A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M  
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A [return to top]

ablation - elimination or removal.

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor - a medication that lowers blood pressure.

aneurysm - a sac-like protrusion from a blood vessel or the heart.

angina pectoris (Also called angina.) - recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood.

angiography - an x-ray that uses dye injected into arteries so that blood circulation can be studied.

angioplasty - a non-surgical procedure for treating diseased arteries.

anticoagulant - a medication that keeps blood from clotting.

antihypertensive - a medication or other therapy that lowers blood pressure.

aorta - the largest artery in the body and the primary blood vessel leading from the heart to the body.

aortic valve - the valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta.

aphasia - the inability to speak or understand due to brain injury or disease.

arrhythmia (Also called dysrhythmia.) - an abnormal heartbeat.

arterioles - small branches of arteries.

artery - a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body.

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.

atherectomy - a non-surgical procedure that involves removing plaque from the walls of arteries with a rotating blade.

atherosclerosis - a type of arteriosclerosis caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.

atrium (atria pl.) - one of two upper chambers in the heart.

atrioventricular block - an interruption of the electrical signal between the atria and the ventricles.

atrioventricular (AV) node - a cluster of cells between the atria and ventricles that regulate the electrical current.

B [return to top]

beta blocker - an antihypertensive medication that limits the activity of epinephrine (a hormone that increases blood pressure).

biopsy - the procedure of taking a small tissue sample for examination.

blood clot - a gelled mass of blood tissue.

blood pressure - the force or pressure exerted by the heart when pumping blood; also, the pressure of blood in the arteries.

blood pressure cuff - a device usually placed around the upper of the arm to measure blood pressure.

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.

C [return to top]

calcium channel blocker (or calcium 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 advanced from a vessel in the groin through the aorta into the heart in order to image the heart and blood vessels.

cardiac output - the amount of blood that goes through the circulatory system in one minute.

cardiology - the clinical study and practice of treating the heart.

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.

cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle that causes it to lose its pumping strength.

carotid artery - the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.

cerebral embolism - a blood clot from one part of the body that is carried by the bloodstream to the brain where it blocks an artery.

cerebral hemorrhage - bleeding within the brain.

cerebral thrombosis - formation of a blood clot in an artery that supplies blood to the brain.

cerebrovascular - pertaining to blood vessels in the brain.

cerebrovascular accident - apoplexy or stroke; an impeded blood supply to the brain.

cerebrovascular occlusion - an obstruction in the blood vessel in the brain.

cholesterol - a waxy substance that is produced in the human body, animal fats, and in dairy products and is transported in the blood.

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.

claudication - pain or fatigue in arms and legs due to poor supply of oxygen to the muscles.

computed tomography (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.

congenital - present at birth.

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 and fluid in the body tissues.

coronary arteries - arteries that come from the aorta to provide blood to the heart muscle.

coronary artery bypass graft (CAB or CABG) - a surgical procedure in which a healthy blood vessel is transplanted from another part of the body into the heart to replace or bypass a diseased vessel.

coronary artery spasm - a sudden closing of an artery, which cuts off blood flow to the heart and causes symptom of angina or heart attack.

coronary heart disease - a condition in which the coronary arteries narrow from an accumulation of plaque (atherosclerosis) and cause a decrease in blood flow.

coronary occlusion - an obstruction of one of the coronary arteries that decreases flow to the heart muscle.

coronary thrombosis - the formation of a clot in one of the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle.

cyanosis - insufficient oxygen in the blood.

D [return to top]

defibrillator - an electronic device used to establish normal heartbeat.

diastolic blood pressure - the lowest blood pressure measure in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.

diuretic - a medication that lowers blood pressure by causing excess fluid to be excreted.

Doppler ultrasound - A procedure that uses sound waves to evaluate heart, blood vessels, and valves.

dyspnea - shortness of breath.

dysrhythmia - an abnormal heart rhythm.

E [return to top]

echocardiography - a procedure that evaluates the structure and function of the heart by using sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor that produce a moving picture of the heart and heart valves.

edema - swelling.

ejection fraction - the measurement of the 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.

endarterectomy - the surgical removal of plaque or blood clots in an artery.

endocardium - the membrane that covers the inside surface of the heart.

endocarditis - a bacterial infections of the heart lining.

enlarged heart - a condition of the heart in which it is abnormally larger than normal.

epicardium - the membrane that covers the outside of the heart.

estrogen - a hormone produced by the ovaries.

F [return to top]

fibrillation - rapid contractions of the heart muscles.

flutter - ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.

G [return to top]

gated blood pool scan - a nuclear scan to see how the heart wall moves and how much blood is expelled with each heart beat.

H [return to top]

heart attack - also called myocardial infarction; damage to the heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply.

heart block - interrupted electrical impulse to heart muscles.

heart-lung machine - a machine that pumps blood 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 - blood pressure that is above the normal range.

high density lipoprotein (HDL) - the "good" cholesterol that promotes breakdown and removal from the body of cholesterol.

Holter monitor - An EKG recording done over a period of 24 or more hours.

hypertension - high blood pressure.

hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) - a bulge in the ventricle that causes impeded blood flow.

hypoglycemia - low levels of blood sugar.

hypoxia - abnormally low oxygen content in the organs and tissues of the body.

