Coronary Circulation Quiz

Specialized tissue in the right atrium that initiates heartbeats, often called the pacemaker of the heart.

The rate at which the SA node generates impulses, which is typically around 70 beats per minute.

The pathway that electrical impulses travel through to cause atrial contraction.

The only connection between the atria and ventricles, acting as a gatekeeper for electrical impulses.

The bundle of specialized conductive fibers that transmit impulses from the AV node to the ventricles.

The network of fibers that distribute electrical impulses to the ventricular muscle, ensuring coordinated contraction of both ventricles.

The part of the brain that regulates the heart rate and force of contraction.

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart, using electrodes placed on the body's surface.

The cardiovascular system works with all other systems in the body. This means that problems in the cardiovascular system can affect other systems.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to various health problems.

The heart is a powerful pump that circulates blood throughout the body, both to the lungs (pulmonary circulation) and the rest of the body (systemic circulation).

The heart is located in the mediastinum, a space between the lungs, and is encased in a protective double-walled sac called the pericardium.

The pericardium has two layers: the outer fibrous pericardium and the inner visceral pericardium (epicardium). These layers provide protection and lubrication for the heart.

The myocardium, the middle layer of the heart, is composed of specialized muscle cells that contract rhythmically to pump blood. The left ventricle wall is thicker than the right because it pumps blood to the entire body.

The endocardium, the innermost layer of the heart, forms the heart valves, crucial for ensuring that blood flows in one direction.

The atrioventricular (AV) valves, tricuspid (right) and mitral/bicuspid (left), separate the atria and ventricles.

The semilunar valves, aortic and pulmonary, are located at the exit of the ventricles and control blood flow to the aorta and pulmonary artery.

The septum divides the left and right sides of the heart, keeping oxygenated and deoxygenated blood separate.

The volume of blood ejected per minute. It depends on heart rate and stroke volume.

The difference between apical and radial pulse. It can indicate poor heart function.

The sound of heart valves closing 'Lubb' (AV valve) at the start of ventricular systole and 'Dupp'(semilunar valve) at the end of ventricular systole.

The pressure in the left ventricle must exceed the diastolic pressure in the aorta for blood flow to the body.

The pause allows time for the atria to contract and fill the ventricles before the ventricles contract and pump out blood.

The network of blood vessels that can provide alternate routes for blood flow if a major artery is blocked.

Abnormal sounds in the heart, often caused by defective valves or holes in the heart.

The measurement of the heart rate by feeling the pulse at an artery, typically at the wrist.

The two main arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. They branch off the aorta, the main artery carrying blood away from the heart.

The left coronary artery splits into two arteries: the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, which is located on the front of the heart, and the left circumflex artery, which wraps around the heart.

The right coronary artery branches into the right marginal artery and posterior interventricular artery. These arteries supply blood to the right side of the heart and the back of the heart.

The process where small blood vessels connect to form an alternative path for blood flow in case of a blockage in a major artery. It ensures a steady supply of blood to the heart muscle even if an artery gets blocked.

Direct connections between small blood vessels, especially near the heart's tip (apex), that provide alternative paths for blood flow.

Increased body temperature, such as during exercise or fever, can make the heart beat faster to deliver more blood to the body.

Physical activity or exertion increases heart rate to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to working muscles.

Regular aerobic exercise helps build collateral circulation by creating more connections between small blood vessels. This improves the heart's ability to deliver blood and oxygen.

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

The phase of the cardiac cycle where the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood out.

The period during the cardiac cycle where all four heart valves are closed and the ventricles are contracting.

A condition where the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is impaired, often due to issues with the left ventricle. This can lead to fluid buildup in the body.

The pressure exerted by blood against the walls of arteries; measured as systolic and diastolic pressures.

The higher number in a blood pressure reading, reflecting the pressure when the heart contracts.

The lower number in a blood pressure reading, reflecting the pressure when the heart relaxes.

The force opposing blood flow, caused by friction between blood and vessel walls.

The volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle per heartbeat.

Increased blood pressure due to constriction of blood vessels, primarily arterioles.

Decreased blood pressure due to dilation of blood vessels, primarily arterioles.

A test that utilizes ultrasound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about valvular abnormalities, congenital defects and structural changes in the heart.

An assessment of overall cardiovascular function by evaluating the heart's response to exercise, often used in fitness programs.

A test that utilizes radioactive substances to assess the size of an infarcted area in the heart, myocardial perfusion, and function.

Detecting heart murmurs with a stethoscope, which can indicate valvular abnormalities or abnormal blood shunts.

A test that records sounds produced by heart activity, helping diagnose heart conditions.

A test used to evaluate the shape and size of the heart and check for pulmonary congestion, a sign of heart failure.

A series of preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of heart disease, including healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation.

A procedure where a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, guided to the heart, and contrast dye is injected to visualize blood flow through the coronary arteries.

A blood test that measures the levels of troponin, a protein released from damaged heart muscle. Higher troponin levels indicate greater damage.

A specialized machine learning program designed to analyze ECG results, providing potential more accurate interpretation compared to human physicians.

A procedure performed during coronary angiography to open narrowed coronary arteries, often involving the use of a balloon catheter.

Dietary changes focused on reducing total fat intake (especially saturated and 'trans' fats), decreasing sodium consumption, and general weight loss.

Regular physical activity greatly improves cardiovascular function, circulation, and can help lower lipid levels, increase good cholesterol (HDL), and reduce stress.

Smoking significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Quitting smoking drastically reduces the risk.

Medications play a crucial role in managing various heart conditions, offering treatment solutions for diverse cardiac diseases.

A condition affecting the coronary arteries, also known as coronary heart disease, that includes angina pectoris, temporary cardiac ischemia, and myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack). MI damages part of the heart muscle due to obstruction in a coronary artery and results in insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle.

Drugs like simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor) prescribed to lower high cholesterol levels when diet and exercise aren't enough.

A medicine that blocks the beta-adrenergic receptors, resulting in a slower heart rate. It is used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.

This drug acts as a vasodilator, widening blood vessels to improve blood flow to the heart and treat angina. It also helps with hypertension.

This medicine helps reduce blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of angiotensin II, a powerful vasoconstrictor.

A drug that widens blood vessels, often used for angina, hypertension, and in some cases, arrhythmias.

A drug that helps strengthen contractions of a weak heart muscle and is used for heart failure and certain arrhythmias.

A powerful diuretic that helps eliminate excess fluid and sodium, commonly used for edema (swelling) and high blood pressure.

Drugs that expand blood vessels, reducing resistance and workload on the heart, often used for chest pain (angina).

Medications that block beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, slowing down heart rate and reducing blood pressure.

Drugs that block calcium from entering heart and smooth muscle cells, reducing heart contractility and relaxing blood vessels.

A cardiac glycoside that increases heart contractility and improves efficiency, but has a narrow safety margin.

Drugs that block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor, lowering blood pressure.

Drugs that directly block angiotensin II from binding to its receptors in blood vessels, reducing blood pressure.

Drugs that help remove excess sodium and water from the body through the kidneys, often used for high blood pressure and heart failure.

Medications that reduce the risk of blood clot formation by interfering with normal clotting mechanisms.