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X | Y | Z
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ablation - elimination or removal. Ablation also refers
to a procedure that eliminates extra electrical pathways within
the heart that cause fast or irregular heart rhythms.
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor - a medication
that opens up blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to
pump blood forward to the body; also used to lower blood pressure.
acyanotic - refers to a group of congenital heart defects
in which there is a normal amount of oxygen in the bloodstream,
giving a pink color to the lips and nailbeds.
analgesic - any medication intended to alleviate pain.
anastomosis - a surgical connection, often between two
blood vessels.
anesthesia - medication administered for the relief of
pain and sensation during surgery.
anesthesiologist - a physician who specializes in administering
medications or other agents that prevent or relieve pain, especially
during surgery.
aneurysm - a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel or
area of the heart.
angiography - an x-ray study that uses dye injected into
arteries to study blood circulation.
angioplasty - a non-surgical procedure for treating narrowed
arteries.
antibiotic - medication used to treat infection.
anticoagulant - a medication that keeps blood from clotting.
antihypertensive - a medication that lowers blood pressure.
aorta - the largest artery in the body and the primary
blood vessel which carries oxygenated blood out of the heart to
the rest of the body.
aortic arch - the curved portion of the aorta (the large
blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart
to the body).
aortic regurgitation - backwards leakage of blood from
the aorta, through a weakened aortic valve, and into the left
ventricle, resulting in stress in the left heart and inadequate
blood flow to the body.
aortic stenosis - narrowing of the opening of the aortic
valve (the valve that regulates blood flow from the left ventricle
into the aorta).
aortic valve - the valve that regulates blood flow from
the heart into the aorta.
arrhythmia (Also called dysrhythmia.) - a fast, slow,
or irregular 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.
asplenia - absence of the spleen, either from improper
development before birth, or due to the surgical removal of the
spleen resulting from injury or disease.
asymmetry - lacking symmetry; parts of the body are unequal
in shape or size.
atresia - inadequate development of an organ or part of
an organ during pregnancy.
atrial fibrillation - a very fast and irregular beating
of the atria (the upper two chambers of the heart).
atrial flutter - a very fast beating of the atria (the
upper two chambers of the heart).
atrial septal defect (ASD) - a hole in the wall between
the right and left atria (the two upper chambers of the heart).
atrial septum - the wall between the right and left atria
(the two upper chambers of the heart).
atrioventricular block - an interruption of the electrical
signal between the atria and the ventricles.
atrioventricular canal - refers to a congenital heart
defect involving an opening low in the atrial septum, an opening
high in the ventricular septum, and abnormal development of the
mitral and/or tricuspid valves.
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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bacterial endocarditis - a bacterial infection of the
valves and interior surfaces of the heart.
balloon angioplasty - a procedure usually done in the
cardiac catheterization laboratory that uses a catheter (tube)
with a balloon in the tip to open up a narrowed valve or blood
vessel.
beta blocker - a medication that limits the activity of
epinephrine (a hormone that increases blood pressure).
bicuspid - a valve that has two leaflets.
bilateral - affecting both sides.
biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed
from the body for microscopic examination to establish a diagnosis.
blood clot - a thick, gelled mass of blood.
blood pressure - pressure of blood against the walls of
a blood vessel or heart chamber.
blood pressure cuff - a device usually placed around the
upper portion of the arm to measure blood pressure.
bone graft - a transplant of bone taken from one area
to another area.
brachycephaly - disproportionate shortness of the head.
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 - 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 inserted into an artery or vein
in order to evaluate the heart and blood vessels.
cardiac output - total amount of blood being pumped by
the heart over a particular period of time.
cardiologist - a physician who specializes in the medical
evaluation and treatment of heart diseases.
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.
catheter - a small, thin tube; may refer to a tube used
during a cardiac catheterization procedure to inject dye, obtain
blood samples, and measure pressures inside the heart; may also
refer to a flexible tube used to drain fluid from or inject into
the body.
cholesterol - a substance normally made by the body, but
also found in foods from animal sources, like beef, eggs, and
butter. Too much cholesterol in the body can lead to narrowing
and blockage of the arteries, especially those that feed the heart
and keep it healthy. High cholesterol can also cause the formation
of gallstones. Ideally, blood cholesterol levels should be less
than 200mg/dL.
