topic 14

Apical

Related to the apex (tip) of the heart, usually the bottom point.

Aortic stenosis

Narrowing of the aortic valve, making it hard for blood to leave the heart.

Arteriole

A small artery that branches off into capillaries.

Bicuspid (mitral valve)

The two-flap valve between the left atrium and left ventricle.

Femoral artery

Main large artery in the thigh.

Vascular

Anything related to blood vessels.

Venous

Anything related to veins.

Arrhythmia

Abnormal heart rhythm.

Asystole

No heartbeat — flatline.

Bradycardia

Slow heart rate (under 60 bpm).

Cardiomegaly

Enlarged heart.

Cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle that makes it weak or stiff.

Pericarditis

Inflammation of the pericardium (sac around the heart).

Endocarditis

Inflammation of the inner lining and valves of the heart.

Anemia

Low red blood cells or low hemoglobin, causing tiredness.

Erythrocyte

A red blood cell (RBC).

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood made of RBCs.

Hemolysis

Breaking down or destruction of red blood cells.

Leukocyte

A white blood cell (WBC).

Lymphedema

Swelling caused by lymph fluid not draining properly.

Lymphoma

Cancer of lymphatic cells (lymph nodes/immune system).

Angiogram

A picture of blood vessels using dye.

Angiography

The process of taking an angiogram.

Arteriogram

A picture of an artery using dye.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

A test that records the heart's electrical activity.

Phlebotomy

Taking blood from a vein (drawing blood).

Venipuncture

The needle puncture into a vein to draw blood or start an IV.

Angioplasty

Procedure to open a blocked artery (often with a balloon).

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein.

Thrombectomy

Surgical removal of a blood clot.

Thrombophlebitis

A clot in a vein that also causes vein inflammation.

Thrombosis

A blood clot forming inside a vessel.

Splenectomy

Removal of the spleen.

Atherosclerosis

Build-up of fat/plaque inside arteries.

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening or stiffening of arteries.

Hemorrhage

Heavy bleeding.

Ischemia

Not enough blood flow/oxygen to a part of the body.

Septicemia

Serious infection where bacteria are in the blood ("blood poisoning").

Splenomegaly

Enlarged spleen.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessels.

Vasoconstriction

Blood vessels tighten/narrow.

Vasodilation

Blood vessels widen/open.

Venous stasis

Slow or stopped blood flow in the veins.

Intravenous (IV)

Inside a vein.

Hypercalcemia

High calcium level in the blood.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar.