Chapter 1-7 Overview of Hypertension and Cardiac Physiology

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes on cardiovascular physiology and hypertension.

Coarctation of Aorta

A congenital defect in the aorta where it is narrowed after the aortic arch, leading to hypertension in the head and neck and low blood pressure in the lower limbs.

Preeclampsia

Hypertension that occurs in pregnant females due to hormonal changes, resulting in increased risk for hypertension.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones that regulate body metabolism, temperature, and increase sensitivity of adrenergic receptors, leading to potential hypertension in hyperthyroidism.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Hormone that increases blood calcium levels and can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular problems.

General Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension

Includes severe headache, nosebleeds, anxiety, excess sweating, and palpitations.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Medications such as captopril and ramipril used to treat high blood pressure.

Tachyarrhythmia

Frequent abnormal movements of the ventricle, characterized by abnormal QRS complexes instead of normal contraction.

EKG Components

Includes P wave (depolarization of atria), QRS complex (depolarization and contraction of ventricles), and T wave (relaxation phase of ventricles).

Action Potential Phases in the Heart

Five phases including sodium entry, potassium exit, and calcium entry, critical for heart function.

Effective Refractory Period

The phase in which the cell membrane cannot respond to new stimuli after an action potential.

Cushing's Syndrome

A condition characterized by severe hypertension, obesity, and other symptoms related to excess cortisol production.

Hyperthyroidism

A condition causing weight loss, increased metabolism, and symptoms like palpitation and hypertension due to excess thyroid hormone.

Polycythemia

A condition involving increased red blood cell production, often related to increased white blood cells and hypertension.