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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.
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.
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 - overweight by 30 percent of the ideal body weight.
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.
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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)
- angioplasty.
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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