Pharmacology
Angina pectoris: Chest pain resulting from a temporary difference between the supp=
ly
and the demand of oxygen to the heart muscle.
Auscultation:
Listening with a stethoscope.
Beta-blockers: Drugs used to treat angina, hypertension, and arrhythmias. They b=
lock
the action of epinephrine (adrenalin) at receptor sites on cells so that the
heart beats more slowly and with less force and requires less oxygen.
Calcium channel blockers: Drugs used to treat angina and hypertension. They dil=
ate
blood vessels by blocking the influx of calcium into muscles that line the
vessels.
Claudication:
Pain, tension, and weakness in a leg after walking has<=
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begun, but absence of pain at rest.
Digitalis:
Drug that increases the strength and regularity of the heartbeat.
Emboli (singular: embolus): Collections of material (clots or other substances) t=
hat
travel to and suddenly block a blood vessel.
Infarction:
Area of dead tissue.
Nitrates:
Drugs used in the treatment of angina pectoris. They dilate blood vessels, =
so
that a patient is less likely to development myocardial oxygen deficit.
Nitroglycerin: A nitrate drug used in the treatment of angina pectoris.
Occlusion:
Closure of a blood vessel.
Palpitations:
Uncomfortable sensations in the chest related to cardiac to cardiac
arrhythmias.
Patent:
Open.
Petechiae:
Small, pinpoint hemorrhages.
Vegetations: Collections
of platelets, clotting proteins, microorganisms, and red blood cells that
attach to the endocardium in conditions such as
bacterial endocarditis and rheumatic heart dise=
ase.