Cardiovascular System Prefixes

brady-

Meaning: Slow

Example: Bradycardia – a slow heart rate (below 60 beats per minute).

endo-

Meaning: Inside, within

Example: Endocarditis – inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

epi-

Meaning: Upon, over, on top

Example: Epicardium – the outer layer of the heart.

hyper-

Meaning: Excessive, above normal

Example: Hyperlipidemia – elevated levels of lipids in the blood

hypo-

under or below

Example: orthostatic hypotension – low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up.

peri-

Around

Example: Pericardium – the membranous sac that contains the heart

tachy-

Fast

Example: Tachycardia – a fast heart rate (over 100 beats per minute).

Cardiovascular System Suffixes

-crasia

A mixture or blending (often used in relation to blood)

Example: Dyscrasia – an abnormal condition of the blood.

-emia

Blood condition

Example: Ischemia – a condition where the blood supply to a part of the body, often the heart, is restricted or reduced.

-ectomy

Surgical removal

Example: Atherectomy – removal of plaque from an artery.

-graphy

Process of recording

Example: Electrocardiography – recording the electrical activity of the heart.

-itis

 Inflammation

Example: Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle.

-lysis

Destruction, breakdown

Example: Thrombolysis – the breakdown of a blood clot.

-megaly

 Enlargement

Example: Cardiomegaly – enlargement of the heart.

-osis

Abnormal condition

Example: Arteriosclerosis – hardening of the arteries.

-penia

Deficiency

Example: Leukopenia – a deficiency of white blood cells.

-plasty

Surgical repair

Example: Valvuloplasty – surgical repair of a heart valve.

-rrhage

Bursting forth, excessive flow

Example: Hemorrhage – excessive bleeding (in a short amount of time).

-stasis

 Stopping, controlling

Example: Hemostasis – stopping of blood flow

-cytosis

Condition of cells

Example: Thrombocytosis – an abnormal increase in the number of platelets.

Cardiovascular System Word Parts and Combining Forms

angi/o

Vessel (usually blood or lymph)

Example: Angioplasty – a procedure to mechanically widen a narrowed or blocked blood vessels.

aort/o

Aorta

Example: Aortostenosis– narrowing of the aorta.

arteri/o

Artery

Example: Arteriogram– an xray of an artery.

ather/o

Fatty plaque

Example: Atheroma– a fatty deposit or plaque within the wall of an artery.

capillar/o

Capillaries (the smallest blood vessels)

Example: capillaroscope – an instrument used to examine capillaries.

cardi/o

Heart

Example: Cardiomyopathy – the general term for diseases that affect the heart muscle.

chrom/o, chromat/o

 Color

Example: Hemochromatosis – a condition where excess iron is stored in the body, affecting skin color.

erythr/o

Red

Example: Erythrocyte – a red blood cell.

hem/o, hemat/o

 Blood

Example: Hemoglobin– a protein in red blood cells.

isch/o

Restriction, deficiency

Example: Ischemic– a condition or process involving restricted blood flow to a part of the body.

leuk/o

White

Example: Leukocyte – a white blood cell.

my/o

Muscle

Example: Myocardium – the muscular tissue of the heart.

phleb/o

Vein

Example: Phlebotomy – the process of making an incision into a vein, typically to draw blood.

scler/o

Hardening

Example: Sclerotherapy – a treatment method used to harden and close off abnormal or damaged blood vessels such as varicose veins.

sten/o

Narrowing

Example: Stenocardia - a condition of chest pain caused by the narrowing of blood vessels to the heart.

thromb/o

Clot

Example: Thrombosis – formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel.

valvul/o

Valve

Example: Valvulopathy – a disease or disorder affecting the heart valves.

vas/o

Vessel

Example: Vasospasm – A sudden constriction of a blood vessel.

ven/o

 Vein

Example: Venous – related to the veins.

Common Abbreviations Used in Medical Terminology of the Cardiac System

A-fib (Atrial Fibrillation)

A-fib is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can lead to poor blood flow. The atria (upper chambers of the heart) beat chaotically, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart-related complications.

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

:

An AED is a portable device that can detect life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm, typically used during sudden cardiac arrest.

CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft)

CABG is a surgical procedure that improves blood flow to the heart by using a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass a blocked coronary artery, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle.

CAD (Coronary Artery Disease)

CAD is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to the buildup of plaque, reducing blood flow to the heart. It is the most common cause of heart attacks.

