Glossary of Terms Related to Cardiovascular Disease
Aneurysm: A thin or weak spot in an artery that balloons out and can burst.
Angina: A recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis.
Angioplasty: A medical procedure in which a balloon is used to open a blockage in a coronary artery narrowed by atherosclerosis. This procedure improves blood flow to the heart.
Aorta: The major artery coming out of the heart that supplies blood to the body.
Arrhythmia: A problem with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.
Definitions in this chapter were compiled from documents published by several public domain sources. Terms marked 1 are from publications by the Office on Women’s Health (www.womenshealth.gov); terms marked 2 are from publications by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI, www.nhlbi.nih.gov); and terms marked 3 are from publications by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS, www.ninds.nih.gov).
Cardiovascular Disorders Sourcebook, Fourth Edition
Arteries: Blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
Atherosclerosis: A disease in which fatty material is deposited on the wall of the arteries. This fatty material causes the arteries to be-come narrow and eventually restricts blood flow.
Atria: The two upper chambers of the heart. The atria receive and collect blood.
Atrial fibrillation: When rapid, disorganized electrical signals cause the atria to fibrillate, or contract very fast and irregularly.
Automated external defibrillators (AEDs): Special defibrillators that untrained bystanders can use to restore a person’s heart rhythm in an emergency. AEDs are programmed to give an electric shock if they detect a dangerous arrhythmia.
Blood pressure: The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps out blood.
Body Mass Index: measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight.
Bradycardia: A heartbeat that is too slow.
Cardiac Rehabilitation: A medically supervised program that helps improve the health and well-being of people who have heart problems. Rehab programs include exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress and help a person return to an active life.
Cardiogenic Shock: A state in which a weakened heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. It is a medical emergency and is fatal if not treated right away. The most common cause of cardiogenic shock is damage to the heart muscle from a severe heart attack.
Cardiomyopathy: Diseases of the heart muscle that cause it to be- come enlarged, thick, or rigid. In rare cases, the muscle tissue in the heart is replaced with scar tissue. As cardiomyopathy worsens, the heart becomes weaker.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Emergency procedure performed when a person’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
cardiovascular diseases: Disease of the heart and blood vessels.
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