CARDIOVASCULAR

aorta

- The largest artery. It receives blood from the left ventricle and branches to all parts of the body

- (root aort/o)

aortic valve

- The semilunar valve at the entrance to the aorta

apex

- The point of a cone-shaped structure

- (adjective, apical)

- The apex of the heart is formed by the left ventricle. It is inferior and pointed toward the left

artery

- A vessel that carries blood away from the heart

- All except the pulmonary and umbilical arteries carry oxygenated blood

- (root arter, arteri/o)

arteriole

- A small artery

- (root arteriol/o)

atrioventricular (AV) node

- A small mass in the lower septum of the right atrium that passes impulses from the sinoatrial (SA) node toward the ventricles

AV bundle

- A band of fibers that transmits impulses from the atrioventricular (AV) node to the top of the interventricular septum.

- It divides into the right and left bundle branches, which descend along the two sides of the septum

- the bundle of His

atrium

- An entrance chamber, one of the two upper receiving chambers of the heart

- (root atri/o)

bicuspid valve

- The valve between the left atrium and the left ventricle

- the mitral valve

blood pressure

- The force exerted by blood against the wall of a vessel

bundle branches

- Branches of the AV bundle that divide to the right and left sides of the interventricular septum

capillary

- A microscopic blood vessel through which materials are exchanged between the blood and the tissues

cardiovascular system

- The part of the circulatory system that consists of the heart and the blood vessels

diastole

- The relaxation phase of the heartbeat cycle

endocardium

- The thin membrane that lines the chambers of the heart and covers the valves

epicardium

- The thin outermost layer of the heart wall

functional murmur

- Any sound produced as the heart functions normally

heart

- The muscular organ with four chambers that contracts rhythmically to propel blood through vessels to all parts of the body

- (root cardi/o)

heart sounds

- Sounds produced as the heart functions

- The two loudest sounds are produced by alternate closing of the valves and are designated S₁ and S₂

inferior vena cava

- The large inferior vein that brings blood back to the right atrium of the heart from the lower part of the body

myocardium

- The thick middle layer of the heart wall composed of cardiac muscle

pericardium

- The fibrous sac that surrounds the heart

pulmonary artery

- The vessel that carries blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs

pulmonary circuit

- The system of vessels that carries blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs to be oxygenated and then back to the left side of the heart

pulmonary veins

- The vessels that carry blood from the lungs to the left side of the heart

pulmonic valve

- The semilunar valve at the entrance to the pulmonary artery

pulse

- The wave of increased pressure produced in the vessels each time the ventricles contract

Purkinje fibers

- The terminal fibers of the conducting system of the heart

- They carry impulses through the walls of the ventricles

septum

- A wall dividing two cavities, such as the chambers of the heart

sinoatrial (SA) node

- A small mass in the upper part of the right atrium that initiates the impulse for each heartbeat

- the pacemaker

sphygmomanometer

- An instrument for determining arterial blood pressure

- (root sphygm/o means “pulse”)

- blood pressure apparatus or cuff

superior vena cava

- The large superior vein that brings deoxygenated blood back to the right atrium from the upper part of the body

systemic circuit

- The system of vessels that carries oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to all tissues except the lungs and returns deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart

systole

- The contraction phase of the heartbeat cycle

tricuspid valve

- The valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle

valve

- A structure that keeps fluid flowing in a forward direction

- (root valv/o, valvul/o)

vein

- A vessel that carries blood back to the heart. All except the pulmonary and umbilical veins carry blood low in oxygen

- (root ven, phleb/o)

ventricle

- A small cavity

- One of the two lower pumping chambers of the heart

- (root ventricul/o)

venule - A small vein

vessel -

- A tube or duct to transport fluid

- (root angi/o, vas/o, vascul/o)

lymph

- The thin plasma like fluid that drains from the tissues and is transported in lymphatic vessels

- (root lymph/o)

lymph node

- A small mass of lymphoid tissue along the path of a lymphatic vessel that filters lymph

