ECG and Cardiology Basics Quiz

Electrical conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node and bundle of His.

Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium.

Amplitude of electrical activity in the heart.

Axillary temperature is typically lower than an oral temperature.

American Heart Association.

The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (contracts) and pumps out blood.

The electrode for Lead V2 is placed on the fourth intercostal space, just to the right of the sternum (breastbone).

Premature ventricular contractions originate in the ventricles of the heart, the lower chambers responsible for pumping blood out.

The flat line on an EKG that represents the period when the heart is electrically neutral and not contracting.

The sac that surrounds and protects the heart.

The Bicuspid valve is another name for the Mitral valve, located between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. It is a crucial part of the circulatory system that allows blood to flow from the atrium to the ventricle, but prevents it from flowing back into the atrium.

Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats excessively fast, exceeding 100 beats per minute. This can be caused by various factors, including stress, exercise, or underlying medical conditions.

The Endocardium is the inner lining of the heart, comprised of a thin layer of epithelial cells. It plays a crucial role in smooth blood flow and prevents clots from forming.

A Holter monitor is a portable device that records your heart's electrical activity for an extended period of time, often 24 hours. This allows doctors to diagnose arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.

Atrial tachycardia is a type of rapid heartbeat originating in the atria of the heart. It's characterized by a heart rate between 250-300 beats per minute with clear P waves on the ECG.

Represents the electrical repolarization of the ventricles. This means the ventricles are returning to their resting state after contracting.

The number of times the ventricles contract per minute. It is determined by measuring the time between two consecutive R waves on an ECG.

A temporary loss of consciousness caused by a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain.

Represents the electrical depolarization of the atria. This means the atria are contracting.

The nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, controls and coordinates all body functions in response to changes in the environment.

The layer of tissue that lines the heart's inner chambers. This layer, called the endocardium, is smooth and helps blood flow efficiently.

The tough outer layer of the heart wall, called the epicardium, protects the heart and helps it function properly.

In first-degree AV block, the electrical signal from the atria to the ventricles is delayed, resulting in a PR interval greater than 0.2 seconds.

The PR interval on an EKG represents the time it takes for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles.

Swelling caused by fluid buildup in the tissues.

Fluid buildup in the tissues can be caused by various factors such as:

• Heart failure: The heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues.
• Kidney disease: The kidneys can't filter excess fluids, leading to fluid retention in the tissues.
• Liver disease: Liver disease can disrupt fluid balance in the body, leading to edema.
• Venous insufficiency: Poor blood flow in veins can cause fluids to leak into tissues.
• Medications: Some medications can cause edema as a side effect.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on veins can cause swelling in the legs and feet during pregnancy.
• Injuries: Trauma or an injury can lead to edema in the affected area.

The accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues.

Several methods can help reduce edema, including:

• Elevation: Keep the affected area elevated above your heart to promote fluid drainage.
• Compression: Use compression stockings or bandages to help prevent fluid from accumulating in the tissues.
• Diuretics: These medications help the body eliminate excess fluids through urine.
• Dietary changes: Reducing salt intake, avoiding alcohol, and drinking more fluids can help manage edema.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation and reduce fluid retention.
• Managing underlying conditions: Treating the underlying medical condition causing edema is crucial for long-term management.

Edema can manifest in different ways, including:

• Swelling: Visible swelling in the affected area, such as the legs, ankles, feet, hands, or face.
• Pitting: When pressure is applied to the affected area, an indentation remains for a few seconds after the pressure is released.
• Tightness: A feeling of tightness or fullness in the affected area.
• Pain: Pain or discomfort in the swollen area.
• Skin changes: Skin may become shiny, stretched, or discolored in areas with edema.