Assessment of Cardiovascular Function

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the assessment of cardiovascular function, including anatomy, physiology, and assessment techniques.

Cardiac Cycle

The events that occur in the heart from the beginning of one heartbeat to the next; includes three major events: diastole, atrial systole, and ventricular systole.

Cardiac Output

The amount of blood pumped by the ventricle in liters per minute.

Stroke Volume

The amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle in one contraction.

Ejection Fraction

The percentage of end diastolic volume ejected with each heartbeat; used as a measure of myocardial contractility.

Preload

The degree of stretch of the heart muscle before contraction.

Afterload

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

Contractility

The intrinsic ability of cardiac muscle fibers to contract.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system responsible for controlling involuntary actions, including heart rate.

Baroreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect changes in blood pressure and help regulate heart rate.

Repolarization

The process of the heart muscle returning to its resting state after contraction.

Coronary Arteries

The arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Cardiac Action Potential

An electrical impulse that initiates heart contraction, consisting of depolarization and repolarization phases.

Health History

A comprehensive collection of information regarding a patient's health status, including past and present illnesses, medications, and lifestyle factors.

Physical Assessment of the Cardiovascular System

The examination of a patient to assess heart function, involving inspection, palpation, and auscultation.

Diagnostics in Cardiac Assessment

Tests conducted to evaluate heart function, including labs, ECG, and echocardiography.