Medical Terminology: Cardiovascular System

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors; therapeutic agents that inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; results in decreased BP; used to treat hypertension, CHF, and stroke.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Acute Coronary Syndromes; conditions caused by myocardial ischemia; conditions include unstable angina and MI.

Conditions caused by myocardial ischemia; conditions include unstable angina and MI.

Automatic External Defibrillator; public defibrillator used for the reversal of ventricular fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation; most common arrhythmia; electrical impulses move randomly throughout the atria, causing the atria to quiver instead of contracting in a coordinated rhythm.

Acute Myocardial Infarction

Local dilation of an arterial wall; usually caused by atherosclerosis and hypertension, or a congenital weakness in the vessel wall.

Vessel

Chest pain resulting from myocardial ischemia.

X-ray record of the size, shape, and location of the heart and blood vessels after introduction of radiopaque contrast.

X-ray imaging of blood vessels after injection of contrast material.

Therapeutic agents that inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II; results in decreased BP; used to treat hypertension, CHF, and stroke.

Absence of oxygen.

Drugs which prevent blood coagulation.

Aorta

Largest artery in the body.

Narrowing of the aorta.

Abnormal heart rhythms; AKA - Dysrhythmias.

Artery

Surgical connection between arteries.

X-ray imaging of arteries after injection of contrast via a catheter into the aorta or an artery.

Small artery.

Disease of the arterial vessels; marked by thickening and loss of elasticity of arterial walls.

Vessel which carries blood away from the heart.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia

Aortic Stenosis; narrowing of the aorta.

Atrial Septal Defect

Yellowish plaque, fatty substance.

Technique using high speed drills to remove atheromatous plaques from arteries.

Fatty thickening of the walls of the larger arteries occurring in atherosclerosis.

Common form of ateriosclerosis; marked by cholesterol-lipid-calcium deposits on the walls of arteries.

Atrium

The two upper chambers of the heart; singular - atrium.

Most common arrhythmia; electrical impulses move randomly throughout the atria, causing the atria to quiver instead of contracting in a coordinated rhythm.

Congenital heart disease resulting in small holes between the atria.

Failure of proper conduction of impulses from the SA node through the AV node to the atrioventricular bundle (Bundle of His); results in bradycardia; AKA - Heart Block.

Specialized muscle fibers which transmit electrical impulses between the atria with the ventricles; AKA - Bundle of His.

Specialized tissue in the wall between the atria; transmits electrical impulses from the SA Node toward the ventricles; AKA - AV Node.

One of two upper chambers of the heart; plural - atria.

Listening to sounds within the body.

Public defibrillator used for the reversal of ventricular fibrillation.

Atrioventricular

Failure of proper conduction of impulses from the SA node through the AV node to the atrioventricular bundle (Bundle of His); results in bradycardia; AKA - Heart Block.

Specialized tissue in the wall between the atria; transmits electrical impulses from the SA Node toward the ventricles; AKA - Atrioventricular Node.

Aortic Valve Replacement

Bundle Branch Block

Aneurysms of small vessels of the brain.

Drugs used to treat angina, hypertension, and arrhythmias; they block the action of epinephrine at receptor sites on cells, slowing the heartbeat and reducing the workload on the heart.

Valve between left atrium and left ventricle; AKA - Mitral Valve.

Pacemaker that treats delays and abnormalities in ventricular contractions.

Brain Natriuretic Peptid; secreted when the heart becomes overloaded, as with CHF; acts as a diuretic.

Measurement of brain natriuretic peptid (BNP) in the blood; identifies patients at risk for major complications after MI and with CHF.

Arm

Heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute.

Abnormal swishing sound heard during auscultation of an artery or organ.

Specialized muscle fibers which transmit electrical impulses between the atria with the ventricles; AKA - Atrioventricular Bundle.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting; replacement of clogged coronary arteries.

Coronary Artery Disease; disease of the arteries surrounding the heart; usually is the result of atherosclerosis.

Drugs used to treat angina and hypertension; dilate blood vessels by blocking the influx of calcium into muscle cells lining the vessels.

Heart

Sudden, unexpected stopping of the heart.

Thin, flexible tube is guided into the heart via a vein or artery; detects pressures and patterns of blood flow in the heart.

Images of the heart are produced with magnetic waves; show aneurysms, cardiac output, and patency of peripheral and coronary arteries.

Artificial implant which overcomes arrhythmias and keeps heart rate normal.

Pressure on the heart caused by fluid in the pericardial space.

Shock resulting from failure of the heart's pumping action.

Enlargement of the heart.

Any disease that affects the heart muscle, diminishing cardiac performance.

Brief discharge of electricity applied across the chest to stop arrythmias; AKA - Defibrillation.

Surgical removal of plaque from the carotid arteries.

