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Chapter 6: Cardiovascular System
Saphenous vein
Valve
Saphenous vein grafts
Blockage
FIGURE 6-9 Coronary artery bypass graft.
electrocardiography (ECG, EKG): Creation and study of graphic records (electrocardiograms) of electric currents originating in the heart (Figure 6-10). event recorder: Portable monitoring device that records heart rhythms while the patient is having symptoms. Recordings can be immediately transmit- ted to the health-care provider to detect and analyze dysrhythmias and other medical conditions. Holter monitor: Portable device worn by a patient during normal activity that records heart rhythm for 24 to 48 hours (Figure 6-11). international normalized ratio (INR): Standardized method of checking the prothrombin time (PT); used to monitor and adjust warfarin (Couma- din) dosage to maintain a balance between clot prevention and excessive bleeding. pacemaker: Device that can trigger the mechanical contractions of the heart by emitting periodic electrical discharges. partial thromboplastin time (PTT): Measure of blood-clotting time, used to monitor heparin therapy. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that slows the clotting time of blood. A balance must be maintained between clot prevention and excessive bleeding.
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