Cardiac Rhythms, Arrhythmias, and Vascular Conditions

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering cardiac conduction, EKG components, dysrhythmias, infectious/inflammatory heart conditions, and peripheral vascular disorders based on lecture notes.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

The heart's natural pacemaker located in the right atrium that initiates impulses at an approximate rate of $60-100\text{ bpm}$ (noted as approximately $400-100\text{ bpm}$).

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

A node in the cardiac conduction system that introduces a slight delay in impulse to allow the atria to fully contract and empty into the ventricles, beating at approximately $40-60\text{ bpm}$.

Depolarization

The electrical impulse that activates the heart to contract by signaling it to squeeze.

Repolarization

The phase during which the heart muscles relax and refill with blood.

P Wave

The electrocardiogram deflection representing atrial depolarization and contraction.

PR Interval

The interval related to the rate at which the cardiac impulse is transmitted from the SA node to the AV node.

QRS Complex

The waveform on an EKG representing ventricular depolarization and contraction.

ST Segment

The EKG segment that follows ventricular depolarization and occurs prior to the start of ventricular repolarization.

T-Wave

The EKG deflection occurring while ventricular repolarization takes place.

T-Wave Peaking

An EKG waveform alteration associated with hyperkalemia.

T-Wave Inversion

An EKG waveform change caused by an alteration in perfusion, such as cardiac ischemia or pulmonary embolism.

QT Interval

An EKG interval that should not exceed $0.45\text{ sec}$, as prolongation can lead to lethal dysrhythmias like V-tach, V-fib, or PVCs.

Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)

A regular cardiac rhythm characterized by a heart rate between $60-100\text{ bpm}$, uniform upright P-waves preceding every QRS complex, no ST elevation, and no changes in T-waves.

Sinus Bradycardia (SB)

A cardiac rhythm where the SA node signals at a rate of less than $60\text{ bpm}$, presenting major safety concerns regarding client falls.

Sinus Tachycardia (ST)

A rhythm in which the SA node fires impulses at greater than $100\text{ bpm}$, potentially reducing cardiac output and tissue oxygenation if prolonged.

Catheter Ablation

A procedure performed to destroy abnormally excited cardiac cells responsible for an increased heart rate.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC)

Early, wide QRS complexes in the cardiac cycle that are considered benign and medically insignificant when presenting without structural heart disease.

Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)

A dysrhythmia caused by improper firing of the SA node, leading to decreased cardiac output, blood clot formation, and an increased risk of stroke and heart failure.

Atrial Flutter (A-Flutter)

A regular atrial dysrhythmia with an atrial rate ranging from $240-400\text{ bpm}$, caused by rapid impulses sent too quickly for the AV node to process, while the ventricular rate is typically $60-100\text{ bpm}$.

Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib)

A lethal cardiac rhythm with early warning signs that include chest pain/tightness, heart pounding, dizziness, shortness of breath, and sudden cold sweats.

Endocarditis

An infection of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart chambers and valves) frequently caused by bacteria, fungi, or IV drug abuse.

Osler Nodes

Tender nodules on the fingers or toes that present as a sign of endocarditis.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, presenting with sharp pleuritic chest pain relieved by leaning forward, a friction rub, ST-segment elevation, and PR depression.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

A condition in which arterial buildup prevents blood delivery to the extremities, leading to diminished pulses, cool/pale skin, thickened brittle nails, and color changes (pale when elevated, reddish/purple when hanging).

Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)

A vascular condition in which blood cannot move back to the heart, characterized clinically by edema and slow-healing ulcers.