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Anatomical Terms of Cardiovascular System
accentuated heart sound
More noticeable heart sound
accentuated M1
More noticeable first heart sound produced by the closure of the mitral valve is termed M1
aorta
The largest artery in the body of which major arteries branch off from.
aortic semilunar valve
The valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta
aortic valve
The aortic valve is one of the valves of the heart. It is normally tricuspid (with three leaflets), although in 1% of the population it is found to be congenitally bicuspid (two leaflets). It lies between the left ventricle and the aorta.
arterioles
Smaller branches of artery
atria (singular - atrium)
Upper two chambers of the heart.
atrioventricular bundle
Bundle of fibers that carry cardiac impulses.
atrioventricular node
A section of nodal tissue that delays and relays the cardiac impulses.
basophils
Basophils are an extremely rare type of white blood cell and promote the inflammatory response.
blood
A fluid which is composed of 55% liquid plasma and 45% formed elements
blood gases
The gases which dissolved in the liquid part of the blood. Blood gases include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen
blood pressureA measurement of the amount of pressure exerted against the walls of the vessels
blood types
There are 4 major types of blood groups: A, AB, B, and O
brachiocephalic artery
Carries oxygenated blood from the aorta to the head, neck, and arm region of the body.
brachiocephalic veins
Two large veins that join to form the superior vena cava
bundle of His/ AV bundle or atrioventricular bundle
A collection of heart muscle cells spcialized for electrical conduction that transmits the electrical impulses from the AV node (located between the atria and the ventricles) to the point of the apex of the fascicular branches.
capillary
A capillary is an extremely small blood vessel located within the tissues of the body, that transports blood from arteries to veins.
cardiac
Related to heart.
cardiac apex
The narrow tip of the heart
cardiac conduction
The rate of which the heart conducts electrical impulses.
cardiac cycle
Sequence of events that occurs when the heart beats.
carotid artery
Supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck region of the body.
common iliac artery
Carry oxygenated blood from the abdominal aorta to the legs and feet.
common iliac veins
Veins that join to form the inferior vena cava
conduction system of the heart
The normal intrinsic electrical conduction of the heart allows electrical propagation to be transmitted from the sinoatrial node through both atria and forward to the atrioventricular node.
coronary artery
Carry oxygenated and nutrient filled blood to the heart muscle.
diastole phase
The heart ventricles are relaxed and the heart fills with blood.
diastolic pressure
The blood pressure which occurs when the ventricles are relaxed and is the lowest pressure against the walls of the blood vessel
dupp sound
This sound is heard second and it is shorter and short pitched. It is caused by tge semilunar valves closing in the aorta and the pulmonary arteries
endarterial
Pertaining to the interior or lining of an artery
endocardium
Inner layer of the wall of the heart.
eosinophils
A normal type of white blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow and increase in response to allergic conditions.
epicardium
Outer layer of the wall of the heart.
erythrocytes/red corpuscles
Mature red blood cells
fibrinogen
Clotting protein found in plasma
heart
The organ that helps supply blood and oxygen to all parts of the body.
heart valves
The flap like structures that allow blood to flow in one direction.
hemoglobin
A blood protein that plays an important role in transporting oxygen throughout the body.
inferior vena cava
The large vein that brings the blood from the lower portion of the body
interatrial septum
The wall of tissue that separates the right and left atria of the heart.
interventricular septum
The wall separating the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart from one another.
left fifth interspace
leukocytes
White blood cells whose primary function is fighting diseases in the body.
lubb sound
This sound is caused by the valves closing between the atria and the ventricles
lumen
The channel or opening within the vessel through which blood flows
lymphocytes
A small white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a large role in defending.
macrophages
A type of white blood cell that ingests foreign material.
midclavicular line
A vertical line crossing through the left or right clavicle (bone at front of human shoulder.)
midsternal line
A line in the middle of the sternum (breastbone.)
mitral valve/bicuspid valve
The valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle
monocytes
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that attack bacteria or viruses.
myocardium
Middle layer of the wall of the heart.
neutrophils
Most common type of white blood cells which fight infections by phagocytosis
P wave
P wave is due to the excitation (contraction) of the atria
pacemaker
A heart muscle or small device, which helps to control abnormal heart rhythms.
paradoxical pulse
An noticeable normal variation in the pulse during respiration.
pericardial fluid
The fluid which prevents friction when the heart beats
pericardium
The pericardium is a double membranous sac in which the heart is enclosed.
phagocytosis
The process of engulfing and swallowing up germs
plasma
A straw colored fluid that transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
precordium
The portion of the body over the heart and lower chest.
prothrombin
Clotting protein found in plasma
pulmonary artery
Carry de-oxygenated blood from right ventricle to the lungs.
pulmonary circulation
Circulation of the blood out of the heart from the right ventricle and through the pulmonary arterial system
pulmonary semilunar valve
The valve which is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
pulmonary valve
Prevents the back flow of blood as it pumped from right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
pulmonary veins
Transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart
Pulse
The rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery produced by the pressure of the blood moving through the artery
Purkinje fibers
Fiber branches that extends from the atrioventricular bundle.
QRS complex
Shows excitation (contraction) of the ventricles
reticulocyte
Immature red blood cells that is characterized by a mesh like pattern of threads.
Rh factor
The Rh factor is an antigen (any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it) present in the erythrocytes. A person with the presence of antigen is Rh positive and a person lacking the antigen is Rh negative.
S1
First heart sound
S2
Second heart sound
S3
Third heart sound
S4
Fourth heart sound
serum
A plasma with clotting proteins removed.
sinoatrial node/SA node
A section of node tissue that sets the rate of contraction for the heart.
subclavian artery
Supply oxygenated blood to the arms.
superior vena cava
The large vein that brings the blood from the upper portion of the body
systemic circulation
Circulation of the blood to all parts of the body except lungs
systole phase
The ventricles contract and pump blood to the arteries.
systolic pressure
The blood pressure which occurs when the ventricles contract and is the highest pressure against the walls of the blood vessels.
