Cardiovascular System Terminology
Ever wondered what all those medical abbreviations mean on health reports? The cardiovascular system has its own specialized language. Blood pressure (BP) is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), while heart activity is recorded with an ECG or EKG (electrocardiogram).
Common heart conditions have standard abbreviations too. CAD stands for coronary artery disease, while MI refers to myocardial infarction (heart attack). If someone has HTN, they're dealing with hypertension or high blood pressure. For serious cases, a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft) might be performed.
Blood component abbreviations are equally important. RBC means red blood cell, WBC is white blood cell, and PLT's refers to platelets. The Hgb (hemoglobin) and HCT (hematocrit) values help evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity and blood thickness.
Pro Tip: Create flashcards with these abbreviations - medical professionals use them constantly, and knowing them will help you understand health discussions much better!