Card cath, CC (Cardiac Catheterization)

Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the heart through blood vessels, often used to examine blockages or perform treatments like angioplasty.

CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)

CVI occurs when veins in the legs don’t allow blood to flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to pool in the veins. This can lead to symptoms such as swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.

EKG, ECG (Electrocardiogram)

An EKG (or ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the myocardium to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, or function.

HTN (Hypertension)

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)

An ICD is a device implanted in the chest or abdomen to monitor heart rhythm and deliver shocks if dangerous arrhythmias are detected, preventing sudden cardiac arrest.

MI (Myocardial Infarction)

A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. This is often caused by a blockage in one or more coronary arteries.

PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease

PAD is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, commonly the legs. It can cause leg pain and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.

PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease)

Tpa (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

Tpa is a clot-dissolving medication used in the treatment of stroke or heart attack by breaking down blood clots that obstruct blood flow to vital organs.

TST (Treadmill Stress Test)

A TST is a diagnostic test that involves walking on a treadmill while monitoring heart activity to assess how the heart functions during physical stress.

V-fib (Ventricular Fibrillation

V-fib is a life-threatening arrhythmia in which the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, often leading to cardiac arrest.

a-

Without

Example: Aphasia – a condition characterized by the complete loss of ability to speak or understand language.

an-

 Without, not

Example: Anencephaly – a condition where a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp is absent.

dys-

Difficult, painful, abnormal

Example: Dysphasia – difficulty speaking.

hemi-

 Half

Example: Hemiparesis – weakness on one side of the body.

hyper-

 Excessive, above normal

Example: Hyperreflexia – exaggerated reflexes.

in-

Not, inward

Example: Insomnia – inability to sleep.

inter-

Between

Example: Interneuron – a neuron that transmits signals between other neurons.

intra-

Within, inside

Example: Intracranial – located or occurring within the skull.

pan-

All, entire

Example: Panhypopituitarism – decreased function of all pituitary hormones, affecting the nervous system.

para-

Beside, abnormal

Example: Paraplegia – paralysis of the lower half of the body.

poly-

Many

Example: Polyneuropathy – damage or disease affecting multiple nerves.

post-

 After

Example: Postictal – the state following a seizure.

pre-

Before

Example: Presynaptic – relating to the area before a synapse.

sub-

Under, below

Example: Subdural – located beneath the dura mater, a membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Nervous System Suffixes

-algia

 Pain

Example: Neuralgia – nerve pain.

-cele

Hernia, swelling

Example: Meningocele – hernial protrusion of the meninges.

-cyte

Cell

Example: Gliocyte – a glial cell.

-ectomy

Surgical removal

Example: Ganglionectomy – surgical removal of a ganglion.

-genic

Producing, originating, or causing

Example: Myogenic – originating in muscle tissue but affecting the nervous system.

-graph

Instrument used to record

Example: Electroencephalograph – an instrument for recording brain activity.

-graphy

Process of recording

Example: Myelography – imaging of the spinal cord

-iatrist

 Specialist in treatment

Example: Psychiatrist – a specialist in treating mental disorders.

-iatry

Field of medicine, treatment

Example: Psychiatry – the medical field focusing on mental health.

-itis

Inflammation

Example: Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain.

-lepsy

 Seizure

Example: Epilepsy – a condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

-logist

Specialist in a field of study

Example: Psychologist – a specialist in the study of the mind and behavior.

-malacia

 Abnormal softening

Example: Encephalomalacia – softening of the brain tissue.

-mania

Madness or excessive preoccupation

Example: Pyromania – excessive preoccupation with fire (can involve neurological or psychiatric evaluation).

-oid

Resembling or like

Example: Myeloid – resembling or related to the spinal cord or bone marrow.

-oma

Tumor, swelling

Example: Glioma – a tumor of glial cells.

-pathy

Disease

Example: Radiculopathy – a disease or disorder affecting a nerve root.

-phobia

Fear

Example: Agoraphobia – fear of open or public spaces, related to mental health.

-rrhaphy

Suturing or stitching

Example: Myelorraphy – suturing of the spinal cord.

-tomy

Cutting or surgical incisio

Example: Neurotomy – surgical incision into a nerve.

-tropic

Having an affinity for, influencing

Example: Psychotropic – substances that affect mental activity, behavior, or perception.

