Medical Terminology and Cardiology: ECG, Heart Anatomy, and Blood Pressure

fifth intercostal space on the left midclavicular line

V4

Horizontal to V4 at midaxillary line

V6

Horizontal to V4 at left anterior axillary line

V5

Fourth intercostal space at left margin of sternum

V2

Fourth intercostal space at right margin of sternum

V1

Midway between V2 and V4

V3

Tricuspid valve location

between right atrium and ventricle

Lead arrangement for lead II

RA and LL

Lead arrangement for lead III

LA and LL

Lead arrangement for aVL

LA and (RA-LA)

Lead arrangement for lead I

RA and LA

Lead arrangement for aVF

LL and (RA-LA)

Lead arrangement for aVR

RA and (RA-LA)

Holter monitor electrode attachment location

chest wall

First part of the cardiac cycle

atrial depolarization

Blood flows out from the

left ventricle

ECG lead recording voltage difference between left arm and left leg

lead III

Records heart's voltage difference between left leg electrode and central point

aVF

Tricuspid valve

located between the right atrium and ventricle

Hypertension

blood pressure consistently elevated above 140/90

Heart failure

condition in which the heart pumps too weakly to supply the body with blood

Phlebitis

localized inflammation of a vein

Holter monitor

ECG electrodes attached to a patient's chest wall

Bipolar leads

attached to upper outer arms and inner lower calves

Atrial depolarization

first part of the cardiac cycle

Capillary walls

thin, one-cell structures

Left ventricle

blood flows out from the left ventricle and into the aorta

Lead III

records the voltage difference between the left arm and the left leg

aVF

records the heart's voltage difference between the left leg electrode and a central point between the right arm and left arm

Stroke and kidney damage

foremost contributing factor is hypertension

ECG electrode connectors placement on lower leg

Point up

Blood flow source into the aorta

Left ventricle

Capillary

The walls are thin, one-cell structures.

What are ECG leads used for?

Monitoring heart activity and diagnosing conditions.

Why is lead placement important in ECG?

Incorrect placement can cause inaccurate readings.

Where is lead V4 placed?

Fifth intercostal space on the left midclavicular line.

What do bipolar leads measure?

The voltage difference between two points.

Which limbs are involved in bipolar lead III?

Left arm and left leg.

What does a Holter monitor do?

Continuously records the heart’s rhythms for 24–48 hours.

Where are Holter monitor electrodes placed?

On the chest wall.

Why is lead matching important?

Helps interpret ECG results correctly.

What is included in the cardiac cycle?

Atrial depolarization and ventricular depolarization.

Where does blood flow from the left ventricle?

Into the aorta.

What is hypertension defined as?

Consistently elevated blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg.

What can hypertension lead to?

Serious health issues such as stroke.

What is heart failure?

When the heart cannot pump effectively, causing inadequate blood supply.

What is the structure of capillaries?

Thin, one-cell walls for gas and nutrient exchange.

Where is the tricuspid valve located?

Between the right atrium and right ventricle.

What is the function of atrioventricular valves?

Prevent backflow during heart contractions.

What are the atrioventricular valves?

Tricuspid and mitral valves.

What are the semilunar valves?

Aortic and pulmonary valves.

What is phlebitis?

Inflammation of a vein.

What is thrombophlebitis?

Vein inflammation with clot formation.

Why is medical terminology important?

Enables effective communication in healthcare.

What does cardi/o mean?

Heart.

What does phleb/o mean?

Vein.

What does angi/o mean?

Vessel.

What does thromb/o mean?

Clot.

What does atri/o mean?

Atrium.

What serious conditions can hypertension cause?

Stroke and kidney damage.

Why is understanding hypertension important?

Necessary for diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

Bipolar Leads

ECG leads that measure the voltage difference between two points on the body

Intercostal Space

Spaces between the ribs where ECG leads are placed for monitoring

Aorta

The main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body