T wave
T wave is the recovery (relaxation) of the ventricles
thrombocytes/platelets
Smallest formed elements of the blood. They manufactured in bone marrow and plays important role in blood clotting.
tricuspid valve
The valve which control the opening between the right atrium and the right ventricle
venae cavae
Transport de-oxygenated blood from various regions of the body to the heart.
ventricles
Lower two chambers of the heart.
venules
Small veins
More noticeable heart sound
accentuated M1
More noticeable first heart sound produced by the closure of the mitral valve is termed M1
aorta
The largest artery in the body of which major arteries branch off from.
aortic semilunar valve
The valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta
aortic valve
The aortic valve is one of the valves of the heart. It is normally tricuspid (with three leaflets), although in 1% of the population it is found to be congenitally bicuspid (two leaflets). It lies between the left ventricle and the aorta.
arterioles
Smaller branches of artery
atria (singular - atrium)
Upper two chambers of the heart.
atrioventricular bundle
Bundle of fibers that carry cardiac impulses.
atrioventricular node
A section of nodal tissue that delays and relays the cardiac impulses.
basophils
Basophils are an extremely rare type of white blood cell and promote the inflammatory response.
blood
A fluid which is composed of 55% liquid plasma and 45% formed elements
blood gases
The gases which dissolved in the liquid part of the blood. Blood gases include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen
blood pressureA measurement of the amount of pressure exerted against the walls of the vessels
blood types
There are 4 major types of blood groups: A, AB, B, and O
brachiocephalic artery
Carries oxygenated blood from the aorta to the head, neck, and arm region of the body.
brachiocephalic veins
Two large veins that join to form the superior vena cava
bundle of His/ AV bundle or atrioventricular bundle
A collection of heart muscle cells spcialized for electrical conduction that transmits the electrical impulses from the AV node (located between the atria and the ventricles) to the point of the apex of the fascicular branches.
capillary
A capillary is an extremely small blood vessel located within the tissues of the body, that transports blood from arteries to veins.
cardiac
Related to heart.
cardiac apex
The narrow tip of the heart
cardiac conduction
The rate of which the heart conducts electrical impulses.
cardiac cycle
Sequence of events that occurs when the heart beats.
carotid artery
Supply oxygenated blood to the head and neck region of the body.
common iliac artery
Carry oxygenated blood from the abdominal aorta to the legs and feet.
common iliac veins
Veins that join to form the inferior vena cava
conduction system of the heart
The normal intrinsic electrical conduction of the heart allows electrical propagation to be transmitted from the sinoatrial node through both atria and forward to the atrioventricular node.
coronary artery
Carry oxygenated and nutrient filled blood to the heart muscle.
diastole phase
The heart ventricles are relaxed and the heart fills with blood.
diastolic pressure
The blood pressure which occurs when the ventricles are relaxed and is the lowest pressure against the walls of the blood vessel
dupp sound
This sound is heard second and it is shorter and short pitched. It is caused by tge semilunar valves closing in the aorta and the pulmonary arteries
endarterial
Pertaining to the interior or lining of an artery
endocardium
Inner layer of the wall of the heart.
eosinophils
A normal type of white blood cells, which are produced in the bone marrow and increase in response to allergic conditions.
epicardium
Outer layer of the wall of the heart.
erythrocytes/red corpuscles
Mature red blood cells
fibrinogen
Clotting protein found in plasma
heart
The organ that helps supply blood and oxygen to all parts of the body.
heart valves
The flap like structures that allow blood to flow in one direction.
hemoglobin
A blood protein that plays an important role in transporting oxygen throughout the body.
inferior vena cava
The large vein that brings the blood from the lower portion of the body
interatrial septum
The wall of tissue that separates the right and left atria of the heart.
interventricular septum
The wall separating the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart from one another.
left fifth interspace
leukocytes
White blood cells whose primary function is fighting diseases in the body.
lubb sound
This sound is caused by the valves closing between the atria and the ventricles
lumen
The channel or opening within the vessel through which blood flows
lymphocytes
A small white blood cell (leukocyte) that plays a large role in defending.
macrophages
A type of white blood cell that ingests foreign material.
midclavicular line
A vertical line crossing through the left or right clavicle (bone at front of human shoulder.)
midsternal line
A line in the middle of the sternum (breastbone.)
mitral valve/bicuspid valve
The valve located between the left atrium and left ventricle
monocytes
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that attack bacteria or viruses.
myocardium
Middle layer of the wall of the heart.
neutrophils
Most common type of white blood cells which fight infections by phagocytosis
P wave
P wave is due to the excitation (contraction) of the atria
pacemaker
A heart muscle or small device, which helps to control abnormal heart rhythms.
paradoxical pulse
An noticeable normal variation in the pulse during respiration.
pericardial fluid
The fluid which prevents friction when the heart beats
pericardium
The pericardium is a double membranous sac in which the heart is enclosed.
phagocytosis
The process of engulfing and swallowing up germs
plasma
A straw colored fluid that transports nutrients, hormones, and waste products.
precordium
The portion of the body over the heart and lower chest.
prothrombin
Clotting protein found in plasma
pulmonary artery
Carry de-oxygenated blood from right ventricle to the lungs.
pulmonary circulation
Circulation of the blood out of the heart from the right ventricle and through the pulmonary arterial system
pulmonary semilunar valve
The valve which is located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery
pulmonary valve
Prevents the back flow of blood as it pumped from right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
pulmonary veins
Transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart
Pulse
The rhythmic expansion and contraction of an artery produced by the pressure of the blood moving through the artery
Purkinje fibers
Fiber branches that extends from the atrioventricular bundle.
QRS complex
Shows excitation (contraction) of the ventricles
reticulocyte
Immature red blood cells that is characterized by a mesh like pattern of threads.
Rh factor
The Rh factor is an antigen (any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it) present in the erythrocytes. A person with the presence of antigen is Rh positive and a person lacking the antigen is Rh negative.
S1
First heart sound
S2
Second heart sound
S3
Third heart sound
S4
Fourth heart sound
serum
A plasma with clotting proteins removed.
sinoatrial node/SA node
A section of node tissue that sets the rate of contraction for the heart.
subclavian artery
Supply oxygenated blood to the arms.
superior vena cava
The large vein that brings the blood from the upper portion of the body
systemic circulation
Circulation of the blood to all parts of the body except lungs
systole phase
The ventricles contract and pump blood to the arteries.
systolic pressure
The blood pressure which occurs when the ventricles contract and is the highest pressure against the walls of the blood vessels.
T wave
T wave is the recovery (relaxation) of the ventricles
thrombocytes/platelets
Smallest formed elements of the blood. They manufactured in bone marrow and plays important role in blood clotting.
tricuspid valve
The valve which control the opening between the right atrium and the right ventricle
venae cavae
Transport de-oxygenated blood from various regions of the body to the heart.
ventricles
Lower two chambers of the heart.
venules
Small veins
Cardiovascular Disease and Disease Related Terms
anemia
A disorder characterized by lower than normal level of red blood cells in the blood
aneurysm
Bulge in Artery
angiitis/vasculitis
An inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel
angina pectoris
Spasmodic, chocking, or suffocating pain that is usually due to interference with the supply of oxygen to the myocardium
angionecrosis
The necrosis (death) of the walls of blood vessels.
angiospasm
A spasmodic contraction of the blood vessel
angiostenosis
The narrowing of the blood vessle
aortic click
apex beat
aplastic anemia
An absence of all formed blood elements.
area of cardiac dullness
A triangular area of the front of the chest
arrhythmia
A disorder of heart rate or rhythm.
arteriosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries
arteritis
Inflammation of the walls of arteries
atheroma
A characteristic of atherosclerosis, is a plaque (fatty deposit) within the arterial wall
atherosclerosis
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to buildup of cholesterol plaques
atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib)
The most common cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).
atrial filling impulse
atrial gallop
atrial septal defect
Atrial septal defect (ASD) - also known as a "hole in the heart" - is a type of congenital heart disease
auscultation
A term for listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope.
