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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 part of the heart does not receive enough blood.
angiography - an x-ray study using dye injected into the coronary arteries to determine the blood circulation in the heart.
angioplasty - a process in which a small balloon on a catheter is inflated to open up clogged heart vessels.
anticoagulant - a medication that keeps blood from clotting.
antihypertensive - a medication 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.
arrhythmia (or dysrhythmia) - an abnormal heartbeat.
artery - a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood to the body.
atherectomy - a non-surgical procedure that involves removing plaque from the walls of arteries by a catheter with a rotating blade.
atherosclerosis - commonly called "hardening of the arteries", a process that results in the build-up of cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels, causing blockages.
atrium (atria pl.) - the two smaller, upper chambers in the heart.
atrioventricular block - an interruption of the electrical signal between the atria and the ventricles in the heart
atrioventricular (AV) node - a cluster of cells that regulate the electrical current between the atria and ventricles to control the beating pattern in the heart.
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beta blocker - a medication controls blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.
biopsy - the procedure of taking a small tissue sample for examination.
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.
bradycardia - abnormally slow heartbeat.
bundle-branch block - a condition in which the heart's electrical system is unable to normally conduct the electrical signal.
bypass surgery - (see coronary artery bypass surgery)
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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 used to image the heart and blood vessels.
cardiac output - the amount of blood that passes through the body in one minute.
cardiology - the clinical study of 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.
catheter - A tiny, hollow tube inserted into an artery.
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, causing a stroke.
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, causing injury or death to brain cells.
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 the legs due to poor supply of oxygen to the muscles.
computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) - a special type of x-ray that takes cross-sectional images of the body to detect any abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.
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 - two arteries that come from the aorta to provide blood to the heart muscle.
coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) - an operation that uses arteries and veins in the body to re-route blood around blockages in the heart vessels to improve blood supply to areas of the heart.
coronary artery spasm - a sudden closing of an artery, which cuts off blood flow to the heart and causes symptom of angina or a heart attack.
coronary heart disease - a condition in which the heart 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 - a bluish hue to the skin caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood.
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defibrillator - an electronic device used to establish normal heartbeat by delivering an electric shock.
diastolic blood pressure - the lowest blood pressure measure in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.
diuretic - a medication that lowers blood pressure by increasing the amount of urine 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.
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echocardiography - an ultrasonic study that evaluates the heart's function by using soundwaves to produce a moving picture of the heart and its valves.
edema - swelling, usually of the ankles.
ejection fraction - the measurement of the blood pumped out of the heart.
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 test designed to study electrical currents in the heart 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 infection of the heart.
epicardium - the membrane that covers the outside of the heart.
estrogen - a female hormone produced by the ovaries.
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fibrillation - rapid quivering contractions of the heart muscles.
flutter - a type of heart rhythm where there are ineffective contractions of the heart muscles.
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gated blood pool scan - a nuclear scan to see how the heart wall moves and how much blood is expelled with each heartbeat.
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heart attack - also called myocardial infarction; death of part of the heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply.
heart block - interrupted electrical impulse to the heart, which prevents coordinated beating of the chambers.
heart-lung machine - a machine that pumps blood through the body during open heart surgery and allows surgeons to stop the heart in order to do the operation.
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 - A portable ECG machine worn by the patient at home to monitor the heart rhythm.
hypertension - high blood pressure.
hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) - an abnormal thickening of the heart that causes impeded blood flow.
hypoxia - low oxygen content in the organs and tissues of the body.
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impedance plethysmography - a test to evaluate blood flow through the leg veins to check for clots.
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 - a study in which an echocardiography probe is passed into the heart vessels.
ischemia - decreased flow of oxygenated blood to an organ due to obstruction in an artery.
ischemic heart disease - coronary artery disease caused by narrowing of the vessels and decreased blood flow to the heart.
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jugular veins - veins that carry blood from the head back to the heart.
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lipid - a fatty substance in the blood.
lipoproteins - transporters of fatty substances in the blood.
low density lipoprotein (LDL) - the primary cholesterol carrying protein in the blood stream.
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magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces views of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and spinal cord.
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.
murmur - a blowing or rasping sound made by abnormal blood flow through the heart and heard with a stethoscope.
myocardial infarction (heart attack) - death of part of the heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply.
myocardial ischemia - insufficient blood flow to part of the heart.
myocardium - the muscle wall of the heart.