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.
closed heart surgery - an operation that repairs problems
involving the blood vessels attached to the heart, and may not
need the use of the heart-lung bypass machine.
coarctation of the aorta - a congenital heart defect that
results in narrowing of the aorta.
collateral vessels - new blood vessels that are created
by the body to provide extra blood flow to an area when the blood
vessel(s) that are already there are too small, narrowed, or blocked.
computed tomography scan (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.
conduction system - the electrical system inside the heart
that stimulates the heart to beat.
congenital - present at birth.
congenital heart defect - a heart problem present at birth,
caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development.
congenital heart disease - see congenital heart defect.
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 leading to the heart and
fluid in the body tissues. Excess blood in the pulmonary (lung)
blood vessels can also occur, leading to fluid accumulation in
the lungs.
coronal suture - the joining line (suture) between the
frontal and parietal bones of the skull that crosses the top of
the skull from temple to temple.
coronary arteries - two arteries that come from the aorta
to provide blood to the heart muscle.
craniofacial - pertaining to the head and face.
cyanosis - insufficient oxygen in the blood.
cyanotic - appearing blue, due to insufficient oxygen
in the blood.
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defibrillator - an electronic device used to establish
normal heartbeat.
dextrocardia - a heart that is "flipped over,"
so that the structures that are normally on the right side of
the chest are on the left, and vice versa. The arteries and veins
are connected correctly; occurs due to an abnormality in heart
development during pregnancy.
diastole - the time during each heartbeat when the ventricles
are at rest, filling with blood and not pumping.
diastolic blood pressure - the lowest blood pressure measure
in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.
DiGeorge syndrome (Also known as Shprintzen, velo-cardio-facial,
and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.) - A genetic disease caused
by a missing piece of chromosome material on chromosome #22 that
results in many different health problems, and affects the normal
fetal development of the heart, thymus, and parathyroid glands.
diuretic - a medication that helps the kidneys to remove
excess fluids from the body, lowering blood pressure as well as
decreasing edema (swelling).
Doppler ultrasound - A procedure that uses sound waves
to evaluate heart, blood vessels, and valves.
double outlet right ventricle - a congenital heart defect
in which both the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected
to the right ventricle.
Down syndrome (Also called Trisomy 21.) - A combination
of birth defects caused by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome
in each cell of the body. Many children with Down syndrome also
have congenital heart disease - usually atrioventricular canal
defect.
ductus arteriosus - a connection between the aorta and
the pulmonary artery that is necessary in fetal life, but becomes
unnecessary after birth.
dyspnea - shortness of breath.
dysrhythmia - an abnormal heart rhythm.
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Ebstein's anomaly - Abnormal development of the tricuspid
valve during pregnancy, causing an abnormally positioned valve
that does not open easily (stenosis) and allows backflow of blood
from the right ventricle into the right atrium (regurgitation).
echocardiogram (echo) - a procedure that evaluates the
structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded
on an electronic sensor which produce a moving picture of the
heart and heart valves.
edema - swelling due to the buildup of fluid.
effusion - a collection of fluid in a closed cavity.
ejection fraction - the measurement of the amount of 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.
endocarditis - a bacterial infection of the valves and
interior surfaces of the heart.
endocardium - the membrane that covers the inside surface
of the heart.
end-to-end anastomosis - surgical connection of two segments
of blood vessel by stitching the open end of one segment to the
open end of another segment.
enlarged heart - a condition of the heart in which it
is larger than normal.
epicardium - the membrane that covers the outside of the
heart.
exercise electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - a test to assess
the cardiac rhythm and function by having the child exercise on
a treadmill or bicycle.
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failure to thrive - failure to grow and gain weight; often
due to increased energy expenditure with congenital heart disease.
fibrillation - rapid contractions of the heart muscles.
fluoroscopy - an x-ray procedure that takes continuous
pictures to evaluate moving structures within the body, such as
the heart.
flutter - ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.