Austin Flint murmur
An Austin Flint murmur is a mid-diastolic or presystolic murmur low- pitched rumbling murmur which is best heard at the cardiac apex
backflow
Action of flowing back
bacterial endocarditis
An inflammation of the inner lining of the heart caused by bacteria
bigeminy
The occurrence of two beats of the pulse or two heartbeats in rapid succession.
Bishop’s nod (Musset (de Musset) sign)A visible nodding of the head in time with arterial pulsation
blood dyscrasias
The pathologic conditions or disorders such as leukemia or hemophilia in which the constituents of the blood are abnormal or are present in abnormal quantity
blowing murmur
bradyarrhythmia
Slowness of the heartbeat
bradycardia
An abnormally slow heartbeat
breathing cycle
Repetition of the pattern of inhalation
bruit
A sound, especially an abnormal one.
capillary pulsation
cardiac arrhythmia/dysrhythmia
Loss of normal heart rhythm, especially an irregularity of the heartbeat
cardiac tamponade
A compression of the heart that occurs when blood or fluid builds up in the space between the myocardium (heart muscle) and the pericardium (outer covering sac of the heart).
cardiomyopathy
A condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged
cardiovascular disease
Diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels
carditis
An inflammation of the heart
chest pain
cholesterol and triglycerides
Lipids that circulate in the bloodstream
click or snap
closure of aortic and pulmonic valves
coarctation of the aorta
A narrowing of part of the aorta
coarse friction rub
coarse murmur
compensatory pause
A pause in the heartbeat following an extrasystole (A premature contraction of the heart) that is long enough to compensate for the prematurity of the extrasystole
congenital anomaly (congenital abnormality, congenital malformation, birth defect)
A condition which is present at the time of birth
congestive heart failure (CHF)
Heart attack
cooing-dove murmur
Cor pulmonale
Cor pulmonale is failure of the right side of the heart brought on by long-term high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the heart
coronary artery disease (CAD)
A condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries.
coronary thrombosis
Obstruction of a coronary artery by a thrombus
Corrigan pulse
A pulse that is full and then suddenly collapses named for the Irish physician Dominic John Corrigan.
creaking friction rub
creaking soundCrescendo murmur
crescendo-decrescendo murmur
cyanosis
The appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen
de Musset's sign
A condition in which there is rhythmic nodding or bobbing of the head in synchrony with the beating of the heart.
decrescendo murmur
deep venous thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body.
dependent edema
Edema that changes its position with the posture of dependent parts
Dextrocardia
A condition in which the heart is pointed toward the right side of the chest instead of normally pointing to the left.
diamond-shaped murmur
diaphoresis (hyperhidrosis)
A medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably.
diastolic murmur
Heart murmurs during diastole (the period of time when the heart fills with blood after systole ( contraction).
dilated jugular veins
Enlargement of jugular vein
diminished heart sound
Less impressive heart sound
diminuendo murmur
distant heart tones
dyscrasia
Any abnormal or pathologic condition of the blood
dyspnea
Shortness of breath (SOB)
dyspnea on exertion (DOE)
Shortness of breath on exertion
ecchymosis
The skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels
edema
Swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues
embolism
Blockage of artery by embolus (blood clot)
embolism
The blockage of a vessel by an embolus
embolus (plural - emboli)
A foreign object, such as a blood clot, quantity of air or gas or a bit of tissue or tumor that is circulating in the blood
embryocardia
A symptom of heart disease in which the sounds of the heart resemble those of the fetal heart sound.
endocarditis
Inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).
epistaxis
Bleed from the nose
erythrocytosis
An increase in the number of erythrocytes in proportion to the number of other blood cells
extra beats
extrasystoles
faint friction rub
fibrillation
A rapid, random, and ineffective contractions of the heart
fistula
An abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure.
fixed splitting of S2
flushing
A redness of the skin
flutter
A cardiac arrythmia in which the atrial contractions are rapid but regular
gallop
Heart sound
Graham Steell murmur
grating friction rub
grating sound
harsh friction rub
harsh murmur
heart murmur
The sound of abnormal sound of blood flow is called heart murmur
hemangioma
A benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels
hematoma
A collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the skin or in an organ
hemolytic anemia
The shortened survival of mature erythrocytes
hemophilia
A group of bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot.
hemorrhage
Bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood.
hemorrhage
The loss of a large amount of blood in a short time
hemorrhoids/piles
Varicose veins near the anus
high-pitched murmur
holosystolic murmur
hyperalbuminemia
An abnormally high level of albumin in the blood
hyperbilirubinemia
An excessive concentration of bilirubin in the blood
hyperlipemia
An elevated concentration of triglycerides in the plasma
hyperlipidemia
Increased levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
hyperlipidemia
A general term for elevated concentrations of any or all of the lipids in the plasma
hypertension
Elevated blood pressure
hyperuricemia
An excessive uric acid in the blood stream
hypoperfusion
A deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part.
hypotension
Low blood pressure
hypoxemia
Decreased partial pressure of oxygen in blood.
idiopathic hypertension
Consistently elevated blood pressure due to unknown cause
idioventricular rhythm
incompetent valve
increased M1
infarct
A localized area of necrosis (tissue death) caused by an interruption of the blood supply
inflamed pericardium
interventricular or ventricular septal defect
One or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart
iron deficiency anemia
An anemia caused by an inadequate supply of iron within body
ischemia
A condition that occurs when blood flow and oxygen are kept from a particular part of the body.
ischemic heart disease/IHD
A group of cardiac disabilities resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the heart that is usually associated with coronary artery disease
leukemia
A type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts"
leukocytosis
A raised white blood cell count (the leukocyte count) above the normal range in the blood.
leukopenia
An abnormal decrease in the number of white blood cells
light-headedness or syncope
Fainting episode
loud friction rub
low-pitched murmur
Lub-dup sound
lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)
A blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed.
machinery murmur
malignant hypertension
The sudden onset of severely elevated blood pressure. It commonly damages small vessels in the brain, retina, heart, and kidneys.
midsystolic click
mitral stenosis
Abnormal narrowing of the opening of the mitral valve
mitral valve prolapse
An abnormal protrusion of the mitral valve that results in the incomplete closure of the valve
mononucleosis
A viral infection causing fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck.
