AntiBody

ABortion

ACE

(Inhibitors)

ACEI

angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

lower blood presure by inhibiting the conversion of agotensin I (an inactive enzyme) to angiotensin II (a potent vasoconstrictor).

ACE inhibitors are used to treat hypertension alone or with other agents & aid in the management of heart failure.

Benazepril (Lotensin)

Catopril (capoten)

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

an infectious disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

The system becomes immunocompromised

ARDS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

a life-threatening condition in which the lungs no longer function effectively.

ARDS usually occurs as a result of very serious lung conditions, such as, trauma, severe pneumonia, & other major infections that affect the entire body (systemic infections) or blood infections (sepsis).

In ARDS, the aveoli fill with fluid caused by inflamation, & the collapse, making oxygen exchange impossible.

BP

B/P

Blood Presure

measures the force of blood against the atrial walls during 2 phases of a heartbeat:

the contraction phase (systole)

the relaxation phase (diastole)

Chronic Obrstructive Pulmonary Disease

includes respiratory disorders that produce a chronic partial obstruction of the air passages.

The patient finds it difficult to breathe (dyspnea)

The 3 major disorders of COPD include: asthma, Chronic bronchitis, & emphysema.

DVT

Deep Vein Thrombosis

blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body, especially those in the legs or thighs

In DVT, blood clots may break away from the vein & travel in the body. If they lodge in the lung, the condition is called a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism may be life threatening if a large portion of the lung is damaged.

ECG

EKG

electrocardiogram

Graphic line recording that shows the spread of electrical excitation to different parts of the heart using small metal electrodes applied to the chest, arms, & legs

- the sequence of those impulse contractions is as follows:

SA node --> AV node --> Bundle of His --> Purkinji Fibers

- ECG's help diagnose abnormal heart rhythms & myocardial damage.

Ejection Fraction

calculations of how much blood a ventricle can eject with one contractionThe left ventricle (LV) EF averages 50% - 70% in healthy hearts but can be markedly reduced if part of the heart muscle dies, as evident after an MI or in cardiomyopathy or vascular heart disease.

before meals

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