Cardiac Basics
This type of blood vessel carries blood AWAY from the heart.
What are arteries?
Hypertension is often called this because most patients have no symptoms.
What is the silent killer?
This rhythm is known as a flatline
What is asystole?
This side of heart failure causes crackles and pulmonary edema.
What is left-sided heart failure?
Chest pain relieved by rest or nitroglycerin is usually this condition.
What is stable angina?
These tiny blood vessels allow oxygen and nutrient exchange.
What are capillaries?
Smoking, obesity, and poor diet are examples of these types of risk factors.
What are modifiable risk factors?
This rhythm involves atria quivering and increases stroke risk.
What is atrial fibrillation?
This side of heart failure causes peripheral edema and JVD.
What is right-sided heart failure?
This occurs when plaque builds up inside arteries.
What is atherosclerosis?
This test uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the heart.
What is an echocardiogram?
This medication class removes excess fluid from the body.
What are diuretics?
This dangerous rhythm has chaotic ventricular activity and no pulse.
What is ventricular fibrillation?
These medications are commonly used in heart failure to reduce fluid overload.
What are diuretics?
Women having an MI may report these unusual symptoms.
What are nausea, indigestion, fatigue, anxiety, jaw pain, or back pain?
This is the electrical resting phase of the heart.
What is repolarization?
This body system is commonly damaged by uncontrolled hypertension.
What are the kidneys? (Also acceptable: brain, heart, blood vessels)
A heart rate less than 60 bpm is called this.
What is sinus bradycardia?
This medication requires checking the apical pulse before administration.
What is digoxin?
This type of MI involves complete coronary artery blockage and ST elevation.
What is STEMI?
This cardiac study is considered invasive because it enters the blood vessels.
What is cardiac catheterization?
This is the #1 lifestyle change that helps all cardiac patients.
What is stop smoking?
This EKG rhythm has a sawtooth appearance.
What is atrial flutter?
This should be done if a patient’s pulse is below 60 before digoxin administration.
What is hold the medication?
This is the priority action for chest pain radiating to the arm.
What is notify provider/rapid response immediately?