CARDIOLOGIE: VOCABULAIRE


PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)

PDA is a congenital condition characterized by the post-natal persistence of a lumen in the ductus arteriosus between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. PDA is often manifested by a continuous murmur.

Stenosis

Stenosis describes the situation in which a heart valve fails to open properly or the chamber or vessel is abnormally narrow and the normal flow of blood is impeded.

Thrill

Thrill is a vibration caused by turbulent fluid movement through an incompetent valve which is palpable on the thoracic wall. Thrill is typically observed with grade 5 or 6 murmurs.

Regurgitation

Regurgitation results with valvular insufficiency and is characterized by blood flow against its normal course. In canines mitral valve regurgitation is the most common regurgitant-type murmur that will be encountered.

VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect)

VSD is a congenital condition characterized by the persistent patency of the ventricular septum post-natally thus allowing blood to flow directly between the ventricles. Since the blood can bypass the pulmonary circulation cyanosis may be present in addition to a grade 5/6 systolic murmur.

Murmurs

Murmurs are sounds produced by turbulent blood flow. Rapid flow, a wide vessel, low blood viscosity and an uneven or constricted vessel wall all predispose to cardiac murmurs.

Apex beat

The apex beat is an impact vibration produced at the start of ventricular contraction as the heart hits the chest wall.

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