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nitroglycerin - a medication used to relax or dilate the arteries of the heart.
necrosis - death of tissue.
noninvasive procedures - a diagnostic effort or treatment that does not require entering the body or puncturing the skin.
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obesity - overweight by 20 percent of the ideal body weight.
occluded artery - an artery that is narrowed by plaque that impedes blood flow.
off-pump heart surgery - open heart surgery performed without the use of the heart-lung machine.
open heart surgery - surgery that involves opening the chest and operating on the heart.
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pacemaker - an electronic device that is surgically implanted into the patient's heart and chest to regulate the heartbeat.
palpitation - the sensation of an irregular heartbeat.
percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) - a procedure in which a catheter is passed into the heart vessels in order to open up a blockage by inflating a small balloon.
pericarditis - inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart.
pericardiocentesis - a diagnostic procedure that uses a needle to draw fluid from the space around the heart, the pericardium.
pericardium - the membrane that surrounds the heart.
plaque - deposits of fat or other substances attached to the artery wall which block the vessel.
platelets - cells found in the bloodstream that helps the blood to clot.
positron emission tomography (PET) - a nuclear scanning test that gives a three-dimensional picture of the heart to provide information about the flow of blood through the vessels.
pulmonary - pertains to lungs and respiratory system
pulmonary edema - a condition in which there is a fluid accumulation in the lungs caused most often by a weak heart or a malfunctioning heart valve.
pulmonary valve - the heart valve located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery.
pulmonary vein - the vessel that carries newly oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
pulse oximeter - a device placed on the finger that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.
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radioisotope - a radioactive material injected into the body so that a nuclear scanner can make pictures.
radionuclide ventriculography - a diagnostic procedure which uses radioactive material to determine the shape and size of the heart's chambers.
regurgitation - backward flow of blood caused by a defective heart valve.
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.
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septal defect - a hole in the wall of the heart.
septum - the muscle wall that divides the heart chambers.
shock - inadequate delivery of blood to the body's organs.
shunt - a small device that is placed into a blood vessel to channel blood flow around an area.
silent ischemia - a condition in which lack of blood flow to the heart does not cause the typical chest pain that most people get.
sinus node - a group of cells in the heart that produce the electrical impulses that cause the heart to contact.
sphygmomanometer - the instrument used to measure blood pressure.
stent - a device implanted in a vessel used to help keep it open. Drug eluting stents are stents impregnated with drugs that tend to inhibit the regrowth of tissue within the stented area.
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.
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tachycardia - rapid heart beat.
tachypnea - rapid breathing.
telemetry unit - a small transmitter with wires and EKG patches on the chest that is used to send information about the heart's rate and rhythm to a screen for doctors and nurses to read.
thallium stress test - a study in which radioactive material is injected into the patient, followed by exercise, in order to determine if the heart is getting enough blood.
thrombolysis - dissolving a blood clot.
thrombosis - a blood clot formed in a blood vessel or in the heart.
thrombolytic therapy - a medication that dissolves blood clots.
tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) - a medication used to dissolve blood clots.
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) - an echocardiogram that is done by putting a probe down the throat of a patient.
transient ischemic attack (TIA) - a mini-stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel that lasts for a short period of time.
transplantation - replacing a damaged organ with one from a donor.
tricuspid valve - the heart valve between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
triglyceride - a type of fat found in the blood stream.
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ultrasound - a diagnostic study that uses sound waves to look at internal structures in the body.
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valves - specialized tissues in the heart between the chambers that open and close while the heart beats, and help to move blood in one direction through the heart and body.
valvuloplasty - repairing a heart valve.
varicose vein - an abnormally dilated vein in the legs.
vascular - pertaining to the blood vessels.
vasodilator - a medication that opens blood vessels.
vasopressors - a medication that raises blood pressure.
vein - a blood vessel that carries blood from the body back into the heart.
ventricles - the two lower chambers of the heart that are responsible for pumping blood to the lungs and to the body.
ventricular fibrillation - a condition in which the heart does not contract and blood is not pumped to the body.
ventricular tachycardia - a condition in which the ventricles beat very fast.
vertigo - dizziness.
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Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome - An abnormal extra electrical pathway that connects the atria and ventricles in the heart and causes rapid heartbeat.
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x-ray - a machine that uses radiation to produce pictures of the structures inside of the body.
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