Fontan procedure - A surgical procedure performed to repair
heart defects in which only one ventricle is functional. It connects
the right atrium to the pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor
(blue) blood from the body to flow into the lungs.
foramen ovale - a hole between the right and left atria,
present in all unborn children, that remains open after birth
for variable periods of time.
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Glenn shunt - A surgical connection between the perior
vena cava and the right pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-poor
(blue) blood to flow into the lungs.
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heart attack (Also called myocardial infarction.) - 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.
heart block - interrupted electrical impulse to heart
muscles.
heart-lung bypass machine - a machine that performs for
the heart and lungs 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 (Also called hypertension.) - blood
pressure that is above the normal range.
high density lipoprotein (HDL) - the "good"
cholesterol that promotes breakdown and removal of cholesterol
from the body.
Holter monitor - A portable EKG machine worn for a 24-hour
period or longer to evaluate irregular, fast, or slow heart rhythms
while engaging in normal activities.
homograft - a blood vessel taken from a tissue donor,
used to replace a defective blood vessel, most often the pulmonary
artery or aorta.
hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (Also called HOCM,
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, asymmetrical septal hypertrophy,
or ASH, or idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis or IHSS.)
- enlarged heart muscle that causes impeded blood flow.
hypoplastic - refers to an abnormally small organ or blood
vessel due to abnormal development prior to birth.
hypoplastic left heart syndrome - a congenital heart defect
in which the left side of the heart is poorly developed, resulting
in small mitral valve, left ventricle, and aorta.
hypotension - low blood pressure.
hypoxia - bnormal 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.
incision - a cut made with a surgical instrument during
an operation.
inferior vena cava - the large blood vessel (vein) that
returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.
insufficiency - a valve deformity that allows the blood
to leak backwards when the valve is closed.
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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Kawasaki disease - An immune system disorder affecting
the heart, particularly the coronary arteries.
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left atrium - the upper left-hand chamber of the heart.
It receives oxygen-rich (red) blood from the lungs via the four
pulmonary veins, and then sends this blood to the left ventricle.
left ventricle - the lower left-hand chamber of the heart.
It receives oxygen-rich (red) blood from the left atrium and pumps
it into the aorta, which takes the blood to the body. The left
ventricle must be strong and muscular in order to pump enough
blood to the body to meet its requirements.
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
substance in the body. In large amounts, it accumulates inside
arteries.
lumen - the hollow area inside a blood vessel.
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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.
Marfan syndrome - A genetic disorder which affects the
connective tissue of the body. It causes dilation of blood vessels
and abnormalities of cardiac valves.
mechanical valve - an artificial valve used to replace
a diseased or defective valve, most often the aortic valve.
median sternotomy - an incision in the center of the chest,
from the top to the bottom of the breastbone, used for many congenital
heart defect repair surgeries.
mitral valve - the valve that controls blood flow between
the left atrium and left ventricle in the heart.
mitral valve prolapse - an abnormality of the valve between
the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes backward
flow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium.
monounsaturated fats - dietary fats, such as olive oil
or canola oil, that may lower LDL cholesterol levels.
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.
myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscles.
myocardium - the muscular layer of the heart.
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noninvasive procedure - 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
and lungs during the operation.
oxygen desaturation - insufficient amounts of oxygen in
the bloodstream. Desaturation can occur when oxygen-poor (blue)
blood from the right side of the heart circulation mixes with
oxygen-rich (red) blood in the left side of the heart circulation
and goes to the body. Normal oxygen saturation in the arteries
is 95 to 100 percent.
oxygen saturation - the extent to which the hemoglobin
is saturated with oxygen. (Hemoglobin is an element in the bloodstream
that binds with oxygen and carries it to the organs and tissues
of the body.) A normal oxygen saturation of the blood leaving
the heart to the body is 95 to 100 percent. The oxygen saturation
of the blood returning to the heart after delivering oxygen to
the body is 75 percent.
