Cardiac Catheterization and Congenital Heart Defects Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and symptoms related to cardiac catheterization, congenital heart defects, and associated cardiovascular disorders.

Cardiac Catheterization

A procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, usually performed through the femoral route.

ASD

Atrial Septal Defect, a congenital heart defect where there is a hole in the wall between the heart's upper chambers.

VSD

Ventricular Septal Defect, a congenital heart defect characterized by a hole in the wall separating the heart's lower chambers.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, causing a mix of oxygen-rich and poor blood.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

A congenital heart defect comprising four specific heart conditions, which leads to insufficient blood flow to the lungs.

Coarctation of Aorta (COA)

A condition involving narrowing of the aorta, leading to decreased blood flow to the lower body.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

A condition where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs typically resulting from heart failure.

Digoxin

A medication used to increase the force of cardiac contractions and control heart rate in conditions like heart failure.

Stenosis

Narrowing of a valve or blood vessel that obstructs blood flow.

Regurgitation

A condition wherein blood leaks backward through a valve.

Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)

A common type of arrhythmia characterized by inadequate atrial contraction, increasing stroke risk.

Atrial Flutter

Atypical atrial contraction that appears as 'saw-toothed waves' on ECG, treated similarly to A-Fib.

Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)

A fast heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, which can be life-threatening.

Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib)

A severe arrhythmia that results in uncoordinated contraction of the ventricles, leading to cardiac arrest.

INR (International Normalized Ratio)

A laboratory measurement used to determine the coagulation status of a patient on anticoagulation therapy.

Hyperkalemia

An elevated potassium level in the blood, which can affect cardiac rhythms.

Amiodarone

An antiarrhythmic medication used to treat various types of arrhythmias, including A-Fib and V-Tach.

Prostaglandin E1

A medication used to keep the ductus arteriosus open in certain congenital heart defects.

Osler Nodes

Painful red lesions that appear on the fingers and toes, often associated with endocarditis.