Glossary
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ablation
- elimination or removal.
ACE
(angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor - a
medication that lowers blood pressure.
aneurysm
- a sac-like protrusion from a blood vessel or
the heart.
angina
pectoris (Also called angina.) - recurring chest
pain or discomfort that happens when some part
of the heart does not receive enough blood.
angiography
- an x-ray that uses dye injected into arteries
so that blood circulation can be studied.
angioplasty
- a non-surgical procedure for treating diseased
arteries.
anticoagulant
- a medication that keeps blood from clotting.
antihypertensive
- a medication or other therapy that lowers blood
pressure.
aorta
- the largest artery in the body and the primary
blood vessel leading from the heart to the body.
aortic
valve - the valve that regulates blood flow from
the heart into the aorta.
aphasia
- the inability to speak or understand due to
brain injury or disease.
arrhythmia
(Also called dysrhythmia.) - an abnormal heartbeat.
arterioles
- small branches of arteries.
arteriosclerosis
- commonly called "hardening of the arteries;"
a variety of conditions caused by fatty or calcium
deposits in the artery walls causing them to thicken.
artery
- a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood
away from the heart to the body.
atherectomy
- a non-surgical procedure that involves removing
plaque from the walls of arteries with a rotating
blade.
atherosclerosis
- a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up
of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.
atrioventricular
block - an interruption of the electrical signal
between the atria and the ventricles.
atrioventricular
(AV) node - a cluster of cells between the atria
and ventricles that regulate the electrical current.
atrium
(atria pl.) - one of two upper chambers in the
heart.
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beta
blocker - an antihypertensive medication that
limits the activity of epinephrine (a hormone
that increases blood pressure).
biopsy
- the procedure of taking a small tissue sample
for examination.
blood
clot - a gelled mass of blood tissue.
blood
pressure - the force or pressure exerted by the
heart when pumping blood; also, the pressure of
blood in the arteries.
blood
pressure cuff - a device usually placed around
the upper of the arm to measure blood pressure.
body
mass index (BMI) - a measure of weight
proportionate to height.
brady...
- suffix meaning slow.
bradycardia
- abnormally slow heartbeat.
bundle-branch
block - a condition in which the heart's electrical
system is unable to normally conduct the electrical
signal.
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calcium
channel blocker (or calcium blocker) - a medication
that lowers blood pressure.
capillaries
- tiny blood vessels between arteries and veins
that distribute oxygen-rich blood to the body.
cardiac
- pertaining to the heart.
cardiac
arrest - the stopping of heartbeat.
cardiac
catheterization - a diagnostic procedure in which
a tiny, hollow tube (catheter) is advanced from
a vessel in the groin through the aorta into the
heart in order to image the heart and blood vessels.
cardiac
output - the amount of blood that goes through
the circulatory system in one minute.
cardiology
- the clinical study and practice of treating
the heart.
cardiomyopathy
- a disease of the heart muscle that causes it
to lose its pumping strength.
cardiovascular
(CV) - pertaining to the heart and blood vessel
(circulatory) system.
cardioversion
- the procedure of applying electrical shock to
the chest to change an abnormal heartbeat into
a normal one.
carotid
artery - the major arteries in the neck that supply
blood to the brain.
cerebral
embolism - a blood clot from one part of the body
that is carried by the bloodstream to the brain
where it blocks an artery.
cerebral
hemorrhage - bleeding within the brain.
cerebral
thrombosis - formation of a blood clot in an artery
that supplies blood to the brain.
cerebrovascular
- pertaining to blood vessels in the brain.
cerebrovascular
accident - apoplexy or stroke; an impeded blood
supply to the brain.
cerebrovascular
occlusion - an obstruction in the blood vessel
in the brain.
cholesterol
- a waxy substance that is produced in the human
body, animal fats, and in dairy products and is
transported in the blood.
cineangiography
- the procedure of taking moving pictures to show
the passage of dye through blood vessels.
circulatory
system - pertaining to the heart and blood vessels,
and the circulation of blood.
claudication
- pain or fatigue in arms and legs due to poor
supply of oxygen to the muscles.
computed
tomography (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination
of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (often called slices), both horizontally
and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed
images of any part of the body, including the
bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are
more detailed than general x-rays.
congenital
- present at birth.
congestive
heart failure - a condition in which the heart
cannot pump out all of the blood that enters it,
which leads to an accumulation of blood in the
vessels and fluid in the body tissues.
coronary
arteries - arteries that come from the aorta to
provide blood to the heart muscle.
coronary
artery bypass graft (CAB or CABG) - a surgical
procedure in which a healthy blood vessel is transplanted
from another part of the body into the heart to
replace or bypass a diseased vessel.
coronary
artery spasm - a sudden closing of an artery,
which cuts off blood flow to the heart and causes
symptom of angina or heart attack.
coronary
heart disease - a condition in which the coronary
arteries narrow from an accumulation of plaque
(atherosclerosis) and cause a decrease in blood
flow.
coronary
occlusion - an obstruction of one of the coronary
arteries that decreases flow to the heart muscle.
coronary
thrombosis - the formation of a clot in one of
the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle.
cyanosis
- insufficient oxygen in the blood.