Catheterization

Congestive Heart Failure; heart is unable to pump its required amount of blood; more blood enters the heart from the veins than leaves through the arteries.

Creatin Kinase; enzyme found in cardiac muscle (CK-MB), skeletal muscle (CK-MM), and brain (CK-BB); serum levels of CK-MB may dramatically increase in the first 10 to 14 hours after an MI.

Pain, tension, and weakness in a leg after waling has begun, but absence of pain at rest

Coarctation of the Aorta; congenital heart disease resulting in a narrowing of the aorta.

Congenital heart disease resulting in a narrowing of the aorta.

Three-dimensional x-ray images of the heart and coronary arteries using computerized tomography.

Abnormalities in the heart at birth; includes coarctation of the aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, septal defects, and tetralogy of Fallot.

Heart is unable to pump its required amount of blood; more blood enters the heart from the veins than leaves through the arteries.

Heart

Blood vessels that branch from the aorta and carry blood to the heart muscle.

Replacement of clogged coronary arteries.

Disease of the arteries surrounding the heart; usually is the result of atherosclerosis.

Enzyme found in cardiac muscle (CK-MB), skeletal muscle (CK-MM), and brain (CK-BB); serum levels of CK-MB may dramatically increase in the first 10 to 14 hours after an MI.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Computed Tomography Angiography; three-dimensional x-ray images of the heart and coronary arteries using computerized tomography.

Troponin-I; protein released into blood by damaged heart muscle (but not skeletal muscle); highly sensitive and specific indicator of recent MI.

Troponin-T; protein released into blood by both cardiac and skeletal muscle; can be found in blood following injury to heart muscle.

Blue

Bluish skin color indicating diminished oxygen content of the blood.

Blood clot (thromus) forms in a large vein, usually in a lower limb.

Brief discharge of electricity applied across the chest to stop arrythmias; AKA - Cardioversion.

Drug-Eluting Stent; stent coated with polymers that release antiproliferative drugs to prevent scar tissue formation.

Relaxation phase of the heartbeat.

X-ray images of blood vessels produced by video equipment; an initial x-ray is taken, then contrast is injected and a second x-ray is taken.

Drug that treats arrhythmias and strengthens the heartbeat.

Sound waves measure movement of blood flow.

Stent coated with polymers that release antiproliferative drugs to prevent scar tissue formation.

Digital Subtraction Angiography; x-ray images of blood vessels produced by video equipment; an initial x-ray is taken, then contrast is injected and a second x-ray is taken.

Combines Doppler and conventional ultrasound; measures speed of blood flow and gives an image of the vessel.

Deep Vein Thrombosis; blood clot (thromus) forms in a large vein, usually in a lower limb.

Abnormal heart rhythms; AKA - Arrhythmias.

Electron Beam Computed Tomography; electron beams and CT identify calcium deposits in and around coronary arteries.

Electron Beam Computed Tomography; electron beams and CT identify calcium deposits in and around coronary arteries.

Electrocardiogram; record of electricity flowing through the heart.

Echocardiography; echoes generated by high-frequency sound waves produce images of the heart

Echoes generated by high-frequency sound waves produce images of the heart

Ejection Fraction; measurement of the amount of blood that pumps out of the heart with each beat.

Measurement of the amount of blood that pumps out of the heart with each beat.

Record of electricity flowing through the heart.

Electron beams and CT identify calcium deposits in and around coronary arteries.

Clot or other substance that travels to a distinct location and suddenly blocks a blood vessel; plural - embolus.

Clot or other substance that travels to a distinct location and suddenly blocks a blood vessel; plural - emboli.

Surgical removal of plaque from the inner layer of an artery.

Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart caused by bacteria (bacterial endocarditis).

Inner lining of the heart.

Innermost lining of blood vessels.

Hypertention with no identifiable cause.

Exercise Tolerance Test; also known as a stress test, it determines the heart's response to physical exertion.

Exercise Tolerance Test combined with a radioactive tracer scan.

Also known as a stress test, it determines the heart's response to physical exertion.

Heart-lung machine diverts blood from the heart and lungs while the heart is repaired.

Rapid, random, inefficient, and irregular contractions of the atria and/or ventricles.

Rapid, but regular contractions (usually of the atria); heart rate may reach 300 beats per minute.

High-Density Lipoprotein; high blood levels are associated with lower incidence of coronary artery disease.

Failure of proper conduction of impulses from the SA node through the AV node to the atrioventricular bundle (Bundle of His); results in bradycardia; AKA - AV Block.

Varicose veins near the anus.

Anticoagulant drug.

High blood levels are associated with lower incidence of coronary artery disease.

ECG device worn fro 24 hours to detect cardiac arrhythmias.

Hypertension; high blood pressure; 140/90 Hg or greater is considered high in adults.

An excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood.

High blood pressure; 140/90 Hg or greater is considered high in adults.

Inadequate oxygen in tissues.

Intra-Aortic Ballon Pump; used to support patients in cardiogenic shock.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator; implant which gives a brief discharge of electricity to stop arrythmias; used for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death from ventricular dysrhythmias.

Implant which gives a brief discharge of electricity to stop arrythmias; used for patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death from ventricular dysrhythmias.

Area of tissue in an organ or part that undergoes necrosis following cessation of blood supply.

Death of tissue that results from deprivation of blood supply.

Wall dividing the right and left atria.

Cramping or pain in leg muscles brought on by walking or exercise.

Wall dividing the right and left ventricles.

Used to support patients in cardiogenic shock.

Temporary deficiency of blood flow to an organ or tissue.

Left Anterior Descending (coronary artery)

Low-Density Lipoprotein

Booster pump implanted in the abdomen with a cannula to the left ventricle; pumps blood out of the heart to all parts of the body.

Congestive heart failure of the left side of the heart; results in blood accumulating in the lungs, causing pulmonary edema.

Measurement of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood; high levels of lipids are associated with atherosclerosis.

Lipoproteins are physically separated from the blood.

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin

Left Ventricular Assist Device; booster pump implanted in the abdomen with a cannula to the left ventricle; pumps blood out of the heart to all parts of the body.

Left Ventricle Hypertrophy

Type of MRI which gives highly detailed images of blood vessels.

Myocardial Infarction; loss of living heart muscle as a result of coronary artery occlusion.

Narrowing of the mitral valve; in adults, previous rheumatic carditis is the principle cause.

Valve between left atrium and left ventricle; AKA - Bicuspid Valve.

Improper closure of the mitral valve.

Mitral Regurgitation

Inflammation of the mitral valve; commonly caused by rheumatic fever.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography; type of MRI which gives highly detailed images of blood vessels

Abnormal heart sound; caused by improper closure of the heart valves.

Mitral Valve Prolapse; improper closure of the mitral valve.

Loss of living heart muscle as a result of coronary artery occlusion.

Middle layer of the heart.

Mucus

Benign tumor composed of mucous connective tissue; most often occurs in the left atrium.

Death of cells, tissue, or organs.

Drugs used in the treatment of angina; they dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow and oxygen to myocardial tissue.

Drug which is a powerful vasodilator; increased coronary blood flow and lowers BP.

Heart rhythm originating in the SA node, with a resting rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Non-ST Elevateion Myocardial Infarction

Normal Sinus Rhythm; heart rhythm originating in the SA node, with a resting rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Closure of a blood vessel.

Oxygen

Uncomfortable sensations in the chest related to cardiac arrhythmias, such as PVCs.

Open

Congenital heart disease; duct between aorta and pulmonary artery remains open (normally closes soon after birth).

Premature Atrial Contraction

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention; balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a coronary artery to open the artery; stents are then put in place to open clogged arteries.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus; congenital heart disease; duct between aorta and pulmonary artery remains open (normally closes soon after birth).

Inflammation of the pericardium; in most instances, pericarditis results from disease elsewhere in the body.

Balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a coronary artery to open the artery; stents are then put in place to open clogged arteries.

Pericardium

Scraping or grating noise heard on auscultation of the heart; it is suggestive of pericarditis.

Surgical puncture to remove fluid from the pericardial space surrounding the heart.

Double-layered membrane surrounding the heart.

Blockage of blood vessels outside the heart; signs include intermittent absence of pain in a leg at rest, but pain and weakness after walking has begun.

Position Emission Tomography (PET) Scan; images show blood flow and myocardial function following uptake of radioactive substances

Small, pinpoint hemorrhages.

Vein

Surgical opening of a vein to withdraw blood.

Vegetable in origin; decrease blood cholesterol.

Images show blood flow and myocardial function following uptake of radioactive substances.

Contraction of the cardiac ventricle prior to the normal time; caused by an electrical impulse arising from a site other than the SA Node; three or more PVCs in a row constitute ventricular tachycardia.

Artery carrying oxygen-poor blood from the heart to the lungs.

Narrowing or obstruction of the pulmonary artery.

Flow of blood from the heart to the lungs, and back to the heart.

Blood and fluid accumulating in the lungs.

Embolism which travels to the lungs.

Valve between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.

One of two pairs of vessels carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.

Premature Ventricular Contraction; contraction of the cardiac ventricle prior to the normal time; caused by an electrical impulse arising from a site other than the SA Node; three or more PVCs in a row constitute ventricular tachycardia.

Peripheral Vascular Disease; blockage of blood vessels outside the heart; signs include intermittent absence of pain in a leg at rest, but pain and weakness after walking has begun.

