Term
|
Definition
| The area of the body between the ribs and the top of the thighs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The portion of the aorta in the abdomen. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| ACE (Angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor |
|
Definition
| A medicine that lowers blood pressure by interfering with the breahdown of a protein-like substance involved in blood pressure regulation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A type of chemical (called a nneurotransmitter) that transmits messages among nnerve cells and muscle cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Air sacs in the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. |
|
|
Term
Amiodarone
(Cordarone, Pacerone)
(Drug) |
|
Definition
| A kind of medicine (called an antiarrhythmic), which is used to treat irregular heart rythms such as Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) and Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach). It works by regulating nerve impulses in your heart. Amiodarone is mainly given to patients who have not responded to other antiarrhythmic medicines. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sac-like protrusion from a blood vessel or the heart, resulting from a weakening of the vessel wall or heart muscle. |
|
|
Term
| Angina or Angina Pectoris |
|
Definition
| Chest pain that occurs when diseased blood vessels restrict blood flow to the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Angiography is an x-ray technique were dye is injected into the chambers of yrou heart or teh arteries that lead to your heart (The Coronary Arteries). The test lets doctors measure the blood flow and blood pressure in the heart chambers and see if the coronary arteries are blocked. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A non-surgical technique for treating diseased arteries by temporarily inflating a tiny balloon inside an artery. |
|
|
Term
| Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker |
|
Definition
| A medicine that lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a chemical in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten(constrict). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The ring around a heart valve where the valve leaflet merges with the heart muscle. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Medicines that are used to treat patients who have irregular heart rhythms. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any medicine that keeps blood from clotting; a blood thinner. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Any medicine or other therapy that lowers blood pressure. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The largest artery in the body and the initial blood supply vessel from the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The inability to speak, write, or understand spoken or written language because of brain injury or disease. |
|
|
Term
| Arrhythmia (Or Dysrhythmia) |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
(ARVD) |
|
Definition
| ARVD is a type of cardiomyopathy with no known cause. It appears to be a genetic condition (Passed down through family's genes). ARVD causes ventricular arrhythmias. The most common symtoms are heart palpitations, fainting or loss of consciousness (Syncope), and sometimes, sudden death. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A test that is combined with cardiac catheterization to visualize an artery or the arterial system after injection of a contrast dye. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Small, muscular branches of arteries. When they contract, they increase resistance to blood flow, and the blood pressure in the arteries increases. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Inflammation of the arteries. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A disease process, commonly called "Hardening of the arties", which includes a variety of conditions that cause artery walls to thicken and lose elasticity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The first portion of the aorta, emerging from the heart's left ventricle. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Acetylsalicylic acid; a medicine used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A nonsurgical technique for treating diseased arteries with a rotating device that cuts or shaves away material that is blocking or narrowing an artery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A disease process that leads to the buildup of a waxy substance, called plaque, inside vessels. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The two upper or holding chambers of the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A type of arrhythmia where the upper chambers of the heart (The Atria) beat very fast, causing the walls of the lower chambers (The Ventricles) to beat inefficiently as well. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A type of arrythmia that begins in the heart's upper chambers (teh atria) and causes a very fast heart rate of 160 to 200 beats a minute. A resting heart rate is normally 60 to 100 beats a minute. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An interruption or disturbance of the electrical signal between the heart's upper two chambers (the atria) and the lower two chambers (the ventricles). |
|
|
Term
| Atrioventricular (AV) Node |
|
Definition
| A group of cells located between the upper two chambers (the atria) and the lower two chambers (the ventricles) that regulate the electrial current that passes through it to the ventricles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Either one of the hearts two upper chambers. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When blood flow to an organ stays the same although pressure changes in the artery that delivers blood to that organ may have changed. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Germs that can lead to disease. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A bacterial infection of the lining of the heart's chambers (called the endocardium) or the heart's valves. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A long tube-like devise with a small baloon on the end that can be threaded through an artery. Used in angioplasty or valvuloplasty. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A procedure to repair a heart valve that is not working properly. A balloon-tipped catheter is threaded through an artery and into the heart. The balloon is inflated to open and seperate any narrowed or stiffened flaps (called leaflets) of a valve. Teh catheter and deflated balloon are removed after teh procedure. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An antihypertensive drug that limits the activity of epinephrine, a hormone that increases blood pressure. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process by which a small sample of tissue is taken for examination. |
|
|
Term
| Blalock-Taussig Procedure |
|
Definition
