Chapter 40: (Cardiology Vocabulary)

Anaphylaxis

A rapidly progressing, life-threatening allergic reaction.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by cells in the immune system in response to a specific antigen (destroys/weakens the antigen).

Antigens

Substances (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nonliving substances.

Arteriosclerosis

A disease in which the arterial walls become thickened and lose their elasticity.

Atheroma

A waxy lesion made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, cells, and other substances, that builds up on the inner wall of an artery.

Bilirubin

A reddish yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver.

Cardiac Defibrilator

An external or implantable device that provides an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal sinus rhythm.

Constrict

To contract or shrink.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like substance that surrounds the nucleus and fills the cells.

Deoxygenated

Oxygen deficient; oxygen was removed.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus.

Electrocardiography

The recording of electrical impulses of the heart, as wave deflections, on an electrocardiograph.

Embolus

An air bubble, blood clot, or foreign body that travels through the bloodstream and blocks a blood vessel.

Enzymes

Special proteins that speed up a chemical reaction in the body.

Filamentous

Composed of or containing filaments or strands of a substance.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is absorbed by the intestines and found in the blood; Used by cells for energy- the rest is stored in the liver (glycogen).

Hematopoiesis

The formation of blood cells.

Incompetent Valves

Valves that do not close completely and allow blood to leak backward into the prior chamber; "Leaky valves".

Infarction

Tissue death.

Insufficiency

Also called regurgitation or incompetence; The valve does not close completely, and blood leaks backward across the valve into the prior chamber.

Mediastinum

The space in the thoracic cavity that lies between the lungs, containing the heart, trachea, and esophagus.

Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension

A temporary fall in blood pressure that occurs when a person rapidly changes from a recumbent position to a standing position.

Pitting Edema

Excessive fluid in the intercellular spaces in the tissue; A depression is seen in the tissue after relieving external pressure.

Polycythemia

A condition caused by an abnormally large number of red blood cells (RBC's) in the blood.

Purpura

A condition characterized by hemorrhages in the tissues, causing the appearance of purplish spots.

Solvent

A liquid that can dissolve other substances.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can become specialized cells in the body.

Stenosis

Occurs when the heart valve flaps are stiff or fused together, thus narrowing the valve.

Syncope

Fainting or loss of consciousness and postural tone caused by diminished blood flow to the brain.

Thrombus

A blood clot that blocks the flow of blood.

Valvulitis

An inflammatory condition of a valve that results in valve stenosis and obstructed blood flow; caused most commonly by rheumatic fever, bacterial endocarditis, or syphilis.

Viscosity

Resistance to flow; the thicker the liquid, the higher the viscosity.

Whole Blood

Plasma and the formed elements of blood in a free-flowing liquid form.