Medical Terminology
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate (below 60 BPM)
What is angina pectoris?
Chest pain
Sinus Tachycardia
A fast sinus rhythm with normal characteristics and a rate greater than 100 BPM.
What are capillaries?
Very small blood vessels where exchanges occur. The exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, and waste occur between the blood and the cells.
Homeostasis
A state of balance and stability within the systems of the body
What is arteriosclerosis?
Hardening and thickening of blood vessels due to plaque build up
Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs)
Rhythm: irregular
P Wave: absent
Occurs when ventricles become irritable
What are the coronary arteries responsible for?
Supplying the myocardium with oxygen and nutrients
Dyspnea
Shortness/difficulty breathing
Condition where a blood clot forms in the veins of the legs and sometimes even in the arms or pelvis.
Deep Vein Thrombus (DVT)
Asystole
No electrical activity within heart. Also called a flatline.
What and where is the sinoatrial node (SA)?
Located in the upper right atrium and responsible for electrical conduct of the heart. Known as the "pacemaker" of the cardiovascular system. Allows for 60-100 BPM.
Ischemia
Lack of oxygen to tissue
What is congestive heart failure?
Occurs when the heart is not working properly. Can be right or left sided.
Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib)
Rate: uncontrolled greater than 100 BPM and controlled 60 - 100 BPM
Rhythm: irregular
P Wave: not visible
PR: Not measurable
QRS: less than 0.12
Name the four major heart valves.
Tricuspid, pulmonary, bicuspid, and aortic
Systole
Contraction phase of heart
A condition where clots travel to the lungs
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
What is Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib) and what should you do if a patient has it?
Rate: not measurable
Rhythm: chaotic
P Wave: not visible
PR: not measurable
QRS: not measurable
Start CPR!
Why are the ventricles vital to blood flow?
They supply oxygen rich blood to organs and help to remove carbon dioxide. This is why V-fib can be deadly.