| A shunt between the subclavian and pulmonary arteries used to increase the supply of oxygen-rich blood in "Blue Babies" |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A jelly-like mass of blood tissue formed by clotting factors in the blood. Clots stop the flow of blood from an injury. Clots can also form inside an artery when the artery's walls are damaged by atherosclerotic buildup, possibly causing a heart attack or stroke. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The force or pressure exerted by the heart in pumping blood; the pressure of blood in the arteries. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Babies who have a blue tinge to their skin (cyanosis) resulting from insufficient oxygen in the arterial blood. This condition often indicates a heart defect. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A number that doctors use to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease created by overweight or obesity. BMI is calculated using a formula of weight in Kilograms divided by height in meters squared. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Abnormally slow Heartbeat |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A sound made in the blood vessels that is a result of turbulance, perhaps due to a buildup of plague or damage to the vessels. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A condition in which parts of the heart's conduction system are defective and unable to conduct teh elactrical signal normally, causing an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Surgury that can improve blood flow to the heart (or other organs and tissues) by providing a new route, or "bypass", around a section of clogged or diseased artery. |
|
|
Term
| Calcium Channel Blocker (or Calcium Blocker) |
|
Definition
| A medicine that lowers blood pressure by regulating calcium-related electrical activity in the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The stopping of the heartbeat, usually because of interferance with the electrical signal (often associated with coronary heart disease). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A procedure that involves inserting a fine, hollow tube (catheter)into an artery, usually in teh groin area, and passing the tub into the heart. Often used along with angiography and other procedures, cardiac catheterization has become a prime tool for visualizing the heart and blood vessels and diagnosing and treating heart disease. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Complex substances capable of speeding up certain biochemical processes in the heart muscle. Abnormal levels of these enzymes signal heart attack. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in one minute. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A doctor who specializes in the study of the heart and its function in health and disease. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The study of the heart and it's function in health and disease. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The process by which a machine is used to do the work of the heart and lungs so that the heart can be stopped during surgery. |
|
|
Term
| Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) |
|
Definition
| An emergeny measure that can maintain a person's breathing and heartbeat. The person who performs CPR actually helps teh patient's circulatory system by breathing into the patient's mouth to give them oxygen and by giving chest compressions to circulate the patient's blood. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels. The circulatory system of the heart and blood vessels is the cardiovascular system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A technique of applying an electrical shock to the chest in order to convert an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A disease of the heart muscle that leads to generalized deterioration of the muscle and its pumping ability. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A major artery (right and left) in the neck supplying blood to the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A blood clot formed in one part of the body and then carried by the bloodstream to the brain, where it blocks an artery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Bleeding within the brain resulting from a reptured blood vessel, aneurysm, or head injury. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Formation of a blood clot in an artery that supplies part of the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pertaining to the blood vessels of the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Also called Cerebral Vascular Accident, Apoplexy, or stroke. Blood supply to some part of the brain is slowed or stopped, resulting in injury to the brain tissue. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The blocking or clotting of a blood vessel in the brain. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An oily substance that occurs naturally in the body, in animal fats and in dairy prodects, and that is transported in the blood. Limited quantities are essential to the normal development of cell membranes. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A technique of taking moving pictures to show how a special dye passes through blood vessels, which allows doctors to diagnose disease of the heart and blood vessels. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Pertaining to the heart, blood vessels, and the circulation of blood. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A tiredness or pain in the arms and leggs caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen to teh muscles, usually due to narrowed arteries. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Blood flow through small, nearby vessels in response to blockage of a main blood vessel. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A procedure used to widen the opening of the heart valve that has been narrowed by scar tissue. First developed to correct rheumatic heart disease. |
|
|
Term
| Computed Tomography (CT or CAT Scan) |
|
Definition
| An x-ray technique that uses a computer to create cross-sectional images of the body. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Special muscle fibers that conduct electrical impulses throughout the muscle of the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Refers to conditions existing at birth. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Malformation of the heart or of its major blood vessels present at birth. |
|
|
Term
| Conggestive Heart Failure (CHF) |
|
Definition
| A condition in which the heart cannot pump all the blood returning to it, leading to a back-up of blood in the vessels and an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues, including the lungs. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Two arteries arising from the aorta that arch down over the top of the heart and divide into branches. They provide blood to the heart muscle. |
|
|
Term
| Coronary Artery Bypass (CAD) |
|
Definition
| Surgical rerouting of the blood around a diseased vessel that supplies the heart by grafting either a piece of vein from the leg or the artery from under the breastbone. |
|
|
Term
| Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) |
|
Definition
| A narrowing of the inside diameter of arteries that supply the heart with blood. The condition results from a buildup of plague and gently increases the risk of a heart attack. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Disease of the heart caused by a buildup of atherosclerotic plague in the coronary arteries, which can lead to angina pectoris or heart attack; a general term. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An obstruction of one of the coronary arteries that hinders blood flow to some part of the heart muscle. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Formation of a clot in one of the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle. Also called Coronary Occlusion. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The removal of tissue using an instrument called a cold probe. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Blueness of skin caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A birth defect of the heart that causes oxygen-poor (blue) blood to circulate to the body without first passing through the lungs. |
