Cardiovascular Health Terminology

The heart is a solid, non-muscular organ about the size of a fist.

The heart functions as a one-sided pump, only pumping blood to the lungs.

The inferior vena cava carries oxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart.

Arteries carry blood under pressure from all parts of the body to the heart.

Capillaries are the strongest blood vessels in the human body.

Veins carry blood from the heart into the blood vessels.

A closed wound is a wound where the skin is broken.

Cholesterol is only found in plant-based products.

Convection refers to the gain of heat caused by the movement of air over the body.

The conjunctiva covers the back of the eyeball.

Compression in the brain is usually caused by a lack of fluids inside the skull.

Clavicles are also known as shoulder blades.

Abortion is the process of removing a fetus from the uterus before it is fully developed.

An AED is a device used to administer medication to patients with heart conditions.

Allergens are substances that suppress the immune system's response to foreign particles.

Anatomy refers to the function of the body rather than its physical structure.

Anaphylaxis is a mild and easily treatable allergic reaction.

The aorta originates at the right ventricle of the heart.

Arteriosclerosis is a term used for conditions that cause the walls of veins to become thick and elastic.

ASA is a prescription medication used for pain relief and fever reduction.

Asthma attacks are primarily caused by physical exertion rather than allergens.

Atherosclerosis is a type of arteriosclerosis caused by fat deposits in the arterial walls.

Aura is a sensation that precedes a seizure and can manifest as a smell or taste.

Basic life support (BLS) includes the use of equipment such as barrier devices.

Diaphragm is a small muscle located in the abdominal cavity.

Croup is a condition caused by low oxygen levels in the blood.

Defibrillation involves applying pressure to a wound to stop bleeding.

Distal refers to a part that is closer to the attachment of a leg/arm/finger/toe.

Diabetes is a disease caused by excessive insulin in the blood.

An embolus can be a blood clot carried in the blood stream.

In the pick-a-back carry method, the rescuer should crouch with the casualty's back between their knees.

Capillaries eventually form venules, which then turn into arteries.

To perform a pick-a-back carry for a long distance, the rescuer should make a small adjustable loop from a strap and place it under the casualty's neck.

Veins have thicker walls than arteries.

The cradle carry method is suitable for lifting heavy adults who are unable to help themselves.

Blood is composed of plasma, red cells, white cells, and platelets.

The aorta emerges from the bottom of the heart.

The fire fighter's carry is typically used for conscious casualties who can assist in getting into position on the rescuer's back.

The coronary arteries branch off from the bottom of the aorta to supply the heart with blood.

In a pick-a-back carry, the rescuer should use their leg muscles to stand up and keep their back straight.

Blood circulation system is an open loop starting and ending at the heart.

The cradle carry method involves kneeling on both knees next to the casualty for better support during lifting.

A clonic phase describes a convulsion where tightness and relaxation follow one another.

A concussion is a permanent disturbance of brain function usually caused by a blow to the head or neck.

The conjunctiva covers the front of the eyeball (cornea) and the inner eyelids.

Convection refers to the loss of heat caused by the movement of air over the body.

The coronary artery feeds blood to the heart muscle.

Compression in the brain is usually caused by a buildup of fluids inside the skull.

In a four-hand seat for carrying a conscious casualty, each rescuer grasps the other's left wrist with their right hand.

A conscious casualty being carried on a stretcher should have the bottom corner of the blanket covering their chest.

Padding should be placed at natural hollows in the casualty's body when wrapping them on a stretcher.

In a four-hand seat for carrying a conscious casualty, the casualty hoists themselves up to allow the bearers to position their hands under the legs.

As a first aider, you are required to have a full knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

A conscious casualty being carried on a stretcher should have all corners of the blanket tucked in securely.

A tourniquet should be placed directly over a wound to control bleeding.

A blast injury is caused by a sudden pressure wave, not by physical impact or debris.

Inhalation injuries primarily affect the skin and external body tissues.

An open fracture is when the broken bone penetrates through the skin.

A flail chest is when a segment of the rib cage breaks due to injury.

Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature is dangerously high.

Applying direct pressure is the recommended first aid technique for controlling arterial bleeding.

An arterial bleed is often characterized by dark red blood spurting in time with the heartbeat.

An avulsion is a type of wound caused by a sharp object puncturing the skin.

A jellyfish sting can result in symptoms such as intense itching and swelling.