muffled heart tones
murmur
murmurs, gallops, or rubs
Heart sounds
musical murmur
myocardial infarction (MI)
Heart attack
myocarditis
An inflammation of the heart muscle
occlusion
A blockage in the canal, vessel, or passageway in the body
orthopnea
A sign of heart failure that makes it difficult for people to breathe while lying down.
pain in an extremity
pallor
Paleness
palpitation
Fast or irregular heartbeat
pansystolic murmur
paradoxical splitting of S2
parasternal heave
The palpable movement on the precordium around the sternum which is caused most often by enlarged heart.
parasternal lift
parasternal shock
paroxysm
A sudden convulsion or spasm
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)
Attacks of severe shortness of breath and coughing that generally occur at night.
paroxysmal tachycardia
A fast heartbeat of sudden onset
patent ductus arteriosus
A heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some babies.
patent foramen ovale (PFO)
While a baby grows in the womb, there is a normal opening between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. If this opening fails to close naturally soon after the baby is born, the hole is called patent foramen ovale
pericardial adhesion
An attachment of the pericardium to the heart muscle.
pericardial effusion
Fluid around the heart
pericardial knock
An early diastolic sound caused by loss of pericardial elasticity accompanying fibrosis that limits ventricular filling.
pericardial tamponade
An acute type of pericardial effusion in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium
pericarditis
An inflammation of the pericardium
peripheral edema
The swelling of tissues, usually in the lower limbs, due to the accumulation of fluids.
pernicious anemia
A form of anemia that results from a failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12
petechia
A small red or purple spot on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage (broken capillary blood vessels).
phlebitis
An inflammation of a vein
physiologic spitting of S2
pistol shot pulse
pitting edema
plaque
A patch or slightly raised area
PMI (point of maximal intensity)
polyarteritis
An inflammation involving several arteries
precordial palpation
A simple useful part of the physical examination
precordial thrill
premature beat
premature ventricular contractions
presystolic murmur
protodiastolic murmur
protodiastolic rumble
pulmonic ejection click
pulse deficit
The difference between the simultaneously counted heart rate and the pulse rate.
pulse pressure
pulsus alternans
A physical finding with arterial pulse waveform showing alternating strong and weak beats.
pulsus paradoxus
Quincke pulse
rale
An abnormal sound heard accompanying the normal respiratory sounds on auscultation of the chest
rasping murmur
Raynaud disease
A rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes.
Raynaud phenomenon
This consists of intermittent attacks of pallor (paleness), cyanosis (bluish color), and redness of the fingers and toes.
reduced heart tones
regurgitation
To bring undigested or partially digested food up from the stomach.
respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)
A naturally occurring variation in heart rate that occurs during a breathing cycle.
rheumatic heart disease
A complication of rheumatic fever in which the heart valves are damaged
rhythmic blushing of nail beds
RSR (regular sinus rhythm)
rub
rumbling murmur
scratchy friction rub
seagull murmur
secondary hypertension
An elevated blood pressure due to different medical problem such as kidney disorder or a tumor on the adrenal glands.
septicemia/blood poisoning
The presence and persistence of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the blood.
shock
shuffling friction rub
sick sinus syndrome
Sick sinus syndrome is a collection of heart rhythm disorders that include: Sinus bradycardia -- slow heart rates from the natural pacemaker of the heart. Tachycardia -- fast heart rates. Bradycardia-tachycardia -- alternating slow and fast heart rhythms
sickle cell anemia
A genetic disorder that causes the red blood cell to assume an abnormal sickle shape. This abnormal cell's shape damages and affects most of the body systems
sinus bradycardia
Slow heart rates from the natural pacemaker of the heart.
sinus tachycardia
Fast heart rates.
situs inversus (also called situs transversus)
A congenital condition in which the major visceral organs are reversed or mirrored from their normal positions
soft friction rub
stenosis
Narrowing of duct
Stenotic valve
A disease of the heart valves in which the opening of the valve is narrowed.
synchronous
Occurring simultaneously
systolic murmur
systolic thrill
tachyarrhythmia
A medical condition in which heart beat is fast and irregular.
tachycardia
An abnormally fast heartbeat
tachypnea
Unusually fast breathing
tetralogy of Fallot
A type of congenital heart defect
thalassemia/ Cooley's anemia
A genetic disorder characterized by short-lived red blood cells.
thrill
thrombocytopenia
An abnormal decrease in the number of platelets
thrombophlebitis
A swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a blood clot.
thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel
thrombotic occlusion
The blocking of an artery by a clot
thrombus
A blood clot attached to the interior wall of a vein or artery
tick tock rhythm
To-and-fro murmur
tricuspid stenosis
Abnormal narrowing of the opening of the tricuspid valve
valvular click
valvular disease
valvular heart disease
Any disease process involving one or more of the valves of the heart
valvular snap
valvulitis
An inflammatory condition of a heart valve
varicose veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful veins that have filled with an abnormal collection of blood.
varicosity
One area of swelling
venous hum
ventricular apex beat
ventricular contraction
ventricular dilatation
ventricular fibrillation
A severely abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening.
ventricular filling
ventricular gallop
ventricular hypertrophy
Enlargement of ventricles
ventricular relaxation
ventricular septal defect
One or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart
water-hammer pulse
weak heart tones
A disorder characterized by lower than normal level of red blood cells in the blood
aneurysm
Bulge in Artery
angiitis/vasculitis
An inflammation of a blood or lymph vessel
angina pectoris
Spasmodic, chocking, or suffocating pain that is usually due to interference with the supply of oxygen to the myocardium
angionecrosis
The necrosis (death) of the walls of blood vessels.
angiospasm
A spasmodic contraction of the blood vessel
angiostenosis
The narrowing of the blood vessle
aortic click
apex beat
aplastic anemia
An absence of all formed blood elements.
area of cardiac dullness
A triangular area of the front of the chest
arrhythmia
A disorder of heart rate or rhythm.
arteriosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries
arteritis
Inflammation of the walls of arteries
atheroma
A characteristic of atherosclerosis, is a plaque (fatty deposit) within the arterial wall
atherosclerosis
Hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to buildup of cholesterol plaques
atrial fibrillation (AF or A-fib)
The most common cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beat).
atrial filling impulse
atrial gallop
atrial septal defect
Atrial septal defect (ASD) - also known as a "hole in the heart" - is a type of congenital heart disease
auscultation
A term for listening to the internal sounds of the body, usually using a stethoscope.
Austin Flint murmur
An Austin Flint murmur is a mid-diastolic or presystolic murmur low- pitched rumbling murmur which is best heard at the cardiac apex
backflow
Action of flowing back
bacterial endocarditis
An inflammation of the inner lining of the heart caused by bacteria
bigeminy
The occurrence of two beats of the pulse or two heartbeats in rapid succession.
