Cardiac Physiology & Systems
The pacemaker that initiates the heartbeat.
What is the SA node?
Chest pain caused by decreased oxygen supply to the heart.
What is angina?
These drugs prevent platelets from sticking together but do NOT prevent DVTs.
What are antiplatelets?
Beta blockers lower blood pressure by blocking this system.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This is the biggest risk with all anticoagulants and antiplatelets.
What is bleeding?
The system responsible for increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
This type of angina is unpredictable and may occur at rest
What is unstable angina?
This common antiplatelet is used daily to prevent MI and stroke.
What is aspirin?
ACE inhibitors prevent the conversion of this substance
What is angiotensin I to angiotensin II?
Patients should use this type of toothbrush
What is a soft bristle toothbrush?
This system increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction and fluid retention
What is the RAAS?
This condition results from complete blockage of coronary blood flow.
What is myocardial infarction (MI)?
This IV medication works quickly and is monitored with aPTT
What is heparin?
Calcium channel blockers work by preventing this ion from entering cells
What is calcium?
Warfarin patients need to increase intake of this vitamin
What is vitamin K?
This is the correct pathway of electrical conduction in the heart.
What is SA → AV → Bundle of His → Bundle branches → Purkinje fibers
Right-sided heart failure commonly leads to this symptom.
What is peripheral edema?
This oral anticoagulant requires INR monitoring.
What is warfarin?
Diuretics lower blood pressure by reducing this.
What is blood volume (preload)?
This is the key teaching for nitroglycerin if chest pain persists after 3 doses.
Call 911 / seek emergency care
This hormone system causes sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume
What is aldosterone (part of RAAS)?
Left-sided heart failure commonly leads to this life-threatening complication.
What is pulmonary edema?
This condition is a dangerous complication of heparin causing low platelets.
What is HIT (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia)?
Sacubitril works by increasing levels of this vasodilating peptide.
What is BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)
This must be checked before giving digoxin.
What is apical pulse? (hold if less than 60)