Nervous System Word Roots and Combining Forms

alges/o

 Sensitivity to pain

Example: Analgesic – a medication that reduces or eliminates pain.

cephal/o

Head

Example: Cephalalgia – a headache.

cerebr/o

Brain, cerebrum

Example: Cerebrospinal – relating to the brain and spinal cord.

cerebell/o

Cerebellum (part of the brain)

Example: Cerebellitis – inflammation of the cerebellum

concuss/o

To shake violently

Example: Concussion – a violent shaking of the brain, often due to injury.

crani/o

Skull

Example: Craniotomy – a surgical incision into the skull.

dur/o

Dura mater (outermost layer of the meninges)

Example: Subdural – located beneath the dura mater.

encephal/o

Brain

Example: Encephalopathy – a disease of the brain.

esthesi/o

Sensation, feeling

Example: Anesthesia – loss of sensation, typically induced for medical procedures.

gangli/o, ganglion/o

Ganglion (a cluster of nerve cell bodies)

Example: Ganglioneuroma – a tumor of a nerve ganglion

hydr/o

Water, fluid

Example: Hydrocephalus – an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.

lob/o

Lobe

Example: Lobectomy – surgical removal of a lobe of the brain.

lob/o

Lobe

Example: Lobectomy – surgical removal of a lobe of the brain.

ment/o

Mind, chin

Example: Dementia – a decline in mental abilities, typically due to disease or injury.

mening/o, meningi/o

Meninges (membranes covering the brain and spinal cord)

Example: Meningitis – inflammation of the meninges.

mon/o

 One, single

Example: Monoplegia – paralysis of one limb.

myel/o

Spinal cord, bone marrow

Example: Myelitis – inflammation of the spinal cord

neur/o, neur/i

Nerve

Example: Neurology – the study of the nervous system.

phas/o

 Speech

Example: Paraphasia – a condition in which a person substitutes incorrect words, sounds, or non-words in their speec

poli/o

Gray matter (of the brain or spinal cord)

Example: Poliomyelitis – an infectious disease affecting the gray matter of the spinal cord.

pont/o

Pons (a part of the brainstem)

Example: Pontocerebellar – relating to the pons and cerebellum.

psych/o

Mind

Example: Psychiatry – the study and treatment of mental illness.

radic/o, radicul/o, rhiz/o

Nerve root

Example: Radiculodynia – pain caused by irritation or injury to the nerve roots.

vag/o

Vagus nerve (a cranial nerve)

Example: Vagotomy – surgical cutting of the vagus nerve

AD (Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually respiratory failure.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that interfere with daily functioning or development.

CP (Cerebral Palsy)

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, or posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, typically before or at birth.

CSF (Cerebrospinal Fluid)

 Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and acting as a medium for nutrient and waste exchange.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

An EEG is a diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp, often used to detect seizures, brain disorders, or sleep disturbances.

ICP (Intracranial Pressure)

LOC (Level of Consciousness)

 Level of consciousness refers to a person's state of awareness, ranging from full alertness to deep coma. It is often used to assess a patient's neurological function after injury or illness.

LP (Lumbar Puncture)

A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, often used to diagnose conditions like meningitis or multiple sclerosis

MS (Multiple Sclerosis)

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with coordination.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform to reduce anxiety.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Sz (Seizure)

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, or consciousness. Seizures can vary in severity and are often associated with epilepsy.

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

A TIA, or mini-stroke, occurs when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, causing stroke-like symptoms that resolve within a few minutes to hours without permanent damage.

PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)

Definition: A PFT is a group of tests that measure how well the lungs are working, including how much air they can hold, how quickly air can be exhaled, and how well the lungs deliver oxygen to the blood.

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

definition: SIDS is the unexplained death of a healthy infant, typically during sleep. It is sometimes referred to as "crib death" and often occurs in infants under 1 year old.

TB (Tuberculosis)

Definition: TB is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It is highly contagious and spread through airborne droplets.

URI (Upper Respiratory Infection)

Definition: A URI is an infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and sinuses. It is commonly known as the common cold and often caused by viruses.

VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery)

Definition: VATS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine and treat conditions in the chest. A small camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions to access the lungs or other thoracic organs.

HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy)

• Definition: HBOT is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber. It is used to treat conditions such as decompression sickness, serious infections, and wounds that won’t heal.