Shared Flashcard Set

Details

med108 DMedina
Cardiovascular Abbreviations
15
Medical
Not Applicable
03/23/2026

Additional Medical Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
A-fib (Atrial Fibrillation)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: A-fib is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. The atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat chaotically, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart-related complications.

Term
AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: An AED is a portable device that can detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm, typically used during sudden cardiac arrest.

Term
CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: CABG is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle.

Term
CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: CAD is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart. It is the most common cause of heart attacks.

Term
Card cath, CC (Cardiac Catheterization)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the heart through blood vessels, often used to examine blockages or perform treatments like angioplasty

Term
CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: CVI occurs when veins in the legs don’t allow blood to flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.

Term
EKG, ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: An EKG (or ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the myocardium to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, or function.

Term
HTN (Hypertension)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

Term
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: An ICD is a device implanted in the chest or abdomen to monitor heart rhythm and deliver shocks if dangerous arrhythmias are detected, preventing sudden cardiac arrest.

Term
MI (Myocardial Infarction)
Definition

 

 

Definition: A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. This is often caused by a blockage in one or more coronary arteries.

Term
PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease)
Definition

 

 

Definition: PAD is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, commonly the legs. It can cause leg pain and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Term
PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)
Definition

 

 

Definition: PVD is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, often causing reduced blood flow to the arms and legs, leading to pain or cramping.

Term
Tpa (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: Tpa is a clot-dissolving medication used in the treatment of stroke or heart attack by breaking down blood clots that obstruct blood flow to vital organs.

Term
TST (Treadmill Stress Test)
Definition

 

 

Definition: A TST is a diagnostic test that involves walking on a treadmill while monitoring heart activity to assess how the heart functions during physical stress.

Term
V-fib (Ventricular Fibrillation)
Definition

 

 

 

Definition: V-fib is a life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, often leading to cardiac arrest.

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