Cardiovascular and Hematologic Systems

Bradycardia

A condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. It can result from various factors, including heart disease, medications, or an imbalance in electrolytes.

Tachycardia

A condition characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as more than 100 beats per minute. It can occur due to stress, fever, or underlying health issues.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart that receive blood from the body and lungs. They play a crucial role in the heart's function by collecting blood before it is pumped into the ventricle.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. They have thicker walls than the atria and are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood throughout the circulatory system.

Valves

Structures in the heart that open and close to regulate blood flow between the atria and ventricles, as well as between the ventricles and major arteries. They ensure unidirectional blood flow within the cardiovascular system. Valves play a crucial role in maintaining proper heart function and preventing backflow of blood.

Cardiac Cycle

The sequence of events that occur during one complete heartbeat, including the contraction and relaxation of the heart's chambers, as well as the flow of blood through the heart and to the body.

Distole

The phase of the cardiac cycle in which the heart muscle relaxes and the chambers fill with blood.

Systole

The phase of the cardiac cycle during which the heart muscle contracts, pumping blood out of the chambers and into the arteries.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart from the body.

Stroke Volume

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

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute, indicating how often the heart pumps blood throughout the body.

Cardiac Output

The total volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, calculated by multiplying stroke volume by heart rate.

Vessels

Carry blood throughout the body, including arteries, veins, and capillaries.

Dysrythmias

Abnormal heart rhythms that can affect the heart's ability to pump effectively, potentially leading to various complications.

Hypertension

A condition characterized by consistently elevated blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Hyperlipidemia

A condition defined by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Vasoconstrictor

A substance that narrows blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and reducing blood flow.

Vasodialators

Substances that widen blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure and enhancing blood flow.

Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP)

The pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles, which is the highest point of blood pressure in the cardiac cycle.

Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)

The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest, between beats, representing the lowest point of blood pressure in the cardiac cycle.

Coronary Arteries

The arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, branching off from the aorta to ensure proper oxygenation and nourishment.

Ischemia

A condition where there is insufficient blood flow to tissue, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients, often resulting in pain or damage.

Angina

A type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often resulting from ischemia.

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

A term used to describe a range of conditions associated with sudden reduced blood flow to the heart. It includes unstable angina and myocardial infarction, often requiring immediate medical attention.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)

A medical emergency resulting from the sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart, leading to heart muscle damage. It often presents with chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath.

Hematologic System

The composition, formation, and transportation of blood; also blood’s functions within the body.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response, protecting the body against infections and foreign substances. AKA White Blood Cells (WBCs)

Thrombocytes

Cell fragments involved in blood clotting and wound repair. AKA Platelets. They aggregate at injury sites to minimize bleeding.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body. It makes up about 55% of total blood volume and is vital for maintaining blood pressure and regulating body temperature.

Coagulation

The process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot to stop bleeding. It involves a series of chemical reactions that activate platelets and proteins in the plasma, ultimately leading to the formation of fibrin strands that stabilize the clot.

Hematapoiesis

The process of blood cell formation, which occurs primarily in the bone marrow. It involves the differentiation of stem cells into various types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Differentiation

the process by which stem cells develop into specific types of cells in the blood.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen transport to tissues.

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects blood and bone marrow, characterized by the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition in which there is a lower than normal number of platelets in the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Neutropenia

A condition characterized by an abnormally low count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell essential for fighting off infections.

DVT

Deep vein thrombosis, a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.