Heart Termonology Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the largest artery of the body?
the aorta
What is the function of the aorta?
to supply oxygenated blood to the circulatory system
What is blood pressure?
The pressure of blood against the inner walls of the blood vessels.
What numbers are considered normal within the range for blood pressure?
numbers of less than 120/80mmHg
What is hypertension/hypotension?
hypertension - high blood pressure
hypotension - low blood pressure
How is blood pressure recorded?
first number - systolic blood pressure (indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats)
second number - diastolic blood pressure (indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls between beats)
What is arteriosclerosis?
arteriosclerosis is a type of blood vessel disease, where the walls of the artery thicken, harden, and become inflexible.
What is atherosclerosis?
atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls
What is the difference between arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis?
Arteriosclerosis is a type of disease, and atherosclerosis is just the presence of substances.
What is congestive heart failure?
CHF is a weakness of the heart that leads to a buildup of fluid in the lungs/surrounding body tissues - as a result, the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should
How does a heart attack happen?
a heart attack is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, which can cause parts of the heart to die.
What is a stent?
a stent is a small mesh tube thaat tyically is used to hold open passages in the body, such as weak or narrow arteries
What is bypass surgery?
it’s a surgery that creates a new path for bloodflow around a blocked or partially blocked artery in the heart
How does a stroke occur?
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
