Term
| AAA: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm |
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Definition
| A medical condition where there is a localized widening or ballooning of the abdominal aorta, the largest artery in the body, by more than 50% of its normal diameter. This weakening of the aortic wall can lead to a rupture, which is a life-threatening emergency. |
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Term
| ACE: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme |
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Definition
| A key zinc metalloproteinase that converts angiotensin I into the potent vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. Found primarily in lung capillaries and endothelial cells, it raises blood pressure and degrades bradykinin, a vasodilator. ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) decrease this conversion to manage high blood pressure, heart failure, and protect kidneys. |
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Term
| ACS: Acute Coronary Syndrome |
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Definition
| A medical emergency caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, often resulting from ruptured plaque and blood clots. Symptoms include intense chest pressure, shortness of breath, radiating pain, and sweating. Treatment requires immediate medical attention and may involve medication, angioplasty, or surgery. |
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Term
| AF/A-fib: Atrial Fibrillation |
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Definition
| A common, often rapid, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) where the heart's upper chambers (atria) quiver instead of beating effectively. It causes blood to pool, significantly increasing stroke and heart failure risks. Symptoms include palpitations, racing heart, fatigue, and breathlessness, often requiring medication or procedures to manage. |
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Term
| AMI: Acute Myocardial Infarction |
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Definition
| A heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Common symptoms include crushing chest pain/pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating. Immediate treatment, such as aspirin, revascularization (angioplasty/stenting), or medications, is critical. |
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Term
| AVR: Aortic Valve Replacement |
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Definition
| A highly successful, often life-saving procedure to treat severe aortic stenosis or insufficiency by replacing a damaged heart valve with a mechanical or biological (tissue) prosthesis. Typically performed via open-heart surgery or minimally invasive methods, it aims to restore normal heart function. |
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Term
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Definition
A delay or blockage in the electrical conduction system of the heart, specifically along the pathways that allow the ventricles to contract. Often asymptomatic, it is diagnosed via ECG (QRS
ms) and usually indicates an underlying condition like coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or age-related degeneration. |
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Term
| BNP: Brain Natriuretic Peptide |
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Definition
| A hormone produced by the heart’s ventricles in response to high pressure and fluid overload. Elevated BNP levels generally indicate heart failure or excessive strain on the heart, often resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. A normal range is typically under 100 pg/mL, though levels over 1,000 pg/mL are concerning. |
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Term
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Definition
| Is the force of blood against artery walls, exceeding mmHg, and is often a "silent killer" with no symptoms. It is caused by factors like high salt intake, lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and age. Normal pressure is below mmHg, and it is treated through lifestyle changes (exercise, diet) and medications. |
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Term
| CABG: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft |
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Definition
| Is a common heart surgery that restores blood flow to the heart muscle by creating a detour around blocked arteries using healthy blood vessels from other body parts. Generally, it relieves chest pain (angina) and reduces the risk of heart disease death. The recovery usually takes about six weeks. |
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Term
| CAD: Coronary Artery Disease |
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Definition
| A common heart condition caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the heart's arteries, restricting blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. It often develops over many years, leading to symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, and potential heart attacks. |
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Term
| CHF: Congestive Heart Failure |
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Definition
| A chronic, progressive condition where the heart muscle cannot pump blood efficiently, causing fluid buildup in the lungs and body. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and edema (swelling). While not curable, it is treated with lifestyle changes, medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics), and sometimes surgery or devices to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. |
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Term
| CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation |
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Definition
| A vital emergency procedure used to maintain blood flow and oxygenation when a person's heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Key steps include calling 911, performing 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute, and giving 2 rescue breaths, or using "hands-only" CPR for untrained bystanders. |
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Term
| CVD: Cardiovascular Disease |
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Definition
| A group of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels—including coronary artery disease, stroke, and heart failure—and is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for roughly 1 in 3 deaths. Key risks include high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes, which can cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. |
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Term
| ECG/EKG: Electrocardiogram |
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Definition