Minimally invasive treatment for arrhythmias; destroys tissue causing arrhythmias.

Recurrent episodes of pallor and cyanosis primarily in fingers and toes; cause is unknown.

Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation; minimally invasive treatment for arrhythmias; destroys tissue causing arrhythmias.

Heart disease caused by rheumatic fever; results from a childhood disease that follows a streptococcal infection; heart valves can be damaged by inflammation and scarred so that they do not open and close normally.

Congestive heart failure of the right side of the heart; results in fluid accumulating in the abdominal organs (liver and spleen) and subcutaneous tissues of the legs.

Specialized nerve tissue in the right atrium that starts the heartbeat; AKA - Sinoatrial Node.

Sudden Cardiac Death

ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Substernal Chest Pain

Shortness of Breath

Animal in origin, such as milk, butter, and meats; increase blood cholesterol.

Hypertention caused by another associated lesion, such as glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, or a disease of the adrental glands.

Walls dividing cavities; singular - septum.

Holes in the septa between atria or ventricles.

Wall dividing a cavity; plural - septa.

Tests which measure chemicals in the blood as evidence of an MI; substances tested for include creatine kinase (CK), troponin-I (cTnI), and troponin-T (cTnT).

Circulatory failure associated with inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues.

Specialized nerve tissue in the right atrium that starts the heartbeat; AKA - SA Node.

Pulse

Instrument used to measure BP.

Angina which is predictable and occurs with exertion.

Drugs which lower blood cholesterol levels.

Chest

Enzyme produced by certain strains of streptococci that is used as a clot-busting agent.

Blood flow from body tissue to the heart and then from the heart to the body tissues.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Contraction phase of the heartbeat.

Pulse rate greater than 100 beats per minute.

Technetium 99m sestamibi is injected intravenously and taken up in cardiac tissue, where it is detected by scanning; used to assess the amount of damaged heart muscle; also used in exercise tolerance tests.

Transesophageal Echocardiography; transducer is placed in the esophagus to provide ultrasound and Doppler information.

Congenital malformation of the heart involving four distinct defects: (1) pulmonary artery stenosis, (2) ventricular septal defect, (3) shift of the aorta to the right, and (4) hypertrophy of the right ventricle; infants with this condition are called "blue babies" because of extreme cyanosis.

Transposition of the Great Arteries; congenital defect where the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle and the aorta arises from the right ventricle.

Concentration of a radioactive Thallium 201 is measured in the myocardium; show viability of the heart muscle.

Vibration felt on touching the body over an area of turmoil in blood flow (as in a blocked artery).

Clot

Breaking up of a thrombus.

Drugs injected into the bloodstream to dissolve clots in patients with coronary thrombosis; examples include tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and streptokinase.

Inflammation of a vein in conjunction with the formation of a thrombus; usually occurs in the extremities, most frequently in a leg.

Blocking of a coronary artery by a clot.

Enzyme produced in the lab by Escherichia coli for use in treatment of thrombosis, especially MI.

Tissue Plasminogen Activator; enzyme produced in the lab by Escherichia coli for use in treatment of thrombosis, especially MI.

Transducer is placed in the esophagus to provide ultrasound and Doppler information.

Congenital defect where the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle and the aorta arises from the right ventricle.

Valve between right atrium and right ventricle; has three leaflets (cusps).

Protein released into blood by damaged heart muscle (but not skeletal muscle); highly sensitive and specific indicator of recent MI.

Protein released into blood by both cardiac and skeletal muscle; can be found in blood following injury to heart muscle.

Angina which occurs more often with less exertion.

Cutting through a valve; AKA - Valvulotomy.

Cutting through a valve; AKA - Valvotomy.

Valve

Surgical repair of a valve, especially a cardiac valve.

Abnormally swollen and twisted veins, usually in the legs; caused by damaged valves that fail to prevent backflow of blood.

Vessel

Constriction of the veins.

Dilation of the veins.

Lesions (resembling cauliflower) resulting from damage to the heart valves from infection or trauma; can break off into the bloodstream as emboli.

Vein

Largest vein in the body; return blood to the right atrium.

Puncture of a vein; typically to obtain a blood sample.

One of two lower chambers of the heart.

Electrical impulses move randomly throughout the ventricles causing them to quiver, rather than contract rhythmically; can be interrupted by cardioversion.

Three or more PVCs in a row, occuring at a heart rate of 100 to 250 beats per minute.

Ventricular Septal Defect

Congenital heart disease resulting in small holes between the ventricles.

Small vein.

Ventricular Fibrillation; electrical impulses move randomly throughout the ventricles causing them to quiver, rather than contract rhythmically; can be interrupted by cardioversion.

Ventricular Tachycardia; three or more PVCs in a row, occuring at a heart rate of 100 to 250 beats per minute.