Cardiology Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on cardiology vocabulary: myocardium, arrhythmia, systole, diastole, ventricle, atrium, palpitation, atherosclerosis, angioplasty, echocardiogram, tachycardia and bradycardia. B1–C1 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Cardiology is actually used in context at B1–C1 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as myocardium, arrhythmia, systole, diastole and ventricles, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Cardiology Vocabulary — FAQ
What is the difference between systole and diastole?
Systole is the phase when the heart muscle contracts and ejects blood into the arteries; diastole is the phase when the heart relaxes and the chambers refill with blood. Blood pressure readings express these as two numbers — for example, 120 (systolic) over 80 (diastolic) mmHg.
What causes atherosclerosis?
Atherosclerosis develops when fatty substances, cholesterol, and other materials build up as plaques inside artery walls. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. The plaques narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What is the difference between tachycardia and bradycardia?
Tachycardia means the heart beats too fast (above 100 bpm at rest); bradycardia means it beats too slowly (below 60 bpm at rest). Both are types of arrhythmia. Bradycardia is normal in well-trained athletes; tachycardia may indicate fever, anaemia, or a heart condition.
What does an echocardiogram show?
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create real-time images and measurements of the heart. It shows the size and shape of the heart's chambers and walls, valve function, how well the heart pumps blood (ejection fraction), and any structural abnormalities such as holes or thickened walls.
How does angioplasty treat blocked arteries?
In angioplasty, a cardiologist inserts a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel, usually in the wrist or groin, and guides it to the blocked coronary artery. A small balloon at the tip is inflated to compress the plaque against the artery wall, restoring blood flow. A wire mesh stent is usually deployed to keep the artery open.
What is the difference between the atria and ventricles?
The atria (singular: atrium) are the two upper chambers that receive blood entering the heart; the ventricles are the two lower, more muscular chambers that pump blood out. The right side handles deoxygenated blood to the lungs; the left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body.
What causes heart palpitations?
Palpitations can be triggered by anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, dehydration, anaemia, thyroid problems, or certain medications. They may also signal an arrhythmia. Most isolated palpitations are harmless, but persistent or severe palpitations — especially with dizziness or chest pain — warrant medical evaluation.
Why is the myocardium important?
The myocardium is the specialised cardiac muscle that contracts rhythmically to pump blood throughout the circulatory system. Unlike skeletal muscle, it works continuously without fatigue. Damage to the myocardium — for example, during a heart attack — impairs the heart's pumping ability and can lead to heart failure.
What is arrhythmia and when is it dangerous?
An arrhythmia is any deviation from normal heart rhythm — beats may be too fast, too slow, or irregular. Many arrhythmias are harmless, but ventricular fibrillation and sustained ventricular tachycardia are life-threatening as they prevent effective pumping. Atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk because blood can pool and clot in the atria.
What cardiology vocabulary should medical ESL learners prioritise?
Medical ESL learners should focus on heart anatomy terms (myocardium, ventricle, atrium), rhythm terms (arrhythmia, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation), physiological terms (systole, diastole), disease terms (atherosclerosis), and procedure terms (angioplasty, echocardiogram). These 12 terms are core to reading cardiology reports, clinical notes, and patient education materials.