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pacemaker - an electronic device that is surgically placed
in the patient's body and connected to the heart to regulate the
heartbeat.
palpitation - a sensation of rapid heartbeats.
patent - open.
patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) - a blood vessel present
in all infants that usually closes shortly after birth. It connects
the aorta to the pulmonary artery. When it remains open, it allows
extra blood to pass through from the aorta to the lungs.
patent foramen ovale - an opening in the atrial septum
(wall between the right and left atria) that is present in all
infants, but which usually closes shortly after birth. When it
remains open, it allows extra blood to pass through the opening
from the left atrium to the right atrium.
pericardial effusion - a build up of excess fluid in-between
the heart and the membrane that surrounds it, often due to inflammation.
pericardiocentesis - a diagnostic procedure that uses
a needle to draw fluid from the pericardium.
pericarditis - an inflammation or infection of the sac
which 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 that assist in clotting.
polyunsaturated fat - a type of fat found in vegetable
oils and margarines that does not appear to raise blood cholesterol
levels.
post-pericardiotomy syndrome - a build up of excess fluid
in-between the heart and the membrane that surrounds it, often
due to inflammation after open heart surgery. ("Post"
means after, and "pericardiotomy" means opening the
membrane around the heart for open heart surgery.)
premature atrial contraction (PAC) - an early heartbeat
started by the atria.
premature ventricular contraction (PVC) - an early heartbeat
started by the ventricles.
prophylaxis - prevention.
prostaglandin E1 - an intravenous medication used to keep
a patent ductus arteriosus from closing and preserve blood flow
to the lungs.
pulmonary - pertaining to the lungs and respiratory system.
pulmonary artery - the blood vessel connecting the right
ventricle to the lungs, allowing oxygen-poor (blue) blood to receive
oxygen.
pulmonary edema - a condition in which there is 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 oxygenated blood
from the lungs to the left side of the heart.
pulse oximeter - a device that measures the amount of
oxygen in the blood. Normal oxygen saturation in the arteries
is 95 to 100 percent.
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radioisotope - a radioactive material injected into the
body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.
regurgitation - backward flow of blood caused by a defective
heart valve.
renal - pertaining to the kidneys.
rheumatic fever - a disease caused by a strep infection
that may damage the heart valves.
right atrium - the upper right chamber of the heart, which
receives oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the body and sends it to
the right ventricle.
right ventricle - the lower right chamber of the heart,
which receives oxygen-poor (blue) blood from the right atrium
and sends it to the pulmonary artery.
risk factor - a condition, element, or activity that may
adversely affect the heart.
Ross procedure - A surgical procedure performed to repair
aortic stenosis. The child's own pulmonary valve and base of the
pulmonary artery (autograft) replace the defective aorta, while
a homograft (blood vessel from a tissue donor) replaces the pulmonary
valve and base of the pulmonary artery.
rubella - an illness that can cause birth defects, including
congenital heart disease, if a woman contracts it for the first
time during pregnancy; can be prevented by immunization with the
MMR vaccine.
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saturated fat - fat that is found in foods from animal
meats and skin, dairy products, and some vegetables. Saturated
fats are usually solid at room temperatures and can increase LDL
levels.
scaphocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results
in a long, narrow head. Scaphocephaly is an early fusion of the
sagittal suture. This suture runs front to back, down the middle
of the top of the head.
septal defect - a hole in the wall between the atria or
the ventricles (upper or lower heart chambers).
septum - the muscle wall between the atria or ventricles
(upper or lower heart chambers).
shunt - a connector to allow blood flow between two locations.
sinus node - the cells that produce the electrical impulses
that cause the heart to contract.
sinus rhythm - a normal heart rhythm in which each heartbeat
originates in the sinus node, and proceeds through the rest of
the electrical conduction system normally.
sinus tachycardia - a heart rhythm that originates in
the sinus node and proceeds through the rest of the electrical
conduction system, but is faster than normal.
sphygmomanometer - an instrument used to measure blood
pressure.
stent - a device implanted in a vessel used to help keep
it open.
stenosis - narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel
or valve in the heart.
sternotomy - a surgical incision made in the breastbone.
sternum - the breastbone.
stethoscope - an instrument used to listen to the heart
and other sounds in the body.
