V Glossary
Acute coronary syndrome: A group of conditions that involves a sudden compromise in blood flow to the myocardium. (Chapter 5.7)
Afterload: The force the ventricles must generate to pump blood against the resistance in the vessels. (Chapter 5.2)
Aneurysm: Dilation or bulging of a blood vessel caused by weakened vessel walls. (Chapter 5.12)
Angina: Chest pain or discomfort that is unpredictable and occurs at rest or with minimal exertion. (Chapter 5.7)
Angioplasty: Use of a balloon to stretch open a blocked artery. (Chapter 5.3)
Ankle-brachial index (ABI): An assessment comparing the blood pressure in the arms (brachial artery) to that in the ankles (dorsalis pedis or posterior tibial arteries). (Chapter 5.9)
Arteriosclerosis: The thickening and stiffening of arterial walls. (Chapter 5.6)
Artery: A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart. (Chapter 5.2)
Ascites: Abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen. (Chapter 5.3, Chapter 5.8)
Atherosclerosis: Buildup of cholesterol, fatty deposits, and wastes within the lining of the arteries. (Chapter 5.6)
Blood pressure: The force exerted by blood on the walls of the blood vessels. (Chapter 5.2)
Bradycardia: The condition in which resting rate drops below 60 bpm. (Chapter 5.2, Chapter 5.3)
Capillary: A microscopic channel that supplies blood to the tissue cells where nutrients and wastes are exchanged at the cellular level. (Chapter 5.2)
Capillary refill test: Test performed on the nail beds to monitor perfusion. (Chapter 5.3)
Cardiac catheterization: A diagnostic procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries, heart chambers, and great vessels; also known as coronary angiography or angiogram. (Chapter 5.3)
Cardiac output (CO): Measurement of the amount of blood pumped by each ventricle in one minute. (Chapter 5.2)
Cardiac stress test: A diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the performance and function of the heart during physical activity; also known as an exercise stress test or treadmill test. (Chapter 5.3)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD): Disease that affects the heart and blood vessels. (Chapter 5.1)
Clipping: A surgical procedure involving the placement of a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm to block blood flow into it and prevent rupture. (Chapter 5.12)
Coiling: A minimally invasive procedure involving the insertion of tiny coils into the aneurysm through a catheter to promote clotting within the aneurysm and prevent blood flow into it. (Chapter 5.12)
Compliance: The ability of any compartment to expand to accommodate increased content. (Chapter 5.2)
Contractility: The force or strength of the contraction itself. (Chapter 5.2)
Coronary angiogram: A procedure that uses a special dye (contrast material) and X-rays to see how blood flows through the arteries in the heart. (Chapter 5.3)
Coronary artery disease (CAD): Plaque buildup that causes the inside of the coronary arteries to narrow over time, which can partially or totally block the blood flow to the muscle tissue