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defibrillator
- an electronic device used to establish normal
heartbeat.
diastolic
blood pressure - the lowest blood pressure measure
in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.
diuretic
- a medication that lowers blood pressure by causing
excess fluid to be excreted.
Doppler
ultrasound - A procedure that uses sound waves
to evaluate heart, blood vessels, and valves.
dyspnea
- shortness of breath.
dysrhythmia
- an abnormal heart rhythm.
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echocardiography
- a procedure that evaluates the structure and
function of the heart by using sound waves recorded
on an electronic sensor that produce a moving
picture of the heart and heart valves.
edema
- swelling.
ejection
fraction - the measurement of the blood pumped
out of the ventricles.
electrocardiogram
(ECG or EKG) - a test that records the electrical
activity of the heart, shows abnormal rhythms
(arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and detects heart
muscle damage.
electrophysiological
study (EPS) - a cardiac catheterization to study
electrical current in patients who have arrhythmias.
endarterectomy
- the surgical removal of plaque or blood clots
in an artery.
endocardium
- the membrane that covers the inside surface
of the heart.
endocarditis
- a bacterial infections of the heart lining.
enlarged
heart - a condition of the heart in which it is
abnormally larger than normal.
epicardium
- the membrane that covers the outside of the
heart.
estrogen
- a hormone produced by the ovaries.
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fibrillation
- rapid contractions of the heart muscles.
flutter
- ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.
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gated
blood pool scan - a nuclear scan to see how the
heart wall moves and how much blood is expelled
with each heart beat.
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heart
attack - also called myocardial infarction; damage
to the heart muscle due to insufficient blood
supply.
heart
block - interrupted electrical impulse to heart
muscles.
heart-lung
machine - a machine that pumps blood during open
heart surgery.
heart
valve prolapse - a condition of the heart valve
in which it is partially open when it should be
closed.
high
blood pressure - blood pressure that is above
the normal range.
high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) - a protein in the blood plasma
(the "good" cholesterol) that promotes
breakdown and removal of cholesterol from the
body.
Holter
monitor - An EKG recording done over a period
of 24 or more hours.
hypertension
- high blood pressure.
hypertrophic
obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) - a bulge in
the ventricle that causes impeded blood flow.
hypoglycemia
- low levels of blood sugar.
hypoxia
- abnormally low oxygen content in the organs
and tissues of the body.
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immunosuppressive
medications - medications that suppress the body's
immune system used to minimize rejection of transplanted
organs.
impedance
plethysmography - a test to evaluate blood flow
through the leg.
inferior
vena cava - the large blood vessel (vein) that
returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the
heart.
inotropic
medications - medications that increase strength
of the contractions in the heart.
intravascular
echocardiography - echocardiography used in cardiac
catheterization.
ischemia
- decreased flow of oxygenated blood to an organ
due to obstruction in an artery.
ischemic
heart disease - coronary artery disease or coronary
heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary
arteries and decreased blood flow to the heart.
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jugular
veins - veins that carry blood from the head back
to the heart.
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lesion
- an injury or wound.
lipid
- a fatty substance in the blood.
lipoproteins
- transporters of fatty substances in the blood.
low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) - the primary cholesterol-carrying
blood substance.
lumen
- the hollow area within a tube.
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magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure
that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies,
and a computer to produce detailed images of organs
and structures within the body.
mitral
valve - the valve that controls blood flow between
the left atrium and left ventricle in the heart.
mitral
valve prolapse - a bulge in the valve between
the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart
that causes backward flow of blood into the atrium.
monounsaturated
fats - dietary fats, such as olive oil or canola
oil, that do not seem to have any affect on blood
cholesterol.
murmur
- a blowing or rasping sound heard while listening
to the heart that may or may not indicate problems
within the heart or circulatory system.
myocardial
infarction (Also called heart attack.) - occurs
when one of more regions of the heart muscle experience
a severe or prolonged decrease in oxygen supply
caused by a blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.
myocardial ischemia - insufficient blood flow
to part of the heart.
myocardium
- the muscle wall of the heart.
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necrosis
- pertaining to the death of tissue.
nitroglycerin
- a medication used to relax or dilate arteries.
noninvasive
procedures - a diagnostic effort or treatment
that does not require entering the body or puncturing
the skin.
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obesity
- an excessive accumulation of fat in the body.
A person with a body mass index (BMI) greater
than 30 is considered obese.
occluded
artery - an artery that is narrowed by plaque
that impedes blood flow.
open
heart surgery - surgery that involves opening
the chest and heart while a heart-lung machine
performs for the heart.
overweight
- a label of ranges of weight that are greater
than what is generally considered healthy for
a given weight. A person with a body mass index
(BMI) between 25 and 30 is considered overweight.
