Key Terms
What is a red blood cell; contains the protein (hemoglobin) that carries oxygen in the blood?
Erythrocytes
What is a substance that can prompt an immune response?
Antigen
What is a physician who diagnoses and treats heart conditions?
Cardiologist
What is a blood clot or loosened plaque that travels from its original site and can block blood f low?
Embolus
What is a condition in which the heart muscle is damaged and is no longer able to pump effectively; causes blood to back up in various parts of the body?
Congestive heart failure
What is white blood cell; capable of producing antibodies and destroying pathogens?
Leukocyte
What is designation based on the presence or absence of specific antigens on a person’s red blood cells; A, B, AB, and O are the most common blood types?
Blood type
What is a physician who diagnoses and treats disorders of the blood?
Hematologist
What is a condition in which an embolus blocks a coronary artery, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle supplied by that vessel?
Ischemia
What is mucus coughed up from the lungs?
Sputum
What is part of the formed elements of blood; plays a role in blood clotting; also called platelet?
Thrombocyte
What is the stopping of a flow of blood?
Hemostasis
What is a condition that occurs when the arteries that supply the heart muscle become narrowed, thickened, and hardened by the buildup of fatty deposits?
Coronary artery disease (CAD)
What is chest pain, pressure, or discomfort?
Angina
What is difficult or abnormal heart rhythm; includes rhythms that are too fast, too slow, or originate in an area of the heart other than the sinoatrial node; sometimes commonly called arrhythmia?
Dysrhythmia
What is a type of white blood cell that plays a role in boosting the body’s immune system?
Lymphocyte
What is injury in a blood vessel?
Vasoconstriction
What is a hardening and narrowing of the blood vessels?
Atherosclerosis
What is a condition in which the muscular layer of the heart is either enlarged or stretched out, making the heart unable to pump effectively?
Cardiomyopathy
What is a common dysrhythmia that occurs when multiple sites fire in the atria; can cause blood to pool in the heart?
Atrial fibrillation
What is a protein made by the body to protect against foreign substances?
Antibody
What is a substance in the body that speeds up a specific reaction?
Enzyme
What is high cholesterol?
Hypercholesterolemia
What is fluid buildup in the lungs; can interfere with gas exchange?
Pulmonary edema
What is a dysrhythmia that occurs when multiple sites in the ventricles are firing at a very fast rate; can be lethal and requires immediate intervention?
Ventricular fibrillation