- (root lymphaden/o)

lymphatic system

- The system that drains fluid and proteins from the tissues and returns them to the bloodstream

- This system also aids in absorption of fats from the digestive tract and participates in immunity

right lymphatic duct

- The lymphatic duct that drains fluid from the upper right side of the body

spleen

- A large reddish-brown organ in the upper left region of the abdomen

- It filters blood and destroys old red blood cells

- (root splen/o)

thoracic duct

- The lymphatic duct that drains fluid from the upper left side of the body and all of the lower portion of the body

thymus gland

- A gland in the upper part of the chest beneath the sternum

- It functions in immunity

- (root thym/o)

tonsils - Small masses of lymphoid tissue located in the region of the throat

cardi/o - heart

cardiomyopathy - any disease of the heart muscle

atri/o - atrium

atriotomy - surgical incision of an atrium

ventricul/o - cavity, ventricle

supraventricular - above a ventricle

valv/o, valvul/o - valve

valvectomy - surgical removal of a valve

cardiogenic - originating in the heart

interatrial - between the atria

ventriculotomy - surgical incision of a ventricle

valvuloplasty - plastic repair of a valve

cardiac - pertaining to the heart

myocardial - pertaining to the myocardium

atrial - pertaining to an atrium

pericardial - pertaining the pericardium

ventricular - pertaining to a ventricle

valvular or valvar - pertaining to a valve

endocarditis - Inflammation of the lining of the heart (usually at a valve)

myocarditis - Inflammation of the heart muscle

pericarditis - Inflammation of the fibrous sac around the heart

cardiology - Study of the heart

cardiomegaly - Enlargement of the heart

interventricular - Between the ventricles

atrioventricular - Pertaining to an atrium and a ventricle

valvotomy or valvulotomy - Surgical incision of a valve

angi/o - vessel

angiopathy - any disease of blood vessels

vas/o, vascul/o - vessel, duct

vasodilation - widening of a blood vessel

arter/o, arteri/o - artery

endarterial - within an artery

arteriol/o - arteriole

arteriolar - pertaining to an arteriole

aort/o - aorta

aortoptosis - aortoptosis

ven/o, ven/i - vein

venous - pertaining to a vein

phleb/o - vein

phlebectasia - dilatation of a vein

Vasospasm - sudden contraction of a vessel

Endarterectomy - removal of the inner lining of an artery

Angioedema - localized swelling caused by changes in vessels

Aortosclerosis - hardening of the aorta

microvascular - pertaining to small vessels

Arteriolitis - inflammation of an arteriole

angiitis or angitis or vasculitis - inflammation of a vessel or vessels

cardiovascular - pertaining to the heart and vessels

arteriorrhexis - rupture of an artery

intra-aortic - within the aorta

phlebitis - inflammation of a vein

angiectomy - Surgical removal of a vessel

angiectasis or hemangiectasis - Dilatation of a vessel

angiogenesis - Formation of a vessel

angioplasty - Plastic repair of a vessel

aortostenosis - Narrowing (-stenosis) of the aorta

arteriotomy - Incision of an artery

intravenous - Within a vein

phlebectomy or venectomy - Excision of a vein

lymph/o - lymph, lymphatic system

lymphoid - resembling lymph or lymphatic tissue

lymphaden/o - lymph node

lymphadenectomy - surgical removal of a lymph node

lymphangi/o - lymphatic vessel

lymphangioma -tumor of lymphatic vessels

splen/o - spleen

splenomegaly - enlargement of the spleen

thym/o - thymus gland

athymia - absence of the thymus gland

tonsill/o - tonsil

tonsillar - pertaining to a tonsil

Lymphedema - swelling caused by obstruction of the flow of lymph

Lymphadenitis - inflammation of a lymph node

Lymphangiogram - an x-ray image (radiograph) of lymphatic vessels

splenic - pertaining to the spleen

Thymectomy - surgical removal of the thymus gland

Tonsillopathy - any disease of the tonsils

CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

aneurysm - A localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, usually an artery, caused by weakness of the vessel wall; may eventually burst

angina pectoris

- A feeling of constriction around the heart or pain that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder, usually brought on by exertion

- caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart

arrhythmia

- Any abnormality in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat

- literally “without rhythm”

- Also called dysrhythmia

atherosclerosis

- The development of fatty, fibrous patches (plaques) in the lining of arteries, causing narrowing of the lumen and hardening of the vessel wall

- Root ather/o means “porridge” or “gruel.”

bradycardia - A slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute

cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

- Sudden damage to the brain resulting from reduction of blood flow

- Causes include atherosclerosis, embolism, thrombosis, or hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm

- commonly called stroke

clubbing

- Enlargement of the ends of the fingers and toes caused by growth of the soft tissue around the nails

- Seen in a variety of diseases in which there is poor peripheral circulation

cyanosis - Bluish discoloration of the skin caused by lack of oxygen

deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Thrombophlebitis involving the deep veins

diaphoresis - Profuse sweating

dissecting aneurysm - An aneurysm in which blood enters the arterial wall and separates the layers

dyslipidemia

- Disorder in serum lipid levels, which is an important factor in development of atherosclerosis

- Includes hyperlipidemia (high lipids), hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides)

dyspnea - Difficult or labored breathing

edema - Swelling of body tissues caused by the presence of excess fluid

embolism - Obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or other matter carried in the circulation

embolus

- A mass carried in the circulation

- Usually a blood clot, but may also be air, fat, bacteria, or other solid matter from within or from outside the body

fibrillation - Spontaneous, quivering, and ineffectual contraction of muscle fibers, as in the atria or the ventricles

heart block - An interference in the conduction system of the heart resulting in arrhythmia

heart failure - A condition caused by the inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood

hemorrhoid - A varicose vein in the rectum

hypertension

- A condition of higher-than-normal blood pressure

infarct - An area of localized necrosis (death) of tissue resulting from a blockage or a narrowing of the artery that supplies the area

ischemia - Local deficiency of blood supply caused by obstruction of the circulation

murmur - An abnormal heart sound

myocardial infarction (MI)

- Localized necrosis (death) of cardiac muscle tissue resulting from blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery that supplies that area

- usually caused by formation of a thrombus (clot) in a vessel

occlusion - A closing off or obstruction, as of a vessel

patent ductus arteriosus - Persistence of the ductus arteriosus after birth

• ductus arteriosus - a vessel that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta in the fetus to bypass the lungs

phlebitis - Inflammation of a vein

plaque - A patch

- With regard to the cardiovascular system, a deposit of fatty material and other substances on a vessel wall that impedes blood flow and may block the vessel. Atheromatous plaque

rheumatic heart disease - Damage to heart valves after infection with a type of streptococcus (group A hemolytic streptococcus)

shock - Circulatory failure resulting in inadequate supply of blood to the heart

• Cardiogenic shock is caused by heart failure

• hypovolemic shock is caused by a loss of blood volume

• septic shock is caused by bacterial infection

stenosis - Constriction or narrowing of an opening

syncope

- A temporary loss of consciousness caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain

- fainting

tachycardia - An abnormally rapid heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute

thrombophlebitis - Inflammation of a vein associated with formation of a blood clot

thrombosis - Development of a blood clot within a vessel

thrombus

- A blood clot that forms within a blood vessel

- (root thromb/o)

varicose vein

- A twisted and swollen vein resulting from breakdown of the valves, pooling of blood, and chronic dilatation of the vessel

- (root varic/o)

- also called varix or varicosity

angioplasty

- A procedure that reopens a narrowed vessel and restores blood flow

- Commonly accomplished by surgically removing plaque, inflating a balloon within the vessel, or installing a device (stent) to keep the vessel open

artificial pacemaker

- A battery-operated device that generates electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart

- It may be external or implanted, may be designed to respond to need, and may have the capacity to prevent tachycardia

cardioversion - Correction of an abnormal cardiac rhythm

- May be accomplished pharmacologically, with antiarrhythmic drugs, or by application of electric current

coronary angiography - Radiographic study of the coronary arteries after introduction of an opaque dye by means of a catheter

coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) - Surgical creation of a shunt to bypass a blocked coronary artery

- The aorta is connected to a point past the obstruction with another vessel or a piece of another vessel, usually the saphenous vein of the leg or the left internal mammary artery

defibrillation - Use of an electronic device (defibrillator) to stop fibrillation by delivering a brief electric shock to the heart

- The shock may be delivered to the surface of the chest or be delivered directly to the heart through wire leads.

echocardiography(ECG) - A noninvasive method that uses ultrasound to visualize internal cardiac structures

electrocardiography - Study of the electrical activity of the heart as detected by electrodes (leads) placed on the surface of the body

- Also abbreviated EKG from the German electrokardiography

lipoprotein - A compound of protein with lipid

- classified according to density as very low density (VLDL), low density (LDL), and high density (HDL)

percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) - Dilatation of a sclerotic blood vessel by means of a balloon catheter inserted into the vessel and then inflated to flatten plaque against the artery wall

lymphoma - Any neoplastic disease of lymphoid tissue

lymphadenitis - Inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes, usually as a result of infection

lymphangiitis

- Inflammation of lymphatic vessels as a result of bacterial infection. Appears as painful red streaks under the skin

- (Also spelled lymphangitis)

lymphedema - Swelling of tissues with lymph caused by obstruction or excision of lymphatic vessels

apex beat - The pulsing of the heart that can be felt over the apex in the fifth left intercostal space (between the ribs) about 8 to 9 cm from the midline

cardiac output - The amount of blood pumped from the right or left ventricle per minute

ductus arteriosus - A vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that bypasses the lungs in fetal circulation

• Failure to close after birth is called patent ductus arteriosus

foramen ovale - An opening between the two atria that allows blood to bypass the lungs in fetal circulation

- Failure to close after birth results in a septal defect

Korotkoff sounds - Arterial sounds heard with a stethoscope during determination of blood pressure with a cuff

perfusion - The passage of fluid, such as blood, through an organ or tissue

precordium - The anterior region over the heart and the lower part of the thorax

- adjective, precordial

pulse pressure - The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure

sinus rhythm - A normal heart rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node

stroke volume - The amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle with each beat

Valsalva maneuver - Bearing down, as in childbirth or defecation, by attempting to exhale forcefully with the nose and throat closed

bruit - An abnormal sound heard in auscultation

cardiac tamponade - Pathologic accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac

coarctation of the aorta - Localized narrowing of the aorta

ectopic beat - A heartbeat that originates from some part of the heart other than the SA node

extrasystole - Premature contraction of the heart that occurs separately from the normal beat and originates from a part of the heart other than the SA node

flutter - Very rapid (200 to 300 beats per minute) but regular contractions, as in the atria or the ventricles

hypotension - A condition of lower-than-normal blood pressure

intermittent claudication - Pain in a muscle during exercise caused by inadequate blood supply. The pain disappears with rest

mitral valve prolapse - Movement of the cusps of the mitral valve into the left atrium when the ventricles contract

occlusive vascular disease - Arteriosclerotic disease of the vessels, usually peripheral vessels

palpitation - A sensation of abnormally rapid or irregular heartbeat

pitting edema - Edema that retains the impression of a finger pressed firmly into the skin

polyarteritis nodosa - Potentially fatal collagen disease causing inflammation of small visceral arteries

- Symptoms depend on the organ affected

Raynaud disease - A disorder characterized by abnormal constriction of peripheral vessels in the arms and legs on exposure to cold

regurgitation - A backward flow, such as the backflow of blood through a defective valve

stasis - Stoppage of normal blood normal flow, as of blood or urine

- Blood stasis may lead to dermatitis and ulcer formation

subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE) - Growth of bacteria in a heart or valves previously damaged by rheumatic fever

tetralogy of Fallot - A combination of four congenital heart abnormalities: pulmonary artery stenosis, interventricular septal defect, displacement of the aorta to the right, right ventricular hypertrophy

thromboangiitis obliterans - Inflammation and thrombus formation resulting in occlusion of small vessels, especially in the legs