|
|
Term
| Death Rate (Age-Adjusted) |
|
Definition
| A death rate that has been standardized for age so different populations can be compared or the same population can be compared over time. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A blood clot in the deep vein in the calf. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A machine that helps restore a normal heart rhythm by delivering an electric shock. |
|
|
Term
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) |
|
Definition
| A disease in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is needed to convert sugar and starch into the energy needed in daily life. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The lowest blood pressure measured in the arteries; it occurs when the heart muscle is relaxed between beats. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A drug made from the leaves of the foxglove plant. Digitalis is used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart rhythm problems (arrhymias). Digitalis can increase blood flow throughout the body and reduce swelling in the hands and ankles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A condition in which teh layers of an artery separate or are torn, causing blood to flow between the layers. Dissecting aneurysms usually happen in the aorta, which is the large vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A drug that lowers blood pressure by causing fluid loss; promotes urine production. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A technology that uses sound waves to assess blood flow within the heart and blood vessels and to identify leaking valves. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A speach disorder due to muscular problems caused by damage to the brain or nervous system. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A meathod of studying teh heart's structure and function by analyzing sound waves bounced off the heart and recored by an electronic sensor placed on the chest. A computer processes the information to produce a -one, -two, or -three dimensional moving picture that shows how the heart and heart valves are functioning. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the body tissues. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A measurement of blood that is pumped out of a filled ventricle. The normal rate is 50 percent or more. |
|
|
Term
| Electroencephalogram (EEG) |
|
Definition
| A test that can detect and record the brian's electrical activity. The test is done by pasting mental disks, called electrodes, to the scalp. |
|
|
Term
| Electrophysiological Study (EPS) |
|
Definition
| A test that uses cardiac catheterization to study patients who have arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). An electrical current stimulates the heart in an effort to provoke an arrhythmia, which is immediatly treated with medication. EPS is used primarily to identify the origin of arrhythmias and to test the effectiveness of drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Also called embolism; a blood clot that forms in the blood vessel in one part of the body and travels to another part. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The smooth membrane covering the inside of the heart. The innermost lining of the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The smooth inner lining of many body strucures, including the heart (endocardium) and blood vessels. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A bacterial infection of the heart's inner lining (endothelium). |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A state in which the heart is larger than normal due to heredity, long-term heavy excercise, or diseases and disorders such as obesity, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A complex chemical capable of speeding up specific biochemical processes in the body. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The thin membrane covering the outside surface of the heart muscle. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A female hormone produced by the overies that may protect premenopausal women against heart disease. Estrogen production stops after menopause. |
|
|
Term
| Estrogen (or hormone) replacement therapy (ERT or HRT) |
|
Definition
| Hormones that some women may take to offset the effects of menopause. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A common test for diagnosing coronary artery disease, especially in patients who have symptoms of heart disease. The test helps doctors assess blood flow through coronary arteries in response to exercise, usually walking, at varied speeds and for various lengths of time on a treadmill. A stress test may include use of electrocardiography, echocardiography, and injected radioactive substances. Also called exercise test, stress test, or treadmill test. |
|
|
Term
| Familial Hypercholestterolemia |
|
Definition
| A genetic predisposition to dangerously high cholesterol levels. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Substances that occur in several forms in foods; different fatty acids have different effects on lipid profiles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Rapid, uncoordinated contractions of individual heart muscle fibers. The heart chamber involved can't contract all at once and pumpsblood ineffectively, if at all. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| When an electrical impulse from the heart's upper chambers (the atria)is slowed as it movesthrough the atria and atrioventricular (AV) node. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The rapid,ineffective contractions of any heart chamber. A flutter is considered to be more coordinated than fibrillation. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A tube-shaped aneurysm that causes the artery to bulge outward. Involves the entire circumference (outside wall) of the artery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An x-ray analysis of how blood pools in the heart during rest and excercise. The test makes use of a radioactive substance injected into the blood to tag or label red cells. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Blood tests that study a person's genes to find out if he or she is at risk for certain diseases that are passed down through family members. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A small, bendable wire that is threaded through an artery; it helps doctors position a catheter so they can perform angioplasty or stent procedures. The guidewire is small enough that it can be threaded "up" the artery. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A mechanical devise that is surgically implanted to ease the workload of the heart. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Death of, or damage to, part of the heart muscle due to an insufficient blood supply. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| General term for conditions in which the electrical impulse that activates the heart muscle cells is delayed or interrupted somewhere along its path. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| An apparatus that oxygenates and pumps blood to the body during open heart surgury. |
|
|
