 | Term | Definition |
| |
acute coronary syndromes |
Consequences of plaque rupture in coronary arteries: unstable angina and myocardial infarction |
| |
angina (pectoris) |
Chest pain resulting from myocardial ischemia. Stable angina occurs predictably with exertion; unstable angina is chest pain that occurs more often and with less exertion |
| |
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor |
Antihypertensive drug that blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and thus dilates blood vessels. It prevents heart attacks, CHF, stroke, and death |
| |
auscultation |
Listening for sounds in blood vessels or other body structures, typically using a stethoscope |
| |
beta-blockers |
Drugs used to treat angina, hypertension, and arrhythmias. They block the action of epinephrine (adrenaline) at receptor sites on cells, slowing the heartbeat and reducing the workload on the heart |
| |
biventricular pacemaker |
Device enabling ventricles to beat together (in synchrony) so that more blood is pumped out of the heart |
| |
bruit |
An abnormal blowing or swishing sound heard during auscultation of an artery or organ |
| |
calcium channel blockers |
Drugs used to treat angina and hypertension. They dilate blood vessels by blocking the influx of calcium into muscle cells lining vessels |
| |
cardiac arrest |
Sudden, unexpected stopping of heart action; sudden cardiac death |
| |
cardiac tamponade |
Pressure on the heart caused by fluid in the pericardial space |
| |
claudication |
Pain, tension, and weakness in a leg after walking has begun, but absence of pain at rest |
| |
digoxin |
A drug that treats arrhythmias and strengthens the heartbeat |
| |
embolus |
A clot or other substance that travels to a distant location and suddenly blocks a blood vessel |
| |
infarction |
Area of dead tissue |
| |
nitrates |
Drugs used in the treatment of angina. They dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow and oxygen to myocardial tissue |
| |
nitroglycerin |
A nitrate drug used in the treatment of angina |
| |
occlusion |
Closure of a blood vessel |
| |
palpitations |
Uncomfortable sensations in the chest related to cardiac arrhythmias, such as premature ventricular contractions (PVC's) |
| |
patent |
Open |
| |
pericardial friction rub |
Scraping or grating noise heard on auscultation of the heart; suggestive of pericarditis |
| |
petechiae |
Small, pinpoint hemorrhages |
| |
statins |
Drugs used to lower cholesterol in the bloodstream |
| |
thrill |
Vibration felt on touching the body over an area of turmoil in blood flow (as a blocked artery) |
| |
vegetations |
Clumps of platelets, clotting proteins, microorganisms, and red blood cells on the endocardium in conditions such as bacterial endocarditis and rheumatic heart disease |