Bishop’s nod (Musset (de Musset) sign)A visible nodding of the head in time with arterial pulsation
blood dyscrasias
The pathologic conditions or disorders such as leukemia or hemophilia in which the constituents of the blood are abnormal or are present in abnormal quantity
blowing murmur
bradyarrhythmia
Slowness of the heartbeat
bradycardia
An abnormally slow heartbeat
breathing cycle
Repetition of the pattern of inhalation
bruit
A sound, especially an abnormal one.
capillary pulsation
cardiac arrhythmia/dysrhythmia
Loss of normal heart rhythm, especially an irregularity of the heartbeat
cardiac tamponade
A compression of the heart that occurs when blood or fluid builds up in the space between the myocardium (heart muscle) and the pericardium (outer covering sac of the heart).
cardiomyopathy
A condition in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged
cardiovascular disease
Diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels
carditis
An inflammation of the heart
chest pain
cholesterol and triglycerides
Lipids that circulate in the bloodstream
click or snap
closure of aortic and pulmonic valves
coarctation of the aorta
A narrowing of part of the aorta
coarse friction rub
coarse murmur
compensatory pause
A pause in the heartbeat following an extrasystole (A premature contraction of the heart) that is long enough to compensate for the prematurity of the extrasystole
congenital anomaly (congenital abnormality, congenital malformation, birth defect)
A condition which is present at the time of birth
congestive heart failure (CHF)
Heart attack
cooing-dove murmur
Cor pulmonale
Cor pulmonale is failure of the right side of the heart brought on by long-term high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and right ventricle of the heart
coronary artery disease (CAD)
A condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries.
coronary thrombosis
Obstruction of a coronary artery by a thrombus
Corrigan pulse
A pulse that is full and then suddenly collapses named for the Irish physician Dominic John Corrigan.
creaking friction rub
creaking soundCrescendo murmur
crescendo-decrescendo murmur
cyanosis
The appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to the tissues near the skin surface being low on oxygen
de Musset's sign
A condition in which there is rhythmic nodding or bobbing of the head in synchrony with the beating of the heart.
decrescendo murmur
deep venous thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot in a vein that is deep inside a part of the body.
dependent edema
Edema that changes its position with the posture of dependent parts
Dextrocardia
A condition in which the heart is pointed toward the right side of the chest instead of normally pointing to the left.
diamond-shaped murmur
diaphoresis (hyperhidrosis)
A medical condition in which a person sweats excessively and unpredictably.
diastolic murmur
Heart murmurs during diastole (the period of time when the heart fills with blood after systole ( contraction).
dilated jugular veins
Enlargement of jugular vein
diminished heart sound
Less impressive heart sound
diminuendo murmur
distant heart tones
dyscrasia
Any abnormal or pathologic condition of the blood
dyspnea
Shortness of breath (SOB)
dyspnea on exertion (DOE)
Shortness of breath on exertion
ecchymosis
The skin discoloration caused by the escape of blood into the tissues from ruptured blood vessels
edema
Swelling caused by fluid in your body's tissues
embolism
Blockage of artery by embolus (blood clot)
embolism
The blockage of a vessel by an embolus
embolus (plural - emboli)
A foreign object, such as a blood clot, quantity of air or gas or a bit of tissue or tumor that is circulating in the blood
embryocardia
A symptom of heart disease in which the sounds of the heart resemble those of the fetal heart sound.
endocarditis
Inflammation of the inside lining of the heart chambers and heart valves (endocardium).
epistaxis
Bleed from the nose
erythrocytosis
An increase in the number of erythrocytes in proportion to the number of other blood cells
extra beats
extrasystoles
faint friction rub
fibrillation
A rapid, random, and ineffective contractions of the heart
fistula
An abnormal connection between an organ, vessel, or intestine and another structure.
fixed splitting of S2
flushing
A redness of the skin
flutter
A cardiac arrythmia in which the atrial contractions are rapid but regular
gallop
Heart sound
Graham Steell murmur
grating friction rub
grating sound
harsh friction rub
harsh murmur
heart murmur
The sound of abnormal sound of blood flow is called heart murmur
hemangioma
A benign tumor made up of newly formed blood vessels
hematoma
A collection of blood trapped in the tissues of the skin or in an organ
hemolytic anemia
The shortened survival of mature erythrocytes
hemophilia
A group of bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot.
hemorrhage
Bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood.
hemorrhage
The loss of a large amount of blood in a short time
hemorrhoids/piles
Varicose veins near the anus
high-pitched murmur
holosystolic murmur
hyperalbuminemia
An abnormally high level of albumin in the blood
hyperbilirubinemia
An excessive concentration of bilirubin in the blood
hyperlipemia
An elevated concentration of triglycerides in the plasma
hyperlipidemia
Increased levels of lipids (fats) in the blood.
hyperlipidemia
A general term for elevated concentrations of any or all of the lipids in the plasma
hypertension
Elevated blood pressure
hyperuricemia
An excessive uric acid in the blood stream
hypoperfusion
A deficiency of blood passing through an organ or body part.
hypotension
Low blood pressure
hypoxemia
Decreased partial pressure of oxygen in blood.
idiopathic hypertension
Consistently elevated blood pressure due to unknown cause
idioventricular rhythm
incompetent valve
increased M1
infarct
A localized area of necrosis (tissue death) caused by an interruption of the blood supply
inflamed pericardium
interventricular or ventricular septal defect
One or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart
iron deficiency anemia
An anemia caused by an inadequate supply of iron within body
ischemia
A condition that occurs when blood flow and oxygen are kept from a particular part of the body.
ischemic heart disease/IHD
A group of cardiac disabilities resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood to the heart that is usually associated with coronary artery disease
leukemia
A type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts"
leukocytosis
A raised white blood cell count (the leukocyte count) above the normal range in the blood.
leukopenia
An abnormal decrease in the number of white blood cells
light-headedness or syncope
Fainting episode
loud friction rub
low-pitched murmur
Lub-dup sound
lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)
A blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed.
machinery murmur
malignant hypertension
The sudden onset of severely elevated blood pressure. It commonly damages small vessels in the brain, retina, heart, and kidneys.
midsystolic click
mitral stenosis
Abnormal narrowing of the opening of the mitral valve
mitral valve prolapse
An abnormal protrusion of the mitral valve that results in the incomplete closure of the valve
mononucleosis
A viral infection causing fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck.
muffled heart tones
murmur
murmurs, gallops, or rubs
Heart sounds
musical murmur
myocardial infarction (MI)
Heart attack
myocarditis
An inflammation of the heart muscle
occlusion
A blockage in the canal, vessel, or passageway in the body
orthopnea
A sign of heart failure that makes it difficult for people to breathe while lying down.
