Cardiovascular Vocabulary Coronary Sinus Coronary sinus drains the

Cardiovascular Vocabulary

Coronary Sinus Coronary sinus drains the venous blood from the walls of the heart into the right atrium

Auscultation Listening to sounds within body using a stethoscope

Branch of medicine for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Catheter Flexible tube inserted in body to move fluids into or out of body.

Murmur Abnormal heart sound such as soft blowing sound or a harsh click; also called ‘bruit’

Palpitations Pounding, racing heart beats

Plaque Yellow, fatty deposit of lipids in an artery; hallmark of atherosclerosis

Angina Pectoris Severe pain and sensation of constriction around heart; caused by myocardial ischemia.

Arrhythmia Irregularity in heartbeat; some are mild and others are life threatening.

Cardiomyopathy Myocardial disease; may be caused by viral infection, congestive heart failure, or alcoholism; common reason for heart transplant

Congenital Septal Defect (CSD) Hole, present at birth, in heart septum; allows mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood

Endocarditis Inflammation of lining membranes of heart; if the cause is bacterial, it may have a bacterial colony form, called vegetation.

Heart Valve Prolapse Cusps are too loose and fail to shut tightly; allowing regurgitation

Heart Valve Stenosis Cusps are too stiff; unable to shut tightly; allowing regurgitation

Pericarditis Inflammation of pericardial sac