Chapter 14 Vocab

Posterior descending artery

One of the primary branches of the right coronary artery, providing blood to the interventricular septum and the posterior wall of the heart

Marginal artery

The branch of the right coronary artery that supplies the walls of the right atrium and the right ventricle

Circumflex artery

One of the primary branches of the left coronary artery, which winds around, supplying blood to the lateral wall of the left ventricle

Left anterior descending artery

one of the primary branches of the left main coronary artery, supplying blood to the anterior and lateral wall of the lower left ventricle

Angina

An oppressive pain or pressure that occurs in the chest when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen due to partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery

Unstable angina

A warning sign that the disease that has been causing angina has worsened. Signs and symptoms are less predictable, last longer, and are more painful than previously experienced

Atherosclerotic plaque

Fatty deposits accumulated due to elevated glucose levels

Neuropathy

Nerve damage that causes vascular and autonomic nervous system problems, with loss of ability to maintain blood pressure and loss or impaired sensation. Common cause of chronic diabetes mellitus

Acute coronary syndrome

This is a broad term that refers to unstable angina, ST-segment elevation MI, and non-ST segment elevation MI. It's usually associated with intracoronary plaque changes or thrombosis, where blood flow is suddenly stopped

ST-segment elevation MI

Classic MI with expected ST-segment deviation and development of pathological Q wave. AKA STEMI

Non-ST segment elevation MI

A type of heart attack in which the classic signs aren't present. Caused by the incomplete occlusion of a coronary artery

Pathological Q wave

A Q wave that measures 0.04 second or wider in duration and/or is ⅓ or more the height of the R wave in that lead

Sudden cardiac arrest

A condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly, often without warning, due to failure of its electrical system

Cardiogenic shock

Inadequate flow of arterial blood, typically as a result of left heart failure

Pulmonary edema

Abnormal collection of fluid within the pleural space due to congestive heart failure

Rales

Noisy breath sounds during inhalation caused by retained airway secretions. When caused by pulmonary edema, they're heard as very short, soft, bubbling lung sounds

Anorexia

decreased or loss of appetite

Pallor

pale skin

Ascites

Abnormal collection of serous fluid within the abdomen. May occur secondary to congestive heart failure

Cardiac enzymes

Chemicals found in the bloodstream that are indicators of myocardial cell death

IV fluid challenge

Administration of IV fluid to offset the effect of administered medication or to treat hypovolemia. AKA fluid resuscitation

Bolus

A concentrated amount of medication or fluid based upon body weight to be administered over a prescribed short period of time

Volume expander

IV solution administered to fill the fluid volume or replace the space that blood normally takes up

Coronary angiography

An x-ray visualization of the coronary vessels after a radiopaque dye is injected into the patient

Thrombolytic agent

Medications administered intravenously that possess the ability to lyse or dissolve a clot

Fibrinolytic agent

Medications administered to break down the fibrin in a blood clot, essentially dissolving it

Angioplasty

A minimally invasive procedure performed to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels

Restenosis

The return of a blood vessel to a blocked state

Stent

A matrix of crisscrossed metal that forms a small tube to help keep an artery open after angioplasty

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Surgical intervention performed by taking a grafted or transplanted blood vessel and attaching it to the heart at a point beyond an occluded coronary artery to reestablish blood flow. (AKA CABG)

Hypercoagulopathy

An increased ability of the blood to form clots

Enhanced external counter pulsation

Treatment for chronic angina patients who do not have other options due to health status. This is performed 5 days a week for several weeks, with the intent of developing collateral blood vessels, essentially creating a natural bypass around narrowed or blocked arteries. (AKA EECP)

Collateral blood vessels

Small blood vessels that develop, forming a natural bypass to a region of tissue

Left ventricular assist device

A mechanical battery-powered device that is surgically implanted in a patient's chest to help the left ventricle pump blood throughout the body

Diagonal artery

A branch of the left anterior descending artery that supplies blood to the anterior and lateral wall of the lower left ventricle

Levine sign

Named after a cardiologist, this sign is seen with ischemic heart pain. It is demonstrated in patients through holding a clenched fist over the chest