Cardiomyopathy
general diagnostic term that designates primary disease of the heart muscle itself
myocarditis
inflammation of the heart muscle
Endocarditis
infective microorganisms that invade the endocardium, and the heart valves are frequently affected
pericarditis
Inflammation of the pericardium
electrocardiogram
measurements taken during stress tests
electrocardiograph
instrument used for recording an electrocardiography
Echocardiography
the use of ultrasonography in diagnosing heart disease.
echocardiogram
record of the heart obtained by directing ultrasonic waves through the chest wall
Cardiac catheterization
passage of a long, flexible tube into the heart chambers through a vein in an arm or leg or the neck.
PET scans are especially helpful in:
examining blood flow in the heart and blood vessels.
angina pectoris
Severe chest pain and constriction about the heart caused by an insufficient supply of blood to the heart itself.
arrhythmia
Irregularity or loss of rhythm of the heartbeat. (dysrhythmia)
asystole
the absence of a heartbeat
cardiomegaly
enlargement of the heart
congenital heart defects
abnormalities present in the heart at birth
congestive heart failure (CHF)
Condition characterized by weakness, breathlessness, and edema in lower portions of the body; the work demanded of the heart is greater than its ability to perform.
coronary artery disease (CAD)
Abnormal condition that affects the heart’s arteries and produces various pathologic effects, especially the reduced flow of blood to the myocardium.
coronary heart disease (CHD)
Heart damage resulting from insufficient oxygen caused by pathologic changes in the coronary arteries.
fibrillation
Severe cardiac arrhythmia in which contractions are too rapid and uncoordinated for effective blood circulation. Reversed by defibrillator.
heart murmur
Soft blowing or rasping sound that may be heard when listening to the heart with a stethoscope
hyperlipidemia
Excessive lipids (fats) in the blood.
hypertension
Elevated blood pressure above the normal values
hypotension
low blood pressure
infarction
Necrosis of a localized area of tissue caused by lack of blood supply to that area.
occlusion stenosis
narrowing or obstruction on an artery that supplies blood to tissue
myocardial infarction (MI)
death of an area of the heart muscle that occurs as a result of oxygen deprivation.
myocardial ischemia
Deficiency of blood supply to the myocardium.
septal defect
Defect in the wall separating the left and right sides of the heart.
shock
Serious condition in which blood flow to the heart is reduced to such an extent that body tissues do not receive enough blood.