Term
| A-fib (Atrial Fibrillation) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| AED (Automated External Defibrillator) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| Card cath, CC (Cardiac Catheterization) |
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Definition
Definition: 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 |
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Term
| CVI (Chronic Venous Insufficiency) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| EKG, ECG (Electrocardiogram) |
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Definition
Definition: An EKG (or ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the myocardium to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm, structure, or function. |
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Term
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| MI (Myocardial Infarction) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| PVD (Peripheral Vascular Disease) |
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Definition
Definition: PVD is a circulation disorder that affects blood vessels outside the heart and brain, often causing reduced blood flow to the arms and legs, leading to pain or cramping. |
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Term
| Tpa (Tissue Plasminogen Activator) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| TST (Treadmill Stress Test) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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Term
| V-fib (Ventricular Fibrillation) |
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Definition
Definition: 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. |
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