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Aneurysm
Localized dialtion of an artery caused by a congenital or acquired weakness in the wall of a vessel.
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Angina Pectoris
Chest pain often accompanied by SOB and relieved by rest.
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Angioplasty
Surgical repair of a vessel.
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Arteri/o
Arteriole. Vessel that carries blood away from the heart.
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Arteriosclerosis
Disease in which the arterial walls become thickened and lose their elasticity without the presence of atheromas.
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Atherosclerosis
Disease in which medium and large arteries have atheromas which can reduce or obstruct blood flow. A form of arteriosclerosis.
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Atri/o
Atrium. Upper chamber of the heart.
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Bradychardia
Slow heartbeat with ventricular contractions less than 60 bpm
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Bruit
Abnormal sound heard when auscultating an artery. Usually a blowing or swishing sound, higher pitched than a murmor.
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CAD
Coronary Artery Disease. Accumulation of hardening plaque in the coronary arteries that eventually leads to angina.
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Cardiac Catheterization
Threading of a cathetar into the heart to collect diagnostic information about the structures in the heart, coronary arteries, and great vessels.
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Cardiomegaly
Enlargement of the heart.
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CHF
Congestive Heart Failure. Inability of the heart muscle to pump blood efficiently so that it becomes overloaded.
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Claudication
Cramplike pains in the calves caused by poor circulation in the leg muscles.
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Cyanosis
Lack of oxygen in blood, seen as a bluish or grayish discoloration of skin, nail beds, and or lips.
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Diaphoresis
Profuse sweat.
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Diastole
Relaxation phase of the heart.
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Electrocardiography
ECG. Process of graphing/recording the electrical activity of the heart muscle.
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MI
Myocardial Infarction. Cardiac tissue death that occurs when the coronary arteries are occluded (blocked) by an atheroma (mass of fat/lipids)
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Murmur
Abnormal heart sound heard which may be described as gentle blowing, fluttering, or a humming sound.
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Pallor
Paleness of skin and or mucous membranes.
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Palpitation
Pounding, skipping, or racing of the heart, such that the pt is aware of their heartbeat.
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Peripheral Arterial Occlusion
Blockage of blood flow to the extremities.
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Peripheral Vascular Disorder
Any vascular disorder limited to the extremeties; may affect not only the arteries and veins, but also the lymphatics.
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PET
Positron Emission Tomography. Computerized nuclear medicine procedure that uses inhaled or injected radioactive substances to help identify how muc ha pt will benefit from revascularization procedures.
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Sept/o
Septum. Wall between the chambers
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Systole
Contraction phase of the heart.
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Tachycardia
Rapid heartbeat, more than 100 bpm
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Thrill
Fine vibration felt by the examiner or palpation.
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Thrombophlebitis
Inflammation of either deep veins or superficial veins with the formation of one or more clots.
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Varicose Veins
Elongated, dilated superficial veins with imcompetent valves that permit reverse blood flow.
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Ventricul/o
Ventricle. Lower chamber of the heart.
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