Cardiac Glossary

Angioplasty:	A procedure used to dilate (widen) narrowed arteries. A catheter with a deflated balloon on its tip is passed into the narrowed artery segment, the balloon inflated, and the narrowed segment widened. (Also called PTCA)
Arteriosclerosis:	Commonly called hardening of the arteries, this includes a variety of conditions that cause artery walls to thicken and lose elasticity (ability to stretch).
Artery:	Any one of a series of blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the various parts of the body. Arteries have thick elastic walls that can expand as blood flows through them.
Atherosclerosis:	A form of arteriosclerosis in which the inner layers of artery walls become thick and irregular due to deposits of fat. This build up is sometimes called "plaque." As the interior walls of the arteries become lined with layers of these deposits, the arteries narrow and the flow of blood through them is reduced.
Blood Clot:	A jelly-like mass of blood formed by clotting factors in the blood. Blood clots also can form inside an artery whose walls are damaged by atherosclerotic buildup and can cause a heart attack.
Blood Pressure:	The force of pressure exerted by the heart in pumping blood; the pressure of blood in the arteries.
Cardiac Catheterization:	A procedure involving insertion of a catheter (a long narrow flexible tube) through a blood vessel in the arm or groin and guided to the heart. A type of dye is injected through the catheter causing the coronary arteries to show up on X-rays so blockages can be seen.
Cholesterol:	A fat-like substance found in animal tissue and present only in foods from animal sources such as whole milk products, meat, fish, poultry, animal fats and egg yolks.
Circulatory System:	Pertaining to the heart blood vessels and the circulation of the blood.
Collateral Circulation:	A system of smaller arteries closed under normal circumstances that may open up and start to carry blood to part of the heart when a coronary artery is blocked. They can serve as alternative routes of blood supply.
Coronary Atherectomy:	A procedure to remove the material (plaque) causing a narrowing in the coronary artery which decreases blood flow to the heart muscle.
Coronary Arteries:	Arteries arising from the aorta the that branch off and provide blood to the muscle.
Coronary Artery Disease:	Condition that causes narrowing of the coronary arteries so blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery:	Surgery performed to create a bypass that permits blood flow around a narrow coronary artery. A healthy vessel from the leg chest wall or arm is used. One or several bypasses may be needed depending on the number of narrowed coronary arteries. (Also called CABG)
Coronary Occlusion:	An obstruction of one of the coronary arteries that hinders blood flow to a part of the heart muscle.
Diabetes:	A disease in which the body doesn't produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is needed to convert sugar and starch into energy needed in daily life. The full name for this condition is mellitus.
Echocardiography:	A diagnostic test in which pulses of sound are transmitted into the body and the echos returning from the surfaces of the heart and other structures are electronically plotted and recorded to produce a "picture" of the heart's size, shape and movement.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):	A graphic record of electrical impulses produced by the heart.
High Blood Pressure:	A chronic increase in blood pressure above its normal range. (Also known as hypertension)
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL):	A carrier of cholesterol believed to transport cholesterol away from the tissues and to the liver where it can be removed from the bloodstream. This is also referred to as "good" cholesterol.
Inspirometer:	A plastic hand-held device for measuring the amount of air inhaled into the lungs. This is used for deep breathing exercises before and after surgery.
Internal Mammary Artery:	One of the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the chest wall. The artery to the right of the chest is called the right internal mammary artery (RIMA). The artery to the left of the chest is called the left internal mammary artery (LIMA).
Ischemia:	Decreased blood flow to an organ usually due to constriction or obstruction of an artery.
Ischemic Heart Disease:	Also called Coronary Artery Disease and Coronary Heart Disease, this term is applied to heart ailments caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries and therefore characterized by a decrease in the blood supply to the heart.
Lipid:	A fatty substance which does not dissolve in blood.
Low Density Liprotein (LDL):	The main carrier of "harmful" cholesterol in the blood. This is also referred to as "bad" cholesterol.
Obesity:	The condition of being significantly overweight. It's usually applied to a condition of 30% or more over ideal body weight. Obesity puts a strain on the heart and can increase the chance of developing high blood pressure and diabetes.
Plaque:	Also called atheroma, this is a deposit of fatty (and other) substances in the inner lining of the artery wall and is characteristic of atherosclerosis.
Risk Factor:	An element or condition involving a certain hazard or danger. When referring to the heart and blood vessels, a risk factor is associated with an increased chance of developing cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke.
Rotoblade:	The rotoblade is a high speed spinning device that removes the material (plaque) blocking an artery preventing it from supplying blood to the heart muscle.
Stenosis:	The narrowing or constriction of an opening such as a blood vessel or heart valve.
Stent:	A small wire mesh tube that is placed in an artery to form a rigid support and to hold the artery open after angioplasty.
Stress:	Bodily or mental tension within a person resulting from his or her response to physical, chemical or emotional factors. Stress can refer to physical exertion as well as mental anxiety.
Treadmill Test:	Also called a stress test or graded exercise test. An individual walks on a treadmill while monitored by a 12-lead EDG in order for a physician to assess the heart's response to a given level of exercise or exertion.
Triglyceride:	A fat that comes from food or is made in the body from other energy sources such as carbohydrates.
Vein:	Any one of a series of blood vessels of the vascular system that carries blood from various parts of the body back to the heart.

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