The pulsing of the heart that can be felt over the apex in the fifth left
intercostal space (between the ribs) about 8 to 9 cm from the midline
APEX BEAT
The amount of blood pumped from the right or left ventricle per minute
CARDIAC OUTPUT
A vessel between the pulmonary artery and the aorta that bypasses
the lungs in fetal circulation. Failure to close after birth is called
patent (PA-tent) ductus arteriosus.
DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS
An opening between the two atria that allows blood to bypass the lungs
in fetal circulation. Failure to close after birth results in a septal defect.
FORAMEN OVALE
Arterial sounds heard with a stethoscope during determination of
blood pressure with a cuff
KOROTKOFF SOUNDS
The passage of fluid, such as blood, through an organ or tissue
PERFUSION
The anterior region over the heart and the lower part of the thorax;
adjective
PERCORDIUM
The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure
PULSE PRESSURE
A normal heart rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node
SINUS RHYTHM
The amount of blood ejected by the left ventricle with each beat
STROKE VOLUME
Bearing down, as in childbirth or defecation, by attempting to exhale
forcefully with the nose and throat closed. This action has an effect
on the cardiovascular system.
VALSALVA MANEUVER
An abnormal sound heard in auscultation
BRUIT
Pathologic accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac. May result
from pericarditis or injury to the heart or great vessels.
CARDIAC TAMPONADE
Localized narrowing of the aorta
COARCTATION OF THE AORTA
A heartbeat that originates from some part of the heart other than the SA node
ECTOPIC BEAT
Premature contraction of the heart that occurs separately from the normal beat and originates from a part of the heart other than the SA node
EXTRASYSTOLE
Very rapid (200 to 300 beats per minute) but regular contractions, as
in the atria or the ventricles
FLUTTER
A condition of lower-than-normal blood pressure
HYPOTENSION
Pain in a muscle during exercise caused by inadequate blood supply.
The pain disappears with rest.
INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION
Movement of the cusps of the mitral valve into the left atrium when
the ventricles contract
MITRAL VALVE PROLAPSE
Arteriosclerotic disease of the vessels, usually peripheral vessels
OCCLUSIVE VASCULAR DISEASE
A sensation of abnormally rapid or irregular heartbeat
PALPITATION
Edema that retains the impression of a finger pressed firmly into the
skin
PITTING EDEMA
Potentially fatal collagen disease causing inflammation of small visceral arteries. Symptoms depend on the organ affected.
POLYARTERITIS NODOSA