stress - mental or physical tension that results from
physical, emotional, or chemical causes.
stroke - the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.
subclavian - a blood vessel that branches from the aorta
and takes oxygen-rich (red) blood to the head and arms.
subclavian flap - a surgical procedure performed to repair
coarctation of the aorta, using part of the left subclavian artery
as a patch to enlarge a narrowed aorta.
superior vena cava - the large vein that returns blood
to the heart from the head and arms.
supraventricular tachycardia - a fast heart rate that
originates in the aorta, but does not start in the sinus node.
syncope - light-headedness or fainting caused by insufficient
blood supply to the brain.
systole - the time during the heartbeat when the ventricles
are pumping blood, either to the lungs or to the body.
systolic blood pressure - the highest blood pressure measured
in the arteries.
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tachycardia - rapid heartbeat.
tachypnea - rapid breathing.
tamponade - an emergency situation that occurs when blood
or fluid fills the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, preventing
the heart from beating effectively.
telemetry unit - a small box with wires attached to EKG
patches on the chest; used to send information about the heartbeat
via radio transmission to healthcare professionals for evaluation.
tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) - a group of congenital heart
defects, including a ventricular septal defect, obstruction to
blood flow out of the right ventricle to the lungs, and an aorta
that is shifted to the right. Enlargement of the right ventricle
occurs as the right ventricle copes with obstruction to blood
flow.
thoracotomy - an incision made on the right or left side
of the chest between the ribs, in order to access the heart or
lungs during surgery.
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 uses a long tube guided into the mouth, throat, and
esophagus to evaluate the structures inside the heart with sound
waves.
transplantation - replacing a damaged organ with one from
a donor.
transposition of the great arteries (Also called transposition
of the great vessels.) - a congenital heart defect involving
abnormal development of the great arteries (the aorta and the
pulmonary artery) during the time the heart is forming prior to
birth. The aorta ends up being connected to the right ventricle,
and the pulmonary artery is connected to the left ventricle, which
is the opposite of how they are normally connected.
tricuspid atresia - a congenital heart defect in which
the tricuspid valve and right ventricle do not develop properly,
preventing oxygen-poor (blue) blood from reaching the lungs via
its normal pathway.
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.
trigonocephaly - a form of craniosynostosis that results
in a triangular configuration of the skull. Trigonocephaly is
the premature fusion of the two halves of the frontal bones at
the metopic suture.
trisomy 21 (Also called Down syndrome.) - the presence
of three #21 chromosomes in each cell of the body, rather than
the usual pair, which causes the features otherwise known as Down
syndrome. Many children with Down syndrome also have congenital
heart disease - usually atrioventricular canal defect.
truncus arteriosus - a congenital heart defect involving
incomplete separation of the great arteries (the aorta and the
pulmonary artery) during the time the heart is forming prior to
birth.
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ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging
technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer
to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds
are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess
blood flow through various vessels.
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valves - the "doors" between the chambers of
the heart that allow blood to move forward and prevent it from
moving backward. The heart valves are called tricuspid, pulmonic,
mitral, and aortic.
valvuloplasty - surgical repair of a heart valve for relief
or incompetence.
vascular - pertaining to blood vessels.
vasodilator - a medication that dilates or widens the
opening in a blood vessel.
vasopressor - a medication that raises blood pressure.
vasovagal syndrome - a sudden drop in blood pressure,
with or without a decrease in heart rate, that is caused by a
dysfunction of the nerves controlling the heart and blood vessels.
vein - a blood vessel that carries blood from the body
back into the heart.
ventricle - one of the two pumping chambers of the heart;
right ventricle receives oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium
and pumps it to the lungs through the pulmonary artery; left ventricle
receives oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium and pumps it to
the body through the aorta.
ventricular fibrillation - a condition in which the ventricles
contract in rapid and unsynchronized rhythms and cannot pump blood
into the body.
ventricular septal defect - an abnormal opening in the
wall between the right and left ventricles.
ventricular tachycardia - a condition in which the ventricles
beat very quickly.
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 diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic
energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and
organs onto film.
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