| A quick, painless, and non-invasive test lasting about 5 minutes that records the heart's electrical activity using electrodes attached to the skin. It helps doctors diagnose conditions like arrhythmias, heart attacks, and structural issues by evaluating heart function. It is safe, with only rare, minor skin irritation from electrodes. |
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Term
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Definition
| A non-invasive, 30–45 minute ultrasound test that creates real-time, moving images of the heart's chambers, valves, and walls. It uses sound waves to evaluate heart function, including blood flow, pumping strength (ejection fraction), and structural issues like clots, tumors, or valve damage. |
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Term
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Definition
| A chronic condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure in the arteries, defined as $\ge$130/80 mm Hg. Often called a "silent killer," it rarely causes symptoms but raises risks for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Treatment involves lifestyle changes and medication, usually diagnosed through consistent, elevated readings. |
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Term
| ICD: Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator |
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Definition
| A small, battery-powered device placed under the skin—usually below the collarbone—to monitor and treat dangerous, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It automatically delivers electrical pulses or shocks to restore normal heart rhythm, preventing sudden cardiac death. |
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Term
| MI: Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) |
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Definition
| A medical emergency occurring when blood flow, often blocked by plaque, is suddenly reduced or cut off to the heart muscle, causing it to die. Symptoms include crushing chest pain, discomfort spreading to the arms or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, and dizziness. Call 911 immediately if a heart attack is suspected. |
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Term
| PTCA: Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty |
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Definition
| A minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). A catheter with a balloon is inserted via the wrist or groin, inflated to compress plaque, and often combined with a stent to restore blood flow. |
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Term
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Definition
A progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia, characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It involves the accumulation of
-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, causing nerve cell death and brain atrophy. While not a normal part of aging, the greatest risk factor is age, typically affecting those 65 and older. |
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Term
| ANS: Autonomic Nervous System |
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Definition
| A component of the peripheral nervous system that acts largely unconsciously to regulate involuntary physiologic processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It maintains homeostasis by balancing two main branches: the sympathetic system ("fight or flight") and the parasympathetic system ("rest and digest"). |
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Term
| CNS: Central Nervous System |
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Definition
| Consists of the brain and spinal cord, acting as the primary control center for the body. It processes sensory information, coordinates voluntary/involuntary actions, and manages higher functions like thought and emotion. The CNS is protected by the skull and vertebrae. |
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Term
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Definition
| A clear, colorless liquid circulating in the brain's ventricles and subarachnoid space, surrounding the brain and spinal cord to provide nutrients, remove waste, and offer mechanical, buoyancy-based protection. It acts as a shock absorber, reducing the brain’s weight from $\approx$1,500g to 50g. CSF leaks, caused by injuries or surgery, require urgent care to prevent infection. |
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Term
| CVA: Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke) |
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Definition
| A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a medical emergency occurring when blood flow to the brain is blocked (ischemic) or a vessel bursts (hemorrhagic), causing rapid brain cell death. Key symptoms include sudden numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or walking difficulties. Immediate treatment is vital to restore blood flow. |
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Term
| DTR: Deep Tendon Reflexes |
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Definition
| Are involuntary muscle contractions caused by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer, testing the integrity of the spinal nerves and nervous system. They are graded on a 0-4+ scale (2+ is normal) to assess neurological status, with abnormal reflexes indicating potential neurologic damage or electrolyte imbalances. |
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Term
| EEG: Electroencephalogram |
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Definition
| A safe, noninvasive, and painless diagnostic test that records the brain's continuous electrical activity using small metal electrodes attached to the scalp. It is used to detect brain disorders like epilepsy, sleep issues, head injuries, or dementia. The test usually takes 30-90 minutes and requires lying still, sometimes while sleeping or under light stimulation. |
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Term
| ICP: Intracranial Pressure |
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Definition
| Is the pressure within the skull, exerted by brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with a normal resting range of in adults. Elevated ICP is a life-threatening emergency causing reduced brain oxygenation, potential herniation, and death if not treated promptly. |
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Term
| PNS: Peripheral Nervous System |
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Definition
| Is the extensive network of nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord (CNS), serving as a communication pathway for sensory input and motor commands. It enables voluntary movement (somatic system) and controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion (autonomic system). |
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