19.3: Cardiology

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Sara Bradbury Máñez

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Introduction

Cardiology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Interpreters working in cardiology encounters must be prepared for high-stakes conversations involving chest pain, shortness of breath, invasive procedures, long-term medication use, and sometimes life-threatening emergencies.

In U.S. healthcare settings, cardiology encounters often involve multiple diagnostic tests, rapid decision-making, and interdisciplinary care. Understanding basic cardiovascular anatomy, common conditions, procedures, and medications allows interpreters to support accurate, timely communication while maintaining strict role boundaries.

1. The Cardiovascular System: Interpreter Overview

The cardiovascular system is a closed, two-cycle system, meaning blood circulates continuously within the body and passes through the heart twice during each full cycle.

Two Circulatory Cycles

Systemic circulation:
Blood flows from the left side of the heart to the body and back to the right side of the heart.
Pulmonary circulation:
Blood flows from the right side of the heart to the lungs and back to the left side of the heart.

📌 Interpreter note: Providers often switch quickly between “systemic” and “pulmonary” circulation when explaining conditions or test results. Accuracy matters, especially during diagnostic discussions.

2. Basic Heart Anatomy and Blood Flow

The Heart

The heart has four chambers:

Right atrium
Right ventricle
Left atrium
Left ventricle

The heart wall consists of:

Myocardium (heart muscle responsible for pumping)
Endocardium (inner lining)
Epicardium (outer layer)

Valves

Valves ensure one-way blood flow:

Atrioventricular (AV) valves
- Tricuspid (right side)
- Mitral (left side)
Semilunar valves
- Pulmonary valve
- Aortic valve

Common valve terms interpreters hear:

Regurgitation – valve leaks backward
Stenosis – valve does not open fully
Mitral valve prolapse – floppy valve leaflets that may cause regurgitation

3. Coronary Arteries and Blood Supply

The coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle itself. They are considered end arteries, meaning there is little backup circulation if one becomes blocked.

Key terms:

Right coronary artery
Left coronary artery
Coronary ostium
Ischemia (reduced blood flow)

Blockage of coronary arteries can lead to angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), or sudden cardiac events.

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