- Most common in young men and correlated with heavy smoking. Thrombotic occlusion of leg vessels in young men leading to gangrene of the feet. Patients show a hypersensitivity to tobacco

- Also called Buerger disease

vegetation - Irregular outgrowths of bacteria on the heart valves

- associated with rheumatic fever

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) - A cardiac arrhythmia consisting of tachycardia and a premature ventricular beat caused by an alternate conduction pathway

cardiac catheterization - Passage of a catheter into the heart through a vessel to inject a contrast medium for imaging, diagnosing abnormalities, obtaining samples, or measuring pressure

central venous pressure (CVP) - Pressure in the superior vena cava

cineangiocardiography - The photographic recording of fluoroscopic images of the heart and large vessels using motion picture techniques

Doppler echocardiography - An imaging method used to study the rate and pattern of blood flow

enzyme studies - Measurement of serum levels of enzymes that are released in increased amounts from damaged heart tissue

- These include CK (creatine kinase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), AST (aspartate amino transferase), and ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

heart scan - Imaging of the heart after injection of a radioactive isotope

- The PYP (pyrophosphate) scan using technetium-99m (99mTc) is used to test for myocardial infarction because the isotope is taken up by damaged tissue

• The MUGA (multigated acquisition) scan gives information on heart function

Holter monitor - A portable device that can record up to 24 hours of an individual’s ECG readings during normal activity

homocysteine - An amino acid that at higher-than-normal levels in the blood is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

phlebotomist - Technician who specializes in drawing blood

phonocardiography - Electronic recording of heart sounds

plethysmography - Measurement of changes in the size of a part based on the amount of blood contained in or passing through it

• Impedance plethysmography measures changes in electrical resistance and is used in diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis

pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP) - Pressure measured by a catheter in a branch of the pulmonary artery

- It is an indirect measure of pressure in the left atrium

stress test - Evaluation of physical fitness by continuous ECG monitoring during exercise

• In a thallium stress test, a radioactive isotope of thallium is administered to trace blood flow through the heart during exercise

Swan-Ganz catheter - A cardiac catheter with a balloon at the tip that is used to measure pulmonary arterial pressure. It is flow-guided through a vein into the right side of the heart and then into the pulmonary artery

transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) - Use of an ultrasound transducer placed endoscopically into the esophagus to obtain images of the heart

triglycerides - Simple fats that circulate in the bloodstream

ventriculography - X-ray study of the ventricles of the heart after introduction of an opaque dye by means of a catheter

atherectomy - Removal of atheromatous plaque from the lining of a vessel

- May be done by open surgery or through the lumen of the vessel

automated external defibrillator (AED) - Electronic device that detects arrhythmia and automatically delivers a correct programmed shock

- These devices, used on the scene of a heart attack, can prevent death

commissurotomy - Surgical incision of a scarred mitral valve to increase the size of the valve opening

embolectomy - Surgical removal of an embolus

implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) - A battery-powered device that can shock the heart during fibrillation to restore a normal rhythm

- The ICD is implanted under the collar bone. A lead wire is threaded through the pulmonary artery into the right ventricle

intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) - A mechanical-assist device that consists of an inflatable balloon pump inserted through the femoral artery into the thoracic aorta

- It inflates during diastole to improve coronary circulation and deflates before systole to allow blood ejection from the heart

left ventricular assist device (LVAD) - A pump that takes over the function of the left ventricle in delivering blood into the systemic circuit

- These devices are used to assist patients awaiting heart transplantation or those who are recovering from heart failure.