I [return to top]

immunosuppresive medications -  medications that suppress the body's immune system used to minimize rejection of transplanted organs.

impedance plethysmography - a test to evaluate blood flow through the leg.

inferior vena cava - the large blood vessel (vein) that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.

inotropic medications - medications that increase strength of the contractions in the heart.

intravascular echocardiography - echocardiography used in cardiac catheterization.

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.

J [return to top]

jugular veins - veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart.

K [return to top]

L [return to top]

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.

lumen - the hollow area within a tube.

M [return to top]

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.

mitral valve - the valve that controls blood flow between the left atrium and left ventricle in the heart.

mitral valve prolapse - a bulge in the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart that causes backward flow of blood into the atrium.

monounsaturated fats - dietary fats, such as olive oil or canola oil, that do not seem to have any affect on blood cholesterol.

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.

myocardium - the muscle wall of the heart.

N [return to top]

nitroglycerin - a medication used to relax or dilate arteries.

necrosis - pertaining to the death of tissue.

noninvasive procedures - a diagnostic effort or treatment that does not require entering the body or puncturing the skin.

O [return to top]

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.

P [return to top]

pacemaker - an electronic device that is surgically implanted into the patient's heart and chest to regulate heartbeat.

palpitation - irregular heartbeat that can be felt by a person.

percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) - angioplasty.

pericarditis - inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart.

pericardiocentesis - a diagnostic procedure that uses a needle to draw fluid from the pericardium.

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.

polyunsaturated fat - a type of fat found in vegetable oils and margarines that does not appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.

positron emission tomography (PET) - a nuclear scanning device that gives a three-dimensional picture of the heart to provide information about the flow of blood through the coronary arteries to the heart muscle.

pulmonary - pertains to lungs and respiratory system.

pulmonary edema - a condition in which there is a 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 newly oxygenated blood to the heart from the lungs.

pulse oximeter - a device that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Q [return to top]

R [return to top]

radioisotope - a radioactive material injected into the body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.

radionuclide ventriculography - a diagnostic procedure used to determine the shape and size of the heart's chambers.

regurgitation - backward flow of blood caused by a defective heart valve.

renal - pertains to kidneys.

rheumatic fever - a childhood disease that may damage the heart valves or the outer lining of the heart.

risk factor - a condition, element, or activity that may adversely affect the heart.

S [return to top]

saturated fat - fat that is found in foods from animal meats and skin, dairy products and some vegetables.

septal defect - a hole in the wall of the heart.

septum - the muscle wall that divides the heart chambers.

shock - impaired body function due to blood loss or a disturbance in the circulatory system.

shunt - a connector to allow blood flow between two locations.

silent ischemia - ischemia not accompanied by chest pain.

sinus node - the cells that produce the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract.

sphygmomanometer - the instrument used to measure blood pressure.

stent - a device implanted in a vessel used to help keep it open.

stenosis - the narrowing or constriction of a blood vessel or valve in the heart.

stethoscope - the instrument used to listen to the heart and other sounds in the body.

streptokinase - a clot-dissolving medication.

sternum - the breastbone.

stress - mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes.

stroke - the sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain.

subarachnoid hemorrhage - bleeding on the surface of the brain.

sudden death - death that occurs unexpectedly or immediately after onset of symptoms.

superior vena cava - the large vein that returns blood to the heart from the head and arms.

syncope - light-headedness or fainting caused by insufficient blood supply to the brain.

systolic blood pressure - the highest blood pressure measured in the arteries.

T [return to top]

tachycardia - rapid heart beat.

tachypnea - rapid breathing.

telemetry unit - a small transmitter that is used to send information about the heart via radio transmission to healthcare professionals for evaluation.

thallium stress test - a study in which a radioactive substance is carried by the blood and its progress through the circulation of a specific body area is followed by x-ray pictures.

thrombolysis - the breaking up of a blood clot. 

thrombosis - a blood clot formed in a blood vessel or in the heart.

thrombolytic therapy - the use of a medication that dissolves blood clots.

tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) - a medication used to dissolves blood clots.

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 is used to measure the sound waves that bounce off of the heart.

transient ischemic attack (TIA) - a stroke-like event that lasts for a short period of time and is caused by a blocked blood vessel.

transplantation - replacing a damaged organ with one from a donor.

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.

U [return to top]

ultrasound - a diagnostic tool used to measure high-frequency sound vibrations.

V [return to top]

valves (the heart valves are tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, and aortic) - the "doors" between the chambers of the heart.

valvuloplasty - the repair of a heart valve using a balloon catheter inside the valve.

varicose vein - an abnormally dilated vein.

vascular - pertaining to blood vessels.

vasodilator - a medication that dilates or widens the opening in a blood vessel.

vasodepressors - a medication that raises blood pressure.

vein - a blood vessel that carries blood from the body back into the heart.

ventricle - one of the two lower chambers of the heart.

ventricular fibrillation - a condition in which the ventricles contract in rapid and unsynchronized rhythms and cannot pump blood into the body.

ventricular tachycardia - a condition in which the ventricles cause a very fast heartbeat.

vertigo - dizziness.

W [return to top]

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - An extra electrical pathway that connects the atria and ventricles and causes rapid heartbeat.

X [return to top]

x-ray - a machine that uses radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

Y [return to top]

Z [return to top]