Overview of the Cardiovascular System and Cardiac Assessment

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the cardiovascular system, cardiac assessment, and cardiovascular disorders as outlined in the lecture notes.

Cardiovascular System

Responsible for pumping and circulating blood throughout the body.

Heart

A cone-shaped muscular organ that pumps blood, consisting of four chambers.

Atria

The two upper chambers of the heart; the right atrium and left atrium.

Ventricles

The two lower chambers of the heart; the right ventricle and left ventricle.

Sinoatrial Node (SA Node)

The pacemaker of the heart located in the right atrium that generates electrical impulses.

Atrioventricular Node (AV Node)

Located at the junction of atria and ventricles; delays impulses for ventricular filling.

Bundle of His

Conducts impulses from the AV node into the ventricles.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels that allow the exchange of gases, nutrients, and wastes.

Blood

The fluid that circulates in the cardiovascular system, consisting of red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Palpitations

Awareness of the heart beating, which can be related to various cardiovascular issues.

Edema

Swelling caused by excessive fluid retention in tissues.

Auscultation

Listening to heart sounds through a stethoscope to assess cardiac function.

Angina Pectoris

Chest pain resulting from decreased blood flow to the heart muscle.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Sudden restriction of blood supply to a portion of the heart causing ischemia and tissue death.

Hypertension

Persistently high blood pressure, with readings equal to or greater than 140 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic.

Troponin

A protein complex released when the heart muscle is damaged; used as a cardiac biomarker.

Echocardiogram

A non-invasive ultrasound test that visualizes the heart's structure and function.

Cardiac Catheterization

An invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a catheter into the heart.

Critical Lab Values

Specific laboratory values that indicate possible cardiac issues, such as potassium and troponin levels.