CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS: KEY TERMS

Question 1

The removal of a part, as by incision; eradication

Answer 1

ablation

Question 2

Variation from the normal rhythm, especially of the heartbeat

Answer 2

arrhythmia / dysrhythmia

Question 3

Rapid, irregular, and ineffective contractions of the atria

Answer 3

atrial fibrillation

Question 4

Compression of the heart caused by collection of fluid in the pericardial sac

Answer 4

cardiac tamponade

Question 5

Disease of the myocardium, especially due to primary disease of the heart muscle

Answer 5

cardiomyopathy

Question 6

A mild electrical shock delivered to the heart at a specific time in the cardiac cycle to interrupt the abnormal rhythm and begin a new, normal rhythm of electrical impulse and contraction

Answer 6

cardioversion

Question 7

An escape of fluid into a part or tissue, as an exudation or transudation

Answer 7

effusion

Question 8

The percentage of the filling volume pumped out with ventricular contraction

Answer 8

ejection fraction

Question 9

An inflammation of the membrane lining the cavities of the heart and of the connective tissue bed on which it lies

Answer 9

endocarditis

Question 10

A high-pitched, scratchy sound heard with the diaphragm of the stethoscope placed at the lower left sternal border of the chest; a symptom of pericarditis

Answer 10

friction rub

Question 11

A localized area of necrosis produced by ischemia caused by obstructed arterial supply or inadequate venous drainage

Answer 11

infarct

Question 12

A rapid, violent, or throbbing pulsation, as an abnormally rapid throbbing or fluttering of the heart

Answer 12

palpitations

Question 13

The surgical procedure of the pericardial cavity for aspiration of fluid

Answer 13

pericardiocentesis

Question 14

The surgical incision of the pericardium

Answer 14

pericardiotomy

Question 15

A drop in systolic blood pressure of greater than 10 mmHg on inspiration

Answer 15

pulsus paradoxus

Question 16

Exertional chest pain caused by ischemia of the heart muscle and increased demand for oxygen

Answer 16

angina pectoris

Question 17

A disease process in which fibrinous plaques are laid down on the inner walls of the arteries, thus narrowing the lumens of the vessels and predisposing them to the development of intravascular clots

Answer 17

atherosclerosis

Question 18

Surgery in which a blood vessel is grafted onto the coronary artery to improve blood flow

Answer 18

coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

Question 19

Decreased or insufficient blood flow in the coronary arteries

Answer 19

coronary insufficiency

Question 20

A tubular device to give support to the interior of a vessel or tube, preventing collapse

Answer 20

stent

Question 21

Occurrance of a localized area of dead tissue produced by inadequate blood flow

Answer 21

infarction

Question 22

Necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area

Answer 22

myocardial infarction (MI)

Question 23

The changes that occur as a result of death of cells; caused by enzymatic degradation

Answer 23

necrosis