stent - A small metal device in the shape of a coil or slotted tube that is placed inside an artery to keep the vessel open after balloon angioplasty

angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor - A drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking the formation in the blood of angiotensin II, a substance that normally acts to increase blood pressure

angiotensin II receptor antagonist - A drug that blocks tissue receptors for angiotensin II

antiarrhythmic agent - A drug that regulates the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat

beta-adrenergic blocking agent - Drug that decreases the rate and strength of heart contractions

calcium channel blocker - Drug that controls the rate and force of heart contraction by regulating calcium entrance into the cells

digitalis - A drug that slows and strengthens heart muscle contractions

diuretic - Drug that eliminates fluid by increasing the output of urine by the kidneys

• Lowered blood volume decreases the workload of the heart

hypolipidemic agent - Drug that lowers serum cholesterol

lidocaine - A local anesthetic that is used intravenously to treat cardiac arrhythmias

nitroglycerin - A drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris to dilate coronary vessels

statins - Drugs that act to lower lipids in the blood

- The drug names end with-statin, such as lovastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin.

streptokinase (SK) - An enzyme used to dissolve blood clots

tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) - A drug used to dissolve blood clots

- It activates production of a substance (plasmin) in the blood that normally dissolves clots

vasodilator - A drug that widens blood vessels and improves blood flow

ABBREVIATIONS

ACE - Angiotensin-converting enzyme

AED - Automated external defibrillator

AF - Atrial fibrillation

ALT - Alanine aminotransferase (SGPT)

AMI - Acute myocardial infarction

APC - Atrial premature complex

AR - Aortic regurgitation

AS - Aortic stenosis; arteriosclerosis

ASCVD - Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ASD - Atrial septal defect

ASHD - Arteriosclerotic heart disease

AST - Aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT)

AT - Atrial tachycardia

AV - Atrioventricular

BBB - Bundle branch block (left or right)

BP - Blood pressure

bpm - Beats per minute

CABG - Coronary artery bypass graft

CAD - Coronary artery disease

CCU - Coronary/cardiac care unit

CHD - Coronary heart disease

CHF - Congestive heart failure

C(P)K - Creatine (phospho)kinase

CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CVD - Cardiovascular disease

CVI - Chronic venous insufficiency

CVP - Central venous pressure

DOE - Dyspnea on exertion

DVT - Deep vein thrombosis

ECG (EKG) - Electrocardiogram

HDL - High-density lipoprotein

HTN - Hypertension

IABP - Intra-aortic balloon pump

ICD - Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

IVCD - Intraventricular conduction delay

JVP - jugular venous pulse

LAD - Left anterior descending (coronary artery)

LAHB - Left anterior hemiblock

LDH - Lactic dehydrogenase

LDL - Low-density lipoprotein

LV - Left ventricle

LVAD - Left ventricular assist device

LVEDP - Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure

MI - myocardial infarction

mm Hg - Millimeters of mercury

MR - Mitral regurgitation, reflux

MS - Mitral stenosis

MUGA - Multigated acquisition (scan)

MVP - Mitral valve prolapse

MVR - Mitral valve replacement

NSR - Normal sinus rhythm

P - Pulse

PAC - premature atrial contraction

PAP - Pulmonary arterial pressure

PMI - Point of maximal impulse

PSVT - Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

PTCA - Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

PVC - Premature ventricular contraction

PVD - Peripheral vascular disease

PWP - Pulmonary (artery) wedge pressure

PYP - Pyrophosphate (scan)

S_{1 -} The first heart sound

S_{2 -} The second heart sound

SA - Sinoatrial

SBE - Subacute bacterial endocarditis

SGOT - Serum glutamic oxaloacetic trans aminase (AST)

SK - Streptokinase

SVT - Supraventricular tachycardia

^99MTc - Technetium-99m

TEE - Transesophageal echocardiography

tPA - Tissue plasminogen activator

VAD - Ventricular assist device

VLDL - Very low density lipoprotein

VF - Ventricular fibrillation

VPC - Ventricular premature complex

VSD - Ventricular septal defect

VT - Ventricular tachycardia

VTE - Venous thromboembolism

WPW - Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome