Cardiovascular vocab

Angina

chest pain or discomfort that happens when the heart doesn't get sufficient oxygen-rich blood

Aortic valve

heart valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta

Arterities

muscular-walled tubes in the circulation system that transport oxygenated blood from the heart to all parts of the body

Atrioventricular valves (av-valves)

valves in the heart that causes blood flow through the heart in one direction from the right side to the left side

Bruit

vascular sounds resembling heart murmurs

Clubbing

abnormality where the ends of the fingers and toes enlarge and the nails curve

Contour

smooth outline or shape of carotid arteries with a rapid upstroke and normal strength

Dorsalis pedis

pulse palpable on the dorsum of the foot in the first internmetatarsal space just lateral to the extensor tendon of the great toe

Electrocardiogram

test to evaluate the electrical impulses generated by the heart during the cardiac cycle to assist with diagnosis of cardiac dysrhythmias, blocks, damage, infection, or enlargement

Intercostal space (ICS)

area between the ribs

Left sternal border (LSB)

the fifth intercostal space, location of the bicuspid (mitral) valve sound

Murmur

general term to describe any abnormal sounds heard in the heart

Pallor

an unhealthy pale appearance

Popliteal

artery that is primary vascular supply in the region of the knee and lower leg or vein that runs posterior to the popliteal artery and receives blood from multiple tributaries

Pulmonic valve

one of the four valves that regulate blood flow in the heart; lies between the lower right ventricle and the pulmonary artery

Pulses

number of times the heart beats in one minute

Radial

artery in the wrist

Rhythm

amount of electrical energy generated as a heart beat

S1, S2, S3, S4

heart sounds causes by the opening and closing of valves

Systolic

top number on a blood pressure reading

Thrill

vibratory sensation felt on the skin overlying an area of turbulence and indicates a loud heart murmur usually caused by an incompetent heart valve

Ulnar

artery that supplies blood flow to the forearm and eventually to the hand

Ankle/ brachial index

test that compares the blood pressure measured at the ankle with the blood pressure measured at the arm

Apical

pulsation at the apex of the heart

Amplitude

pulse volume; may be described as weak, faint, strong, or bounding

Brachial

network of nerve fibers that supplies the skin and musculature of the upper limbs

Capillary refill

measurement of time interval from the release of soft tissue pressure until the normal color returns

Carotid

blood vessels located on both sides of the neck that deliver blood to the brain and head

Diastolic

pressure of blood vessels after the initial force of contraction of the heart

Edema

swelling due to small blood vessels (arteries and veins) leaking fluid into nearby tissues

Erbs

location in the heart where many heart murmurs are best heard

Jugular vein

veins in the neck that drain blood from the head, brain, face and neck and convey it toward the heart

Mitral valve

heart valve that lies between the left atrium and the left ventricle to support one-directional blood flow through the heart

Orthostatic

form of hypotension that is a decrease in systolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 20 mmHg, or a decrease in the diastolic pressure of greater than or equal to 10mmHg when a patient changes from a recumbent or sitting position to a standing position

Perfusion

passage of bodily fluids, such as blood, through the circulatory or lymphatic system to an organ or tissue

Posterior tibial

artery that passes posterior to medial malleolus at the ankle

Pulse deficit

difference between the apical and peripheral pulse rates

Pulsation

act of pulsating; beating or throbbing. a beat or throb, as of the pulse vibration or undulation

Rate

number of contractions

Right sternal border (RSB)

right edge of the sternum

Semilunar valves

separates and controls the blood flow from the right ventricle of the heart to the pulmonary artery without any backflow

Temporal

artery at the temporal above the ear

Tricuspid valve

regulates blood flow from the heart's upper right chamber (right atrium) to the lower right chamber (right ventricle)

Veins

return blood to the heart; dark red because oxygen has been replaced with carbon dioxide and other wastes