Medical, Surgical, & Viewing Terms and Abbreviations
Medical, Surgical, & Viewing Terms and Abbreviations
Medical Careers & Professional Terminology
cardiology: the study of the heart and its disorders
cardiology technologists: perform diagnostic tests such as electrocardiography, stress testing, Holter monitor testing, and ambulatory blood pressure testing, as well as pacemaker monitoring and programming
cardiologist: a physician specializing in cardiology
cardiovascular perfusionists: responsible for operation of the heart-lung bypass machine during open heart surgery; also monitor the patient’s vitals, administering IV fluids and other drugs
Imaging Techniques/Procedures for the Organ System
coronary angiogram: a visual record of coronary angiography
coronary angiography: a procedure that uses contrast dye, usually containing iodine, and x-ray pictures to detect blockages in the coronary arteries that are caused by plaque buildup
Surgical Techniques/Medical Procedures/Diagnostic Procedures/Medications Used with the Organ System
artificial cardiac pacemaker: a small, battery-operated medical device that generates electrical impulses delivered by electrodes to cause the heart muscle chambers to contract and pump blood
auscultation: listening to a patient’s heart sounds
automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator: an electronic implant that provides an automatic shock to convert a dangerous heart rhythm to a normal heart rhythm
cardiac catheterization: a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube is guided through a blood vessel to the heart to diagnose or treat certain heart conditions
catheter ablation: Using extreme heat or extreme cold to destroy cells in parts of the heart that were causing abnormal rhythms
coronary artery bypass graft: a nonvital superficial vessel from another part of the body (often the great saphenous vein) or a synthetic vessel is inserted to create a path around the blocked area of a coronary artery
coronary stent: a tiny coil of wire mesh that supports the walls of a coronary artery and helps prevent it from re-narrowing after angioplasty
echocardiogram: a visual record using sound to record the heart
echocardiography: Process of using sound to record the heart.
electrocardiogram: a visual record of the electrical impulses in the heart
electrocardiograph: a device used to create an electrocardiogram
electrocardiography: the process of recording the electrical impulses of the heart
exercise stress test: a test that shows how the heart works during physical activity
pericardiocentesis: removal of pericardial fluid for treatment or testing
valvuloplasty: surgical repair of a heart valve
Abbreviations Commonly Used with the Organ System
ACS: acute coronary syndrome
Afib: atrial fibrillation
AICD: automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator
AV: atrioventricular
CAD: coronary artery disease
CPR: cardiopulmonary resuscitation
ECG/EKG: electrocardiogram
ECHO: echocardiogram
HF: heart failure
HHD: hypertensive heart disease
MI: myocardial infarction
Medical Terms Practice
For each