pain in an extremity
pallor
Paleness
palpitation
Fast or irregular heartbeat
pansystolic murmur
paradoxical splitting of S2
parasternal heave
The palpable movement on the precordium around the sternum which is caused most often by enlarged heart.
parasternal lift
parasternal shock
paroxysm
A sudden convulsion or spasm
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)
Attacks of severe shortness of breath and coughing that generally occur at night.
paroxysmal tachycardia
A fast heartbeat of sudden onset
patent ductus arteriosus
A heart problem that occurs soon after birth in some babies.
patent foramen ovale (PFO)
While a baby grows in the womb, there is a normal opening between the left and right atria (upper chambers) of the heart. If this opening fails to close naturally soon after the baby is born, the hole is called patent foramen ovale
pericardial adhesion
An attachment of the pericardium to the heart muscle.
pericardial effusion
Fluid around the heart
pericardial knock
An early diastolic sound caused by loss of pericardial elasticity accompanying fibrosis that limits ventricular filling.
pericardial tamponade
An acute type of pericardial effusion in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium
pericarditis
An inflammation of the pericardium
peripheral edema
The swelling of tissues, usually in the lower limbs, due to the accumulation of fluids.
pernicious anemia
A form of anemia that results from a failure of the body to absorb vitamin B12
petechia
A small red or purple spot on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage (broken capillary blood vessels).
phlebitis
An inflammation of a vein
physiologic spitting of S2
pistol shot pulse
pitting edema
plaque
A patch or slightly raised area
PMI (point of maximal intensity)
polyarteritis
An inflammation involving several arteries
precordial palpation
A simple useful part of the physical examination
precordial thrill
premature beat
premature ventricular contractions
presystolic murmur
protodiastolic murmur
protodiastolic rumble
pulmonic ejection click
pulse deficit
The difference between the simultaneously counted heart rate and the pulse rate.
pulse pressure
pulsus alternans
A physical finding with arterial pulse waveform showing alternating strong and weak beats.
pulsus paradoxus
Quincke pulse
rale
An abnormal sound heard accompanying the normal respiratory sounds on auscultation of the chest
rasping murmur
Raynaud disease
A rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes.
Raynaud phenomenon
This consists of intermittent attacks of pallor (paleness), cyanosis (bluish color), and redness of the fingers and toes.
reduced heart tones
regurgitation
To bring undigested or partially digested food up from the stomach.
respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)
A naturally occurring variation in heart rate that occurs during a breathing cycle.
rheumatic heart disease
A complication of rheumatic fever in which the heart valves are damaged
rhythmic blushing of nail beds
RSR (regular sinus rhythm)
rub
rumbling murmur
scratchy friction rub
seagull murmur
secondary hypertension
An elevated blood pressure due to different medical problem such as kidney disorder or a tumor on the adrenal glands.
septicemia/blood poisoning
The presence and persistence of pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins in the blood.
shock
shuffling friction rub
sick sinus syndrome
Sick sinus syndrome is a collection of heart rhythm disorders that include: Sinus bradycardia -- slow heart rates from the natural pacemaker of the heart. Tachycardia -- fast heart rates. Bradycardia-tachycardia -- alternating slow and fast heart rhythms
sickle cell anemia
A genetic disorder that causes the red blood cell to assume an abnormal sickle shape. This abnormal cell's shape damages and affects most of the body systems
sinus bradycardia
Slow heart rates from the natural pacemaker of the heart.
sinus tachycardia
Fast heart rates.
situs inversus (also called situs transversus)
A congenital condition in which the major visceral organs are reversed or mirrored from their normal positions
soft friction rub
stenosis
Narrowing of duct
Stenotic valve
A disease of the heart valves in which the opening of the valve is narrowed.
synchronous
Occurring simultaneously
systolic murmur
systolic thrill
tachyarrhythmia
A medical condition in which heart beat is fast and irregular.
tachycardia
An abnormally fast heartbeat
tachypnea
Unusually fast breathing
tetralogy of Fallot
A type of congenital heart defect
thalassemia/ Cooley's anemia
A genetic disorder characterized by short-lived red blood cells.
thrill
thrombocytopenia
An abnormal decrease in the number of platelets
thrombophlebitis
A swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a blood clot.
thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel
thrombotic occlusion
The blocking of an artery by a clot
thrombus
A blood clot attached to the interior wall of a vein or artery
tick tock rhythm
To-and-fro murmur
tricuspid stenosis
Abnormal narrowing of the opening of the tricuspid valve
valvular click
valvular disease
valvular heart disease
Any disease process involving one or more of the valves of the heart
valvular snap
valvulitis
An inflammatory condition of a heart valve
varicose veins
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful veins that have filled with an abnormal collection of blood.
varicosity
One area of swelling
venous hum
ventricular apex beat
ventricular contraction
ventricular dilatation
ventricular fibrillation
A severely abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening.
ventricular filling
ventricular gallop
ventricular hypertrophy
Enlargement of ventricles
ventricular relaxation
ventricular septal defect
One or more holes in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of the heart
water-hammer pulse
weak heart tones
Treatment Related Terms of Cardiovascular Disease
ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme)
Interfere with the action of the kidney hormone renin that causes these muscles to squeeze.
aneurysmectomy
Suture to aneurysm
angiocardiogram
The resulting film of angiocardiography is called angiocardiogram.
angiocardiography
A diagnostic procedure involving the use of radiopaque dye and chest x-rays to show the dimensions of the heart and large blood vessels.
angiogram
The resulting film of angiography is called angiogram
angiography
A radiographic study of blood vessels after the injection of a radiopaque material
angioplasty
A surgery to clear a narrowed or blocked artery.
antiarrhythmic
Administered to control irregularities of the heartbeat
anticoagulant/thrombolytic agent
The agent which slows blood clotting (coagulation) and prevents new clots from forming.
antihypertensive drugs
Drugs which administered to lower the blood pressure
arteriectomy
The surgical removal of the part of the artery
atherectomy
A minimally invasive surgical method of removing, mainly, atherosclerosis from a large blood vessel within the body
atherectomy
The removal of plaque from an artery by means of a rotary cutter introduced into the artery through a special catheter under radiographic guidance.
ballistocardiography
The ballistocardiograph (BCG) is a measure of ballistic forces on the heart. Ballistocardiography is a technique for producing a graphical representation of repetitive motions of the human body arising from the sudden ejection of blood into the great vessels with each heart beat
bare-metal stent
Bare-metal stent is a vascular stent without a coating (as used in drug-eluting stents). It is a mesh-like tube of thin wire.
Beta-blocking drugs
The drugs which are used to slow the heartbeat
Bruce protocol
A diagnostic test used in the evaluation of cardiac function, developed by Robert A. Bruce.
bypass surgery OR coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
A surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease.
calcium channel blocker
Medicines which are used to reduce the contraction of the muscle that squeeze blood vessels tight
cardiac catheterization
A radiographic study in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and is guided into the heart for purposes of detecting pressures and patterns of blood flow.
cardiac stress test
A test used in medicine and cardiology to measure the heart's ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment
cardiomyoplasty
A surgical procedure in which healthy muscle from another part of the body is wrapped around the heart to provide support for the failing heart.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR
An emergency procedure for life support consisting of artificial respiration and manual external cardiac massage.
cardiotocography
cardiotocography (CTG) is a recording (-graphy) the fetal heartbeat (cardio-) and the uterine contractions during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester.
cardioversion
A medical procedure by which an abnormally fast heart rate or cardiac arrhythmia is converted to a normal rhythm, using electricity or drugs
carotid endarterectomy
A treatment to prevent a stroke by removing plaque from clogged carotid arteries that lead to the brain
carotid sinus massage
The carotid sinus is a localized dilation of the internal carotid artery at its origin, the common carotid artery. Carotid sinus massageMassage of the carotid sinus, carotid sinus massage is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope and is sometimes useful for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia
catheter ablation
Catheter ablation is an invasive procedure used to remove a faulty electrical pathway from the hearts of those who are prone to developing cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm
coronary artery bypass surgery/revascularization
A surgical procedure in which a small piece of vein is taken from the leg and implanted near the heart to bypass a blockage in the coronary artery and to improve the flow of blood to the heart.
coronary stent
A coronary stent is a tube placed in the coronary arteries that supply the heart, to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease
coupling
Something that joins two things
defibrillation/cardioversion
The use of electrical shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm
diuretics
Drugs which increase the urine secretion so body can get rid of the excess sodium and water
drug-eluting stent
A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a peripheral or coronary stent placed into narrowed, diseased peripheral or coronary arteries that slowly releases a drug to block cell proliferation
echocardiography
A diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to evaluate the structures of the heart.
electrocardiogram/ECG/EKG
A record of the electrical activity of the myocardium
electrocardiography
The process of recording electrocardiogram is called electrocardiography.
electrophysiological studies
Electrophysiological (EP) studies is a test used to determine if a heart condition is present.
endarterectomy
The surgical removal of plaque from clogged arteries
heart transplant
A heart transplant is surgery to remove a person's diseased heart and replace it with a healthy heart from a deceased donor.
heart valve surgery
A surgery is used to repair or replace diseased heart valves
hemorrhoidectomy
The surgical removal of hemorrhoids
hemostasis
To control bleeding
Holter monitor
A portable device for continuously monitoring various electrical activity of the cardiovascular system for at least 24 hours (often for two weeks at a time).
impedance cardiography (ICG) or electrical impedance plethysmography (EIP)
The placement of four dual disposable sensors on the neck and chest are used to transmit and detect electrical and impedance changes in the thorax, which are used to measure and calculate hemodynamic parameters.
invasive diagnostic procedure
A diagnostic or therapeutic technique that requires entry of a body cavity or interruption of normal body functions
laser angioplasty (excimer laser coronary angioplasty)
A technique that can be used to open coronary arteries blocked by plaque.
minimally invasive heart surgery (keyhole surgery)
Minimally invasive heart surgery (also called keyhole surgery) is performed through small incisions, sometimes using specialized surgical instruments. The incision used for minimally invasive heart surgery is about 3 to 4 inches instead of the 6- to 8-inch incision required for traditional surgery.
noninvasive diagnostic procedure
A medical procedure is strictly defined as non-invasive when no break in the skin is created and there is no contact with the mucosa, or skin break, or internal body cavity beyond a natural or artificial body orifice.
nuclear imaging
Nuclear imaging is a method of producing images by detecting radiation from different parts of the body after a radioactive tracer material is administered.
pacemaker
An electronic device implanted under the skin with connections leading into the heart to regulate the heartbeat.
percutaneous
Through the skin
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty/balloon angioplasty/PTCA
The procedure in which balloon (on the end of the catheter)is used to open a partially blocked coronary artery
phlebogram
The resulting film of phlebography is called phlebogram.
phlebography
The technique of the preparing an x-ray image of veins injected with a contrast medium material.
plasmapheresis
The process of separating the plasma and formed elements from blood withdrawn from the body.
pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation.
stent
A small metallic expander implanted in a coronary artery to prevent it from collapsing or becoming obstructed again after balloon angioplasty.
stent procedure
Stent procedure uses a wire mesh tube (a stent) to prop open an artery that has recently been cleared using angioplasty.
stress test
Tests which are used to assess cardiovascular health and function during and after the application of stress such as exercise
thallium stress test
The flow of blood through the heart during activity is assessed through the use of a radiopharmaceutical (thallium) during a stress test
tilt test
A Tilt Table Test or TTT is widely used in making the diagnosis of Neurally Mediated Syncope (NMS).
tissue plasminogen activator/TPA
A clot dissolving drug used for the immediate treatment of heart attack victims
Tourniquet
The use of a constricting band applied to a limb to control bleeding.
transfusion
Introduction of whole blood or blood components into the bloodstream of the recipient
transluminal
Through a lumen of the artery
transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)
Trans-myocardial revascularization is a new surgical procedure using a laser to make "channels", or small holes, directly into the heart muscle.
ultrasound (sonography)
A technique that uses high-frequency sound waves for medical diagnosis and treatment of an internal body part, especially a fetus in the womb, using ultrasound technology.
valvuloplasty
The surgical repair of heart valve
vasoconstrictor
A instrument which constricts (narrows) the blood vessel
vasodilator
A instrument which dilates (expands) the blood vessel
vectorcardiography
A method of recording the magnitude and direction of the electrical forces that are generated by the heart by means of a continuous series of vectors that form curving lines around a central point.
Interfere with the action of the kidney hormone renin that causes these muscles to squeeze.
aneurysmectomy
Suture to aneurysm
angiocardiogram
The resulting film of angiocardiography is called angiocardiogram.
angiocardiography
A diagnostic procedure involving the use of radiopaque dye and chest x-rays to show the dimensions of the heart and large blood vessels.
angiogram
The resulting film of angiography is called angiogram
angiography
A radiographic study of blood vessels after the injection of a radiopaque material
angioplasty
A surgery to clear a narrowed or blocked artery.
antiarrhythmic
Administered to control irregularities of the heartbeat
anticoagulant/thrombolytic agent
The agent which slows blood clotting (coagulation) and prevents new clots from forming.
antihypertensive drugs
Drugs which administered to lower the blood pressure
arteriectomy
The surgical removal of the part of the artery
atherectomy
A minimally invasive surgical method of removing, mainly, atherosclerosis from a large blood vessel within the body
atherectomy
The removal of plaque from an artery by means of a rotary cutter introduced into the artery through a special catheter under radiographic guidance.
ballistocardiography
The ballistocardiograph (BCG) is a measure of ballistic forces on the heart. Ballistocardiography is a technique for producing a graphical representation of repetitive motions of the human body arising from the sudden ejection of blood into the great vessels with each heart beat
bare-metal stent
Bare-metal stent is a vascular stent without a coating (as used in drug-eluting stents). It is a mesh-like tube of thin wire.
