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
ā¢ What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?
ā¢ PAD is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs.
ā¢ What is the role of the vagus nerve in heart rate?
ā¢ The vagus nerve helps regulate heart rate by lowering it.
ā¢ How does smoking affect heart health?
ā¢ Smoking increases the risk of heart disease by damaging blood vessels and raising blood pressure.
ā¢ What is heart valve replacement surgery?
ā¢ It is a procedure to replace damaged heart valves to improve blood flow.