Medical Terminology Simplified

Use of ultrasound to evaluate the heart and great vessels and diagnose cardiovascular

lesions

Creation and study of graphic records (electrocardiograms) produced by electric

activity generated by the heart muscle; also called cardiography

A cardiologist analyzes an ECG, which is valuable in diagnosing cases of abnormal

heart rhythm and myocardial damage.

Device worn by a patient that records prolonged electrocardiograph readings (usually

24 hours) on a portable tape recorder while the patient conducts normal daily activities

Holter monitoring provides a record of cardiac arrhythmia that would not be discovered

by means of an ECG of only a few minutes’ duration. The patient keeps an activity diary

to compare daily events with electrocardiographic tracings. (See Fig. 5–14.)

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 5 195

echocardiography

ĕk-ō-kăr-dē-ŎG-ră-fē

echo-: a repeated

sound

cardi/o: heart

-graphy: process of

recording

electrocardiography

(ECG, EKG)

ē-lĕk-trō-kăr-dē-

ŎG-ră-fē

electr/o: electricity

cardi/o: heart

-graphy: process of

recording

Catheter

in aortic arch

Catheter in

abdominal

artery

Catheter
inserted into
femoral artery

Femoral

vein

Radial

artery

Alternative

catheter

entry site

Brachial

artery

Figure 5-13Cardiac catheterization.

(A)Catheter insertion in femoral vein or

artery. (B)Catheter insertion in brachial

or radial artery.

Holter monitor

HŌL-ter MŎN-ĭ-tĕr

AB