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pacemaker
- an electronic device that is surgically implanted
into the patient's heart and chest to regulate
heartbeat.
palpitation
- irregular heartbeat that can be felt by a person.
percutaneous
transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) - a technique
to treat heart disease and chest pain by using
angioplasty in the coronary arteries to permit
more blood flow into the heart.
pericardiocentesis
- a diagnostic procedure that uses a needle to
draw fluid from the pericardium.
pericarditis
- inflammation of the membrane that surrounds
the heart.
pericardium
- the membrane that surrounds the heart.
plaque
- deposits of fat or other substances attached
to the artery wall.
platelets
- cells found in the blood.
polyunsaturated
fat - a type of fat found in vegetable oils and
margarines that does not appear to raise blood
cholesterol levels.
positron
emission tomography (PET) - a nuclear scanning
device that gives a three-dimensional picture
of the heart to provide information about the
flow of blood through the coronary arteries to
the heart muscle.
pulmonary
- pertains to lungs and respiratory system.
pulmonary
edema - a condition in which there is a fluid
accumulation in the lungs caused by an incorrectly
functioning heart.
pulmonary
valve - the heart valve located between the right
ventricle and the pulmonary artery that controls
blood flow to the lungs.
pulmonary
vein - the vessel that carries newly oxygenated
blood to the heart from the lungs.
pulse
oximeter - a device that measures the amount of
oxygen in the blood.
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radioisotope
- a radioactive material injected into the body
so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.
radionuclide
ventriculography - a diagnostic procedure used
to determine the shape and size of the heart's
chambers.
regurgitation
- backward flow of blood caused by a defective
heart valve.
renal
- pertains to kidneys.
rheumatic
fever - a childhood disease that may damage the
heart valves or the outer lining of the heart.
risk
factor - a condition, element, or activity that
may adversely affect the heart.
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saturated
fat - fat that is found in foods from animal meats
and skin, dairy products and some vegetables.
septal
defect - a hole in the wall of the heart.
septum
- the muscle wall that divides the heart chambers.
shock
- impaired body function due to blood loss or
a disturbance in the circulatory system.
shunt
- a connector to allow blood flow between two
locations.
silent
ischemia - ischemia not accompanied by chest pain.
sinus
node - the cells that produce the electrical impulses
that cause the heart to contract.
sphygmomanometer
- the instrument used to measure blood pressure.
stent
- a device implanted in a vessel used to help
keep it open.
stenosis
- the narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel
or valve in the heart.
sternum
- the breastbone.
stethoscope
- the instrument used to listen to the heart and
other sounds in the body.
streptokinase
- a clot-dissolving medication.
stress
- mental or physical tension that results from
physical, emotional, or chemical causes.
stroke
- the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.
subarachnoid
hemorrhage - bleeding on the surface of the brain.
sudden
death - death that occurs unexpectedly or immediately
after onset of symptoms.
superior
vena cava - the large vein that returns blood
to the heart from the head and arms.
syncope
- light-headedness or fainting caused by insufficient
blood supply to the brain.
systolic
blood pressure - the highest blood pressure measured
in the arteries.
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tachycardia
- rapid heart beat.
tachypnea
- rapid breathing.
telemetry
unit - a small transmitter that is used to send
information about the heart via radio transmission
to healthcare professionals for evaluation.
thallium
stress test - a study in which a radioactive substance
is carried by the blood and its progress through
the circulation of a specific body area is followed
by x-ray pictures.
thrombolysis
- the breaking up of a blood clot.
thrombosis
- a blood clot formed in a blood vessel or in
the heart.
thrombolytic
therapy - the use of a medication that dissolves
blood clots.
tissue
plasminogen activator (TPA) - a medication used
to dissolves blood clots.
trans
fat - vegetable oil that has been treated with
hydrogen in order to make it more solid and give
it a longer shelf life.
transesophageal
echocardiography (TEE) - a diagnostic test that
is used to measure the sound waves that bounce
off of the heart.
transient
ischemic attack (TIA) - a stroke-like event that
lasts for a short period of time and is caused
by a blocked blood vessel.
transplantation
- replacing a damaged organ with one from a donor.
tricuspid
valve - the heart valve that controls blood flow
from the right atrium into the right ventricle.
triglyceride
- a fat-like substance found in the blood.
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ultrasound
- a diagnostic tool used to measure high-frequency
sound vibrations.
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valves
(the heart valves are tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral,
and aortic) - the "doors" between the
chambers of the heart.
valvuloplasty
- the repair of a heart valve using a balloon
catheter inside the valve.
varicose
vein - an abnormally dilated vein.
vascular
- pertaining to blood vessels.
vasodilator
- a medication that dilates or widens the opening
in a blood vessel.
vasodepressors
- a medication that raises blood pressure.
vein
- a blood vessel that carries blood from the body
back into the heart.
ventricle
- one of the two lower chambers of the heart.
ventricular
fibrillation - a condition in which the ventricles
contract in rapid and unsynchronized rhythms and
cannot pump blood into the body.
ventricular
tachycardia - a condition in which the ventricles
cause a very fast heartbeat.
vertigo
- dizziness.
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Wolff-Parkinson-White
syndrome - An extra electrical pathway that connects
the atria and ventricles and causes rapid heartbeat.
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x-ray
- a machine that uses radiation to produce pictures
of the inside of the body.
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