Heart, Neck Vessels, and Peripheral Vascular System Definitions

Heart, Neck Vessels, and Peripheral Vascular System DefinitionsKim and StephanieNSG 173

Aneurysmlocalized, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall

Anginaspasmodic, choking, or suffocating pain

ApicalRelating to the apex of a pyramidal or pointed structureArrhythmiaAn irregularity in the force or rhythm of the heartbeat

ArteriosclerosisAny of a group of chronic diseases in which thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls result in impaired blood circulation. Also called arterial sclerosisBradycardiaA slowness of the heartbeat, usually under 60 beats per minute in adults

Bruitsan abnormal sound or murmur heard in auscultation

Diastolethe rhythmic period of relaxation and dilation of a chamber of the heart during which it fills with blood

Edemaan abnormal accumulation of fluid in intercellular spaces of the body

Embolismthe sudden blocking of an artery by a clot or foreign material which has been brought to its site of lodgment by the blood current.

Fibrillationa small, local, involuntary, muscular contraction, due to spontaneous activation of single muscle cells or muscle fibers whose nerve supply has been damaged or cut off.

Myocardial infarctionNecrosis of a region of the myocardium caused by an interruption in the supply of blood to the heart, usually as a result of occlusion of a coronary artery. Also called cardiac infarction.

Orthostatic hypotensionA form of low blood pressure precipitated by moving from a lying or sitting position to standing up straight

Palpitationa subjective sensation of an unduly rapid or irregular heartbeat

Pericardialpertaining to the pericardium that surrounds the heart.PhlebitisInflammation of a vein

Precordiumthe region of the anterior surface of the body covering the heart and lower thorax

Stroke volumeThe volume of blood pumped out of one ventricle of the heart in a single beat

Systolethe contraction, or period of contraction, of the heart, especially of the ventricles, during which blood is forced into the aorta and pulmonary artery

Tachycardiaabnormally rapid heart rate

ThrombophlebitisInflammation of a vein caused by or associated with the formation of a blood clot.