Beta-blocking drugs
The drugs which are used to slow the heartbeat
Bruce protocol
A diagnostic test used in the evaluation of cardiac function, developed by Robert A. Bruce.
bypass surgery OR coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
A surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease.
calcium channel blocker
Medicines which are used to reduce the contraction of the muscle that squeeze blood vessels tight
cardiac catheterization
A radiographic study in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and is guided into the heart for purposes of detecting pressures and patterns of blood flow.
cardiac stress test
A test used in medicine and cardiology to measure the heart's ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment
cardiomyoplasty
A surgical procedure in which healthy muscle from another part of the body is wrapped around the heart to provide support for the failing heart.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation/CPR
An emergency procedure for life support consisting of artificial respiration and manual external cardiac massage.
cardiotocography
cardiotocography (CTG) is a recording (-graphy) the fetal heartbeat (cardio-) and the uterine contractions during pregnancy, typically in the third trimester.
cardioversion
A medical procedure by which an abnormally fast heart rate or cardiac arrhythmia is converted to a normal rhythm, using electricity or drugs
carotid endarterectomy
A treatment to prevent a stroke by removing plaque from clogged carotid arteries that lead to the brain
carotid sinus massage
The carotid sinus is a localized dilation of the internal carotid artery at its origin, the common carotid artery. Carotid sinus massageMassage of the carotid sinus, carotid sinus massage is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope and is sometimes useful for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia
catheter ablation
Catheter ablation is an invasive procedure used to remove a faulty electrical pathway from the hearts of those who are prone to developing cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.
chest X-ray
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm
coronary artery bypass surgery/revascularization
A surgical procedure in which a small piece of vein is taken from the leg and implanted near the heart to bypass a blockage in the coronary artery and to improve the flow of blood to the heart.
coronary stent
A coronary stent is a tube placed in the coronary arteries that supply the heart, to keep the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart disease
coupling
Something that joins two things
defibrillation/cardioversion
The use of electrical shock to restore the heart's normal rhythm
diuretics
Drugs which increase the urine secretion so body can get rid of the excess sodium and water
drug-eluting stent
A drug-eluting stent (DES) is a peripheral or coronary stent placed into narrowed, diseased peripheral or coronary arteries that slowly releases a drug to block cell proliferation
echocardiography
A diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to evaluate the structures of the heart.
electrocardiogram/ECG/EKG
A record of the electrical activity of the myocardium
electrocardiography
The process of recording electrocardiogram is called electrocardiography.
electrophysiological studies
Electrophysiological (EP) studies is a test used to determine if a heart condition is present.
endarterectomy
The surgical removal of plaque from clogged arteries
heart transplant
A heart transplant is surgery to remove a person's diseased heart and replace it with a healthy heart from a deceased donor.
heart valve surgery
A surgery is used to repair or replace diseased heart valves
hemorrhoidectomy
The surgical removal of hemorrhoids
hemostasis
To control bleeding
Holter monitor
A portable device for continuously monitoring various electrical activity of the cardiovascular system for at least 24 hours (often for two weeks at a time).
impedance cardiography (ICG) or electrical impedance plethysmography (EIP)
The placement of four dual disposable sensors on the neck and chest are used to transmit and detect electrical and impedance changes in the thorax, which are used to measure and calculate hemodynamic parameters.
invasive diagnostic procedure
A diagnostic or therapeutic technique that requires entry of a body cavity or interruption of normal body functions
laser angioplasty (excimer laser coronary angioplasty)
A technique that can be used to open coronary arteries blocked by plaque.
minimally invasive heart surgery (keyhole surgery)
Minimally invasive heart surgery (also called keyhole surgery) is performed through small incisions, sometimes using specialized surgical instruments. The incision used for minimally invasive heart surgery is about 3 to 4 inches instead of the 6- to 8-inch incision required for traditional surgery.
noninvasive diagnostic procedure
A medical procedure is strictly defined as non-invasive when no break in the skin is created and there is no contact with the mucosa, or skin break, or internal body cavity beyond a natural or artificial body orifice.
nuclear imaging
Nuclear imaging is a method of producing images by detecting radiation from different parts of the body after a radioactive tracer material is administered.
pacemaker
An electronic device implanted under the skin with connections leading into the heart to regulate the heartbeat.
percutaneous
Through the skin
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty/balloon angioplasty/PTCA
The procedure in which balloon (on the end of the catheter)is used to open a partially blocked coronary artery
phlebogram
The resulting film of phlebography is called phlebogram.
phlebography
The technique of the preparing an x-ray image of veins injected with a contrast medium material.
plasmapheresis
The process of separating the plasma and formed elements from blood withdrawn from the body.
pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation.
stent
A small metallic expander implanted in a coronary artery to prevent it from collapsing or becoming obstructed again after balloon angioplasty.
stent procedure
Stent procedure uses a wire mesh tube (a stent) to prop open an artery that has recently been cleared using angioplasty.
stress test
Tests which are used to assess cardiovascular health and function during and after the application of stress such as exercise
thallium stress test
The flow of blood through the heart during activity is assessed through the use of a radiopharmaceutical (thallium) during a stress test
tilt test
A Tilt Table Test or TTT is widely used in making the diagnosis of Neurally Mediated Syncope (NMS).
tissue plasminogen activator/TPA
A clot dissolving drug used for the immediate treatment of heart attack victims
Tourniquet
The use of a constricting band applied to a limb to control bleeding.
transfusion
Introduction of whole blood or blood components into the bloodstream of the recipient
transluminal
Through a lumen of the artery
transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)
Trans-myocardial revascularization is a new surgical procedure using a laser to make "channels", or small holes, directly into the heart muscle.
ultrasound (sonography)
A technique that uses high-frequency sound waves for medical diagnosis and treatment of an internal body part, especially a fetus in the womb, using ultrasound technology.
valvuloplasty
The surgical repair of heart valve
vasoconstrictor
A instrument which constricts (narrows) the blood vessel
vasodilator
A instrument which dilates (expands) the blood vessel
vectorcardiography
A method of recording the magnitude and direction of the electrical forces that are generated by the heart by means of a continuous